Critically endangered golden tortoise among species found at Chu Mom Ray

Chu Mom Ray National Park has announced the addition of five newly recorded animal and plant species to its biodiversity list, including a critically endangered species of tortoise.

On October 7, Dao Xuan Thuy, director of the management board of Chu Mom Ray National Park in Sa Thay Commune, Quang Ngai Province, said the park had issued a decision recognising five animal and plant species newly recorded within the park's forest area.

According to Thuy, the species were identified through camera traps and patrol activities. They include the golden tortoise, Southeast Asian leaf turtle, Chinese softshell turtle, Kon Tum flying crab and Appleton's Paphiopedilum. All five are classified as endangered, rare or priority species for conservation.

The golden tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) is a reptile listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book. It is classified as critically endangered and is subject to strict protection.

The terrestrial species is commonly found in dry dipterocarp forests and bamboo forests and is mainly active during the day.

In Vietnam, the golden tortoise has been recorded in several localities, including Quang Ngai, Daklak, Lam Dong and Dong Nai.

The Southeast Asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys oldhamii) is also a reptile listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book. It is classified as endangered and given priority protection.

The species typically inhabits humid tropical forests near rivers, streams, water channels or swamps with muddy ground and abundant leaf litter. It is mainly active during the day and can partially withdraw its body into its shell when threatened.

The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a reptile classified as vulnerable. It inhabits rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps and slow-moving canals.

The species is mainly nocturnal. During the day, it often buries itself in mud or sand. It has been recorded in many provinces and cities across Vietnam.

The Kon Tum flying crab (Cheirotonus gestroi) is an insect listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and is considered valuable for biodiversity research and conservation.

It typically inhabits humid tropical forests at elevations of 1,000 to 1,700 metres. In Vietnam, it has been recorded in Quang Tri, Danang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong.

The newly recorded plant species is Appleton's Paphiopedilum (Paphiopedilum appletonianum), an orchid in the order Asparagales. The species is listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and given priority protection.

It typically grows in tropical evergreen forests with humus-rich soil and high humidity, on slopes or rocky cliffs beneath natural forest canopies. The species occurs at elevations of 900 to 1,900 metres.

Thuy said the recording and official recognition of the five rare animal and plant species would help update the biodiversity inventory of Chu Mom Ray National Park.

The findings will provide a basis for strengthening the management and protection of endangered and rare species and their natural habitats. The park will continue surveying and updating its list of species to support research and conservation efforts.