Research Abstract

The Annamite rainforests stretch across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, spanning 18,000 square miles with annual rainfall varying between 1,500 to 3,850 mm. This region lies within Northern Indochina, holding what is considered to be some of the only remaining relatively intact moist forests in that area. Five of the prominent endemic tree species found in this ecoregion include Alphonsea gaudichaudiana, Canarium tonkinensis, Millettia boniana, Ormosia laosensis, and Sindora laotica. This biodiversity hotspot also contains six tree species classified as endangered, and one tree species classified as critically endangered. The Annamite rainforests hold an incredible amount of fauna biodiversity as well, including mammals such as Asian elephants, tigers, muntjak, gibbons, a variety of bird species, and endangered species such as Douc langur. These diverse communities are threatened by logging, illegal hunting, and increasing human presence resulting in negative anthropogenic consequences. Currently, 46 nature reserves exist within the Annamite Range, with many protected areas found throughout Vietnam. However, many of these are just “paper parks”, which are areas classified as reserves on paper without any enforcement of such policy. With increased anthropogenic effects and poor implementation of reserve policies, the communities of this highly diverse ecoregion may be left vulnerable and at risk to loss of natural, intact habitat. Overall, further research of this hotspot must be conducted in order to incorporate effective conservation efforts. In addition, it is critical to increase government involvement and implementation of conservation and reserve policies to prevent further negative anthropogenic effects from disrupting the natural ecosystems within the Annamite rainforests.