SURVEY & UPDATED CHECKLIST OF AMPHIBIANS (AMPHIBIA) IN CÁT TIÊN NATIONAL PARK

Cát Tiên National Park (Đồng Nai Province) is one of the most biologically valuable areas in Southeastern Vietnam. Cát Tiên harbors many amphibian species—a group highly sensitive to environmental change and a strong ecological indicator of ecosystem health.

In 2024, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), together with partners from Cát Tiên National Park, Vietnam National University of Forestry, and Center for Amphibian and Reptile Research and Conservation in Vietnam, conducted field surveys along 35 transects in Cát Tiên and synthesized previous literature. The team recorded 50 amphibian species in 2 orders, 7 families, and 23 genera, accounting for approximately 15.2% of Vietnam’s amphibian fauna. Among these, three species were recorded for the first time in Cát Tiên: the Langbiang treefrog (Kurixalus gryllus), Helen’s treefrog (Rhacophorus helenae), and Robert Inger’s treefrog (Rhacophorus robertingeri).

The findings also indicate range expansions for several species previously thought to occur only in Central Vietnamese montane regions. This provides a foundation for inter-regional survey programs and connectivity-focused conservation of ecological corridors.

In addition, the team recommends environmental education and mainstreaming amphibian conservation into buffer-zone planning and local livelihoods to ensure sustainable protection of threatened amphibian species.

Detailed results of the survey have been published in the latest issue of the Journal of Forestry Science. You can see the full version of the article right here.