August 22nd, 1997
( En Español )
GLAND, Switzerland -- Three years after finding the largest muntjac species (the giant muntjac) in the forests of Vietnam, possibly the smallest of
the
species has now been discovered. Weighing about 15kg, and half the size of the common muntjac which also inhabits the area, the recent discovery greatly
adds to knowledge of muntjacs and the species' evolution. The scientists are calling the new species the Truong Son muntjac, after the area where it was
found.
The Truong Son muntjac was first discovered in April by scientists from WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, and Danang University. But only last month genetic analysis of tissue samples done by the Institute of Zoology, University of Copenhagen,
confirmed it as a new species of muntjac.
This is the third new large mammal species scientists have discovered in Vietnam in recent years. In 1992 and 1994 WWF-sponsored surveys found the saola
and the giant muntjac respectively in the Vu Quang Nature Reserve, which is also in Truong Son. This century less than ten new large mammal species have
been found worldwide.
Unfortunately, the scientists were unable to observe a live specimen of the Truong Son muntjac. But they found 18 skulls of the animal - 8 adult males, 8
adult females and 2 juveniles - from hunters who prize the animal for its meat. Locally it is called sam soi cacoong, meaning "the deer that lives in the
deep, thick forest".
Unlike the common muntjac, the black Truong Son muntjac's antlers are extremely short (about a thumbnail's length), and it lacks the second spike or 'brow
tine'. Its pedicles are also short. Both males and females have similar sized long canine teeth. In other muntjacs, females have much smaller canines than
males. The new muntjac lives at altitudes ranging from 400-1000 metres, in forests with a dense undergrowth. Its small size allows it to move freely
through dense vegetation.
In addition, the scientists also found several new plant species during the two-month survey to assess biodiversity value and conservation potential in
western Vietnam's Truong Son Range. The survey was conducted under the Indochina Subregional Biodiversity Conservation Project, funded by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by WWF.
"It is particularly interesting that the new muntjac is found in such close proximity to four new plant species," said Dr Vu Van Dung, chief botanist at
Vietnam's Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, who co-led the survey team. "It just goes to show that this transitional zone between the forests of
the northern and southern regions of Vietnam is truly a biodiversity hotspot."
The rugged Truong Son Range, which separates Vietnam and Laos, is near the former demilitarized zone that demarcated north and south Vietnam. Although the
area was affected by the war - the Ho Chi Minh Trail ran through it - Truong Son still contains some of Indochina's most natural and diverse habitats. In
addition to lush tropical forests, the range also has Indochina's largest intact limestone forests. These forests are also important watersheds.
WWF is working with both the governments of Vietnam and Laos to conserve the Truong Son area. Scientists from both countries strongly recommended that
biodiversity activities in the area be conducted in close collaboration with development activities to eradicate poverty.
- Ends -
For more information contact David Hulse or Hoang Van Thang in Hanoi, Vietnam at tel: +84-4 822 0640 or Chng Soh Koon in Gland, Switzerland at tel:
+41-22 364 9326.