Nguyen Van Sinh, director of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, said on May 14 that researchers had recently captured images of the rare dhole species (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, through a network of camera traps installed in the reserve’s natural forest.
The discovery marks the first confirmed photographic evidence of the species in the wild at Pu Hoat Nature Reserve.
A rare dhole recorded for the first time at Pu Hoat Nature Reserve (Photo: Pu Hoat Nature Reserve).
According to Sinh, the findings resulted from a joint research programme between the reserve’s management board and domestic and international scientific organisations aimed at assessing biodiversity and monitoring wildlife using modern technology.
The recorded images were verified by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, also known as IZW. The research results were later published in a scientific journal of University of Cambridge on February 26.
Under Vietnam’s Red Book classification, the dhole is listed in the CR category, meaning critically endangered and facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Scientists said the species typically inhabits old-growth forests with limited human disturbance, but its range has continued shrinking due to habitat loss, declining prey populations and prolonged hunting pressure.
For many years, dholes had been almost absent from field studies in Vietnam.
Earlier records only suggested possible distribution in areas including Muong Nhe, Pu Luong, Xuan Lien, Ben En, Pu Hu, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Bac Huong Hoa.
In Nghe An Province, previous documents had mentioned the possible presence of dholes in Pu Hoat, but this was the first time scientists had obtained actual images of the species in its natural habitat.
The discovery of the dhole at Pu Hoat is seen as particularly significant for wildlife conservation in Vietnam (Photo: Pu Hoat Nature Reserve).
Dholes resemble domestic dogs in appearance, typically weighing between 8kg and 20kg, with reddish-brown fur, long strong legs and pack-living behaviour.
Studies indicate that wild dhole populations have declined by more than 80 per cent over the past three decades, placing the species at severe risk of extinction.
Managers at Pu Hoat Nature Reserve described the discovery as an encouraging sign for wildlife conservation efforts and further evidence of the exceptional biodiversity value of western Nghe An’s primary forests.
The reserve has previously recorded several other rare species through camera traps, including clouded leopards, marbled cats and jungle cats.