Conservation of the Endangered Rosewoods Dalbergia cochinchinensis and D. cochinchinensis in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

20 Apr 2020 Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam, Asia

Van Dinh

Rosewoods (Dalbergia) is among the most threatened plants in Vietnam due to high demand from illegal trade and logging. All of rosewood that naturally distribute in Vietnam are listed protected species by Government of Vietnam. Globally, the rosewoods are as vulnerable or endangered by IUCN. However, in the Indochina region this group of plants are neglected from conservation efforts hence, they species are considered as locally extinct in most of it know ranges. The reason for the plant becomes so demanding is that Rosewood timber is well-known for being a long-lasting that has been used in construction and furniture for centuries in China. And the demand seems growing in last 3 decades as the flourishing of China economy as the result, protecting rosewood from overexploitation become real challenges for countries that have the rosewood.

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Rosewoods (Dalbergia) is among the most threatened plants in Vietnam due to high demand from illegal trade and logging. All of rosewood that naturally distribute in Vietnam are listed protected species by Government of Vietnam. Globally, the rosewoods are as vulnerable or endangered by IUCN. However, in the Indochina region this group of plants are neglected from conservation efforts hence, they species are considered as locally extinct in most of it know ranges. The reason for the plant becomes so demanding is that Rosewood timber is well-known for being a long-lasting that has been used in construction and furniture for centuries in China. And the demand seems growing in last 3 decades as the flourishing of China economy as the result, protecting rosewood from overexploitation become real challenges for countries that have the rosewood.

There are at least four species of rosewood that naturally grow in Vietnam, namely, Dalbergia annamensis, D. cochinchinensis, Dalbergia. oliveri and D. tonkinensis. Among the four species, Siamese rosewood (D. cochinchinensis) and Vietnamese rosewood (D. oliveri) are the most frequently logged rosewood because of their high price in trade. High value in trade is the key driver for the continue rosewood’s illegal logging and trading and their extirpation.

Despite the fact that rosewood is heavily harvested and traded, this group of plants is considered as one of the most unknow plant. There are very few research efforts have been made for this species and the is no conservation plan yet made for this group of plant. Therefore, providing an information on their surviving population and identify conservation issues should be prioritized. Our project therefore implements a study in Cat Tien National Park where is believed to be the most important conservation are for the plant in Vietnam. our project’s findings will provide a clear picture of their population and help to prepare a scientific sound conservation plan thus ensuring the plant survival and recovery in a long-term.

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