Xanthocyparis vietnamensis was discovered in northern Vietnam by Hiep and Averyanov in 1999 on rocky limestone of Bat Dai Son Mountains. It was recognized as alone species of new relictual monotype conifer genus with closest relative – genus Callitropsis spreading in northern America. Vietnamese plant was one of the most remarkable discoveries in plant taxonomy of last years. Meanwhile, alone population found at that time in northern part of Ha Giang province (three subpopulations in Bat Dai Son mt, Sinh Lung and Ho Quang Phin communes) was endangered and highly depleted, why species status was reasonably estimated as globally critically endangered. Few year later miserable populations consisting of few depressed mature trees were additionally found in Bac Me (Ha Giang) and in Bao Lam and Thach An districts (Cao Bang). Fourth, largest recently discovered population in Na Hang district of Tuyen Quang province remains regrettably unstudied up to know.

Detailed field assessment for investigation of distribution, habitat and natural conditions are proposed for elaboration strategy of effective species protection. In conditions of very small global population each tree is very important to conserve genetic diversity for further successful propagation of this ornamental tree producing extremely valuable timber.

Project expects first investigation of primary vegetation, habitat and natural conditions of intact plant community with X. vietnamensis. These descriptions will present objective picture of native conditions and character of primary environment. This will give new understanding of appropriate many-aspect ecology for reforestation and recovery of primary habitats and aboriginal plant communities in future. Investigation and description of population square, population structure and population numerical strength will provide primary data for identification of present local species status and trace further population dynamics.

Obtained information will form scientific-based basis for elaboration of species conservation including seed and cutting propagation. Population proposed for investigation and protection represents considerable portion of global species population and forms essential pool of its genetic diversity. In future protected population may be used for any fundamental studies as typical model of globally most endangered primary coniferous endemic forest of karstic rocky limestone of northern Vietnam with their outstandingly rich species composition. Such information will be also important for education of local human society and for further sustainable development of the region. New data from this project will contribute to Conservation Status Assessment and Conservation Action Plan IUCN of Xanthocyparis vietnamemnsis in all area of its distribution.