Assessing Home Range, Microhabitat Selection, and Raising Community Awareness for Conservation of the Threatened Guangxi Warty Newt in Northern Vietnam

25 Sep 2024 Phia Oac – Phia Den NP, Vietnam, Asia Amphibians

Trần Văn Dũng


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Population Size, Fine-Scale Habitat Suitability Map and Conservation on the Endangered Guangxi Warty Newt (Paramesotriton guangxiensis) in Northern Vietnam

The Guangxi Warty Newt (GWN; Paramesotriton guangxiensis) was originally described in 1983 in Guangxi Province, China (Huang et al., 1983). In Vietnam, GWN is currently known to be exclusively found in Phia Oac - Phia Den NP (Cao Bang province), and Dong Son – Ky Thuong NR (Tran et al., 2023). This species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (2023) due to its limited distribution, ongoing population decline, and habitat deterioration. Recent surveys, Tran (2023) estimated the newt population in Phia Oac – Phia Den NP at around 1,700 individuals, with suitable habitat spanning approximately 2,055 km2 and only 10% of this suitable habitat within protected areas. Furthermore, understanding of the newt's home range, movements, and microhabitat preferences remains limited, posing challenges for effective conservation planning.

Notably, habitat loss and degradation resulting from the rapid expansion of agricultural lands are the primary threats to the GWN in Phia Oac – Phia Den NP (Tran, 2023). Understanding the microhabitat selection of the species is also crucial for safeguarding its habitat. In 2022, awareness-raising activities were initiated in three villages within Phia Oac – Phia Den NP (Tran, 2023). However, there are still more than 10 villages that have not enhanced awareness for newt conservation. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive study on the newt's home range and microhabitat selection, as well as the implementation of a conservation program to enhance awareness among local communities in Phia Oac – Phia Den NP.

Paramesotriton guangxiensis. ©Trần Văn Dũng.

Paramesotriton guangxiensis. ©Trần Văn Dũng.

The project's primary goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecological characteristics of the GWN in Phia Oac - Phia Den NP. Specifically, our research will focus on investigating the species' home range and evaluating its microhabitat preferences. We will design and implement conservation initiatives aimed at raising local awareness about newt conservation, an aspect that has been largely overlooked in this region of northern Vietnam. The outcomes of this project will provide valuable insights for park managers, policymakers, and conservationists. These insights will facilitate the development of long-term conservation plans and strategies for the warty newt species in Phia Oac - Phia Den NP.

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