Pham Van Phu
Tam Dao National Park is situated in northern Vietnam in an isolated massif that rises over 1500 m above sea level. The park is one of the best areas for biodiversity and ecology studies among tropical forests in Vietnam and is home to numerous endemic and/or endangered species. Unfortunately, in recent years, tourism growth and human disturbance have altered or degraded a large portion of the natural habitats in the park and, consequently, have caused a rapid decline in its biodiversity. In this context, the biodiversity assessment of organisms is foremost for long-term sustainable development and bio-conservation actions. Various organisms, including scarab beetles, can be used as potential bio-indicators reflecting the influences of environmental changes to inform policymakers to make timely interventions before it’s too late.
Malaise trap. ©Pham Van Phu.
Scarabaeidae comprises over 27,000 species, accounting for 7% of beetles worldwide. They can be found in most terrestrial habitats and are most diverse in tropical forests. The family occurs in high abundance in northern Vietnam and is sensitive to landscape and habitat changes. Because most species are polyphagous herbivores as adults, they have also been proven as powerful indicators of landscape genetics and forest connectivity. These features make them highly appropriate for ecological studies but have been widely neglected so far, although many species are serious crop and forest pests. The knowledge of species-specific data on environmental factors such as altitudes, soils, and tree litter is vital to explore their diversity causalities and ensure appropriate species and habitat management. Our research, therefore, will explore the biodiversity of scarabs in Tam Dao National Park and investigate how changes along altitudinal gradients and habitats affect their community structure. They will serve as a status quo of the current status of scarabs’ diversity and natural habitats for further actions on the park’s biodiversity protection and northeastern Vietnam as well. We will:
1. Study the taxonomy of selected groups by integrating morphological and molecular data analysis;
2. Investigate species diversity and turnover patterns of scarab assemblages at different altitudes and habitats;
3. Build a scarab collection for scientific research and education;
4. Raise the awareness of people on natural diversity and conservation;
5. Recommend priority habitats for bio-conservation.
Header image: UV light trap. ©Pham Van Phu.