Bui Van Bac
Our project investigates the associations between dung beetles and globally threatened mammals in the tropical karst forests of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark (GGp) in Northeast Vietnam. This geopark, encompassing the Phia Oac–Phia Den National Park and the Trung Khanh Cao Vit Gibbon Species and Habitat Conservation Area, supports unique karst ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered mammals. These include the Cao Vit Gibbon (Nomascus nasutus, Critically Endangered), an endemic primate, as well as iconic ruminants like the Mainland Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis, Vulnerable) and the Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii, Endangered). These mammals play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health, including providing dung that sustains diverse dung beetle communities. However, the environmental factors and mammal hosts influencing the occurrence of rare, large-bodied dung beetles in these ecosystems remain poorly understood.
Dung pats of the Mainland Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) recorded from tropical karst ecosystems of northern Vietnam. © Bui Van Bac.
Monitoring mammals in karst forests is challenging due to the inaccessible terrain, which limits the effectiveness of traditional methods such as direct observation and camera trapping. These approaches are often time-consuming, costly, and logistically demanding. Our project addresses these limitations by employing dung beetles as ecological indicators for mammal populations. This innovative approach is significantly more cost-effective and resource-efficient, offering a practical solution for assessing mammal presence in rugged environments. By analysing dung beetle-mammal associations, we aim to provide indirect but reliable data to inform mammal conservation strategies.
The project has five main objectives:
(1) Assess the distribution and population status of globally threatened mammals.
(2) Evaluate dung beetle attraction to dung from different mammal species.
(3) Identify dung beetle species that specialise on specific mammals.
(4) Develop a cost-effective and sustainable monitoring framework using dung beetles as indicators.
(5) Strengthen local capacity and raise awareness about karst mammal and dung beetle conservation through community engagement.
Community involvement is central to this project. Ethnic minority groups, including the Tày, Nùng, Dao, and H’mông, will actively participate by sharing traditional knowledge, assisting in identifying mammal dung, and attending training courses. These activities will enhance local conservation skills and foster a deeper commitment to preserving their natural heritage.
Building on prior research that highlights the ecological importance of dung beetles and identifies gaps in mammal conservation strategies, this project combines scientific innovation with community-based conservation. By translating research into actionable tools, we aim to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and ensure the sustainability of its tropical karst ecosystems.