International experts warn of the risk to the species of Hon Chong limestone mountain

Two of the endemic species are ghost snail and begonia, which are studied in Hon Chong limestone mountains, Kien Giang province, are at risk due to limestone mining.

The IUCN SSC's Expert Committee for the Survival of Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN SSC) in collaboration with the International Animal and Plant Organization (FFI) has studied and evaluated the real dynamics Wild animals in limestone mountains in southern Vietnam.

They focus on the Hon Chong area - home to at least 36 endemic endemic species of flora and fauna, including 6 "extremely endangered" species listed in the IUCN Red List, according to the 15th notice. / 7 on FFI website.

Part of Hon Chong limestone hill is exploited.(Photo: L Deharveng / FFI).

Scientists assess that the ecosystem in Hon Chong limestone has a spectacular karst landscape system combined with a strange cave environment is a convergence condition that creates biodiversity and weathering. Endowed with endemic species, not found anywhere else in the world.

Among the most studied species, there are species of Macrochlamy snail that have not been described by the scientific community, only appearing in two caves at Hon Chong. This species is in danger of extinction due to the narrow living environment. In addition, a plant species of interest is Begonia bataiensis, also known as "vulnerable" by IUCN .

According to IUCN experts, the habitat of these endemic species is threatened by limestone mining activities in this area.

Beginning in 2007, Holcim Vietnam Cement Plant has cooperated with IUCN, becoming one of the global partners for biodiversity management at the quarries of this company.

Species of endemic snail snails at Hon Chong.(Photo: Jaap Vermeulen / FFI).

In 2012, with the support of IUCN, Holcim Vietnam completed the action plan to avoid or minimize the natural impact from limestone mining activities of the company. Accordingly, a number of programs in the plan have been implemented such as a survey to map the distribution of threatened wildlife, creating an environment for rare red-crowned cranes and proposing establishment of a protected area. species survival, with the ultimate goal is to act together to reduce the risk of species extinction.

"The research data is surprising. We believe that there is no distribution of threatened species at high density, such as in Hon Chong. The risk is great if As limestone mining activities of cement companies continue to take place without being strictly controlled, " said Dr. Tony Whitten, FFI director in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our mission now is to spread these real-world consequences to stakeholders, urging them to act, ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity in this region," Whitten said.

"Local authorities are considering building a protected area in nine of the 34 limestone mountains, although only a quarter of the endemic species in Hon Chong are protected."

Begonia flower at Hon Chong.(Photo: Jaap Vermeulen / FFI).

34 limestone mountains in this area have an area of ​​about 258 ha, of which the exploited area accounts for 42%. Mr. Whitten called on other regional cement companies along with Holcim to protect biodiversity, avoid extinction of endemic species and mitigate the damage caused by mining.