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One cohort that has not been given extended attention in the period during which transition takes place is academically high-performing students. This research study uniquely synthesises some of these key factors by investigating how students in mixed-ability, seventh-grade classrooms across Australia, Peru, Scotland, South Korea, Spain and Vietnam regard a hypothetical, academically able peer. The fictitious student's intellectual ability, positive social traits and popularity varied across the six countries involved in this study, and were observed according to the gender of the perceiver. More specifically, the perceived popularity of a high-performing boy or girl was reported differently among the country groups. In Scotland, for example, the authors uncovered a potential risk to female social status arising from peer reactions to her academic achievement. Yet in Vietnam, female study participants maintained a positive perception of both hypothetical students, regardless of gender. The results of this study are discussed herein.

This cross-national scenario based study examined fourth-grade students' perceptions of high-performing classmates in terms of their expected intellectual abilities, positive social qualities and popularity among their peers across seven countries. The overall results show that high academic achievements predominantly lead to positive expectations within the peer group. However, pronounced differences were found between the countries. The results indicated that students from Spanish-speaking countries viewed their potential high-performing peers most favorably, followed by students from Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany. The least favorable expectations, but by no means negative attitude, were exhibited by students from the two East-Asian countries Korea and Vietnam. In contrast, the respondents' gender and the gender of the hypothetical successful classmates had less influence on student perceptions of high-performers. These findings have implications for the educational provision of high performing students in different cross-national contexts.

This study explores how secondary school students perceive high-performing potential classmates. A total of 1,794 seventh- and 10th-grade students from five countries completed a questionnaire measuring their expectations of hypothetical male and female high-performing classmates in three categories: intellectual ability, positive social qualities, and popularity. Across the five countries represented in this study, analyses of variance indicated that students did not report negative attitudes toward the three potential characteristics of a hypothetical gifted peer. Vietnamese students in particular reported more positive observations about the hypothetical classmate than their Australian, Peruvian, South Korean, and Spanish counterparts. Differing cross-national attitudes toward high-performing peers and the implications therein are discussed.

The Psychedelic Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica), is a species endemic to southernmost Vietnam. It was recently assessed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and also included in the CITES Appendix I, due to anthropogenic threats such as habitat degradation and over-collection for the pet trade. To protect wild populations and the natural habitat of this species, knowledge of its demography and ecology is essential to implement fitting conservation measures. In this study, we conducted field surveys on Hon Khoai Island, Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam in both dry and wet seasons, and obtained food contents of 114 individuals of C. psychedelica by water-flushing the stomach without sacrificing them. Consequently, 685 invertebrate items were identified, belonging to 24 different prey types of 20 invertebrate orders, as well as flatworms, snails and plant parts. Araneae, Blattodea, Hymenoptera and Isoptera were identified as the most important prey of C. psychedelica , among which Araneae accounted for the highest percentage, and thus the highest importance index, during the dry season and Hymenoptera during the wet season. There was a large overlap in the trophic niche between the two seasons, and between males and females of C. psychedelica. This study shows that not only suitable habitat but also a particular food spectrum is a requirement for the species and this, in addition, is important to optimize conservation breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new treefrog species from Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam. The new species is assigned to the genus Zhangixalus based on a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) dorsum green, smooth; body size medium (SVL 30.1–32.2 in males); (2) fingers webbed; tips of digits expanded into large disks, bearing circum-marginal grooves; (3) absence of dermal folds along limbs; (4) absence of supracloacal fold and tarsal projection. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by: (1) dorsal surface of the head and body green without spots; (2) axilla and groin cream with a black blotch; (3) ventral cream without spot; (4) chin creamy with grey marbling; anterior part of the thigh and ventral surface of tibia orange without spots; posterior parts of thigh orange with a large black blotch; (5) ventral side of webbing orange with some grey pattern (6) iris red-bronze, pupils black; (7) finger webbing formula I1¼-1¼II1-2III1-1IV, toe webbing formula I½-½II0-1½III¼-1¾IV1¾-½V. Phylogenetically, the new species is nested in the same subclade as Z. jodiae, Z. pinglongensis, and Z. yaoshanensis, with genetic distances ranging from 3.23% to 4.68%. The new species can be found in evergreen montane tropical forests at an elevation of about 1,883 m a.s.l. This new discovery brings the number of known genus Zhangixalus species to 42 and the number of species reported from Vietnam to 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus based on five adult specimens from Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus luci sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent-toed geckos by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: medium size (SVL up to 89.5 mm); dorsal tubercles in 17–19 irregular transverse rows; ventral scales in 32–34 longitudinal rows at midbody; precloacal pores present in both sexes, 9 or 10 in males, 8 or 9 in females; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each thigh; femoral pores 9–12 in males, 5–10 in females; postcloacal tubercles 2–4; lamellae under toe IV 21–23; dorsal pattern consisting of 5 or 6 irregular dark bands, a thin neckband without V-shape or triangle shape in the middle, top of head with dark brown blotches; subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. Molecular phylogenetic analyses recovered the new species as the sister taxon to C. gulinqingensis from Yunnan Province, China, with strong support from all analyses and the two taxa are separated by approximately 8.87–9.22% genetic divergence based on a fragment of the mitochondrial ND2 gene. This is the first representative of Cyrtodactylus known from Lao Cai Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spotted Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus variegatus) has been recognised since 2019 from Vietnam and Hainan Island, China, but little information about its population status and distribution range is currently available. The species has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered by the Turtle and Tortoise Working Group, although the status has not been officially accepted by the IUCN, due to the threats the species is facing, including habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation for food, competition with other non-native softshell turtles and pollution. To identify conservation priority sites for P. variegatus in mainland Indochina, this study combines molecular analyses and species distribution modelling. Our results show that, in Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has the largest suitable area and high probability of species occurrence, followed by Vu Quang National Park and Song Thanh and Ke Go Nature Reserves. In addition, the central provinces, from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam, constitute a key part of the species distribution and should be prioritised for conservation actions. According to the study's findings, although P. variegatus is possibly found in Laos, the probability decreases sharply at the border between both countries and there is also a gap in the occurrence of wetlands, arguing for strong natural barriers. Unfortunately, to date, only part of the species potential distribution is protected, while no records are known from protected areas, highlighting the need for extended or even new reserves. To recover natural populations of the species and following the IUCN's One Plan Approach to Conservation, breeding programmes have been established in Vietnam with a potential to expand to other facilities in the country and abroad. Once suitable sites are identified, offspring can be released into the protected areas to improve the current conservation status of this highly-threatened softshell turtle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous empirical studies have yielded inconclusive results about peer perceptions of academically high performing students. The purpose of this study was to investigate students' perceptions of the intellectual ability, positive social qualities, and popularity of a hypothetical new high performing classmate. Participants were 1060 Vietnamese, South Korean, British, Australian, Peruvian, and Spanish boys and girls in 10th grade. The results revealed that the perceptions of academically high performing classmates differed by country group. Positive perceptions of intellectual ability and social qualities were commonly found in all countries except the two Asian countries (Vietnam and South Korea), where the students reported more neutral views of high performers. In conclusion, it is argued that there is no evidence for possible iatrogenic effects of gifted education programs aiming at high achievements.

Overexploitation has driven catastrophic declines in most turtle species in Asia. Many turtles are seized annually by law enforcement officers; unfortunately, seized turtles often lack associated information on their provenance. There is also taxonomic confusion regarding the clear delineation of turtle species and subspecies in Asia. This lack of provenance data and taxonomic uncertainty is problematic as it may preclude release, make appropriate release sites hard to select, or result in genetic pollution when animals are released. In this study, we amassed and analyzed the largest number of genetic samples of the critically endangered big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) to date. Our phylogenetic and network results based on nearly 500 sequences of a mitochondrial ND4 fragment corroborate the earlier hypothesis that only two of the three currently recognized subspecies have strong molecular support and that there is greater genetic structuring within one subspecies than has been previously reported. The vast majority of P. megacephalum confiscated from the trade in Vietnam belong to Subclade 3 of P. m. peguense, and this subclade is the most broadly distributed taxon of the big-headed turtle in Vietnam based on samples with known localities. Nonetheless, for the other two subclades, all their samples originate from the trade and could not be assigned to any geographic provenance because of the lack of wild-caught samples. In addition, our results reveal two trade centers of the species, Quang Ninh Province on the border between China and Vietnam and Kon Tum Province in the Central Highlands. However, smaller animal seizures occur across the range of the species in Vietnam. While the data presented here have facilitated the selection of appropriate release sites for confiscated P. megacephalum, the significant costs of genetic screening and the shortage of samples from wild animals with good localities hinder the rewilding efforts, especially for conservation practitioners working in countries where conservation activities are not well funded and research on poorly studied species is still limited. Nevertheless, we urge that wildlife translocations include robust pre-translocation genetic screening to ensure that all individual animals are reintroduced at appropriate sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Tylototriton is described from Ngoc Linh Mountain, Kon Tum Province, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam based on integrative taxonomy, namely by combining molecular and morphological evidence. Tylototriton ngoclinhensis sp. nov. differs from all other congeners based on morphological data, allopatric distribution, and molecular divergence. In terms of genetic divergence, Tylototriton ngoclinhensis sp. nov. distinctly differs from the sister species T. panhai (6.77%) and from T. ngarsuensis (12.36%) based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Tylototriton ngoclinhensis sp. nov. is a moderate sized and robust salamander species with large cephalic edges, parotoids, and vertebral ridge orange in coloration. The new taxon differs from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: size medium (SVL 60.8-66.5 mm, TL 57.6-61.8 mm in males, and SVL 72.5-75.6 mm, TL 62.9-67.9 mm in females); head longer than wide; parotoids very prominent and enlarged, projecting backwards; tail length shorter than snout-vent length; vertebral ridge large, high and glandular in appearance; 14 large and distinct dorsolateral glandular warts; gular fold present; tips of fore and hind limbs overlapping when adpressed along the body; tips of fingers reaching between eye and nostril when foreleg is laid forward; dorsal surface and lateral sides of the head, upper and lower lips, dorsolateral glandular warts, vertebral ridge, the peripheral area of the cloaca and the ventral edge of the tail orange in coloration; the presence of a distinct black line extending from the posterior end of the eye towards the shoulder. Tylototriton ngoclinhensis sp. nov. is restricted to evergreen montane forests near water bodies on Ngoc Linh Mountain. We suggest that the new species should be classified as Endangered (EN) in the IUCN Red List. This new important discovery represents the eighth Tylototriton taxon described from Vietnam, and at the same time constitutes the southernmost distributional record for the whole genus in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrative analysis recovered a new species of the Hemiphyllodactylus typus group from a karst formation in Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, northeastern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov. is embedded within clade 6 of the typus group, bearing an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 4.6-20.2% from all other species based on a 1,038 base pair segment of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2). It is diagnosable from other species in clade 6 by statistically significant mean differences in normalized morphometric, meristic, and categorical characters. A multiple factor analysis using the three aforementioned character types recovered its unique, non-overlapping placement in morphospace as statistically significantly different from that of all other species in clade 6. The description of this new Hemiphyllodactylus species contributes to a growing body of literature underscoring the high degree of herpetological diversity and endemism in karst landscapes in Vietnam as well as in the genus Hemiphyllodactylus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the first country record of Opisthotropis durandi Teynié, Lottier, David, Nguyen & Vogel, 2014 from Vietnam based on a single snake specimen from Dien Bien Province. The species previously was only known from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). DNA sequence data of a male specimen from Vietnam match those of a specimen of O. durandi from Phongsali province, Laos, and the newly collected individual from Vietnam also corresponds to O. durandi in terms of diagnostic morphological features, except for a slightly higher ventral number (185 versus 177−181). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high degrees of adaptation to specific microhabitats and restricted-range endemism, Goniurosaurus (Tiger geckos) serves as a unique model to study the complex evolution in lizards. Using phylogenetic analyses, we estimated the first divergence date of Goniurosaurus to the Eocene (~ 45.3 mya). The diversification within four monophyletic species groups began in the mid-Miocene between ~ 13.4 and 7.7 mya and continued to at least the early Pleistocene (~ 2 mya). Their ancestor was predicted to originate somewhere in contiguous continental Eastern Asia, whereas the current regions in which each monophyletic Goniurosaurus species group radiated are respectively their own ancestral regions. Together with factors of altitudinal gradient and climate conditions, we reconstructed relevant niche models of Goniurosaurus including ancestral reconstructions. Consequently, low elevations were predicted to be the most probable ancestral state for Goniurosaurus and all its groups as well. Both climatic niche conservatism and divergence have shaped the extraordinary species richness of allopatric Chinese and Vietnamese tiger geckos. In terms of endangerment, Goniurosaurus has been considered one of the most susceptible lizard groups under severe human impacts, especially climate change. The assessments of their niche evolution can provide a science-based pre-signal of vulnerability, thereby improving the efficacy of conservation measures to safeguard species of Goniurosaurus in the future. Accordingly, almost all closely related species of Goniurosaurus in China and Vietnam were identified with a high rate of niche conservatism, which should be included in conservation priorities under potential impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of small tree frog is described from northwestern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Gracixalus truongi sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners and other small rhacophorid species on the basis of a combination of the following characters: size relatively small, SVL 32.2-33.1 mm in males, 37.6-39.3 mm in females; head slightly wider than long; vomerine teeth absent; snout round and long RL/SVL 0.17-0.19 in males, 0.16-0.17 in females; spines on upper eyelid absent; supratympanic fold distinct; tympanum distinct; dorsal skin smooth; throat smooth and venter granular; tibiotarsal projection absent; webbing of fingers rudimentary, toes with moderately developed webbing; dorsum moss-green, with an inverse Y-shaped dark green marking extended from interorbital region to posterior region of dorsum; external vocal sac absent in males; males with a nuptial pad on finger I. In the molecular analyses, the new species has no clear sister taxon and is at least 4.5% divergent from other congeners based on a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Amolops is described from northwestern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular differences. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: Snout-vent length 37.5-41.3 mm in males, 61.5-62.5 mm in females; head longer than wide; vomerine teeth present; snout long (ratio of distance from tip of snout to anterior corner of eye/snout-vent length 0.16 in males, 0.15 in females); tympanum distinct, round (ratio of eye diameter/tympanum diameter 0.37-0.39 in males, 0.36-0.37 in females); skin smooth; supratympanic fold indistinct; dorsolateral fold present; webbing formula I0--1/2II0--1III0--1IV1--0V; in life, dorsum grey with indistinct greenish dots; head and body with irregular dorsolateral brown stripe; dorsal surface of forelimbs and hindlimbs bright grey with dark brown crossbars; throat, chest and belly white; vocal sac yellowish; external vocal sac present and finger I with nuptial pad in males. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as a sister taxon to A. compotrix, but the two species are separated by 3.3-3.4% pairwise genetic divergence based on a fragment of the mitochondrial ND2 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Quasipaa is described from Ngoc Linh Mountain of the Kon Tum Massif in central Vietnam. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: SVL 79.6-84.3 mm in males and 64.6-69.9 mm in females; head broader than long; vomerine teeth present; external vocal sacs absent; tympanum slightly visible; dorsum with lines of thick ridges and small round tubercles; flanks covered by oval and round tubercles; supratympanic fold present; dorsolateral fold absent; ventrolateral sides, ventral surface of arms, and all fingers with spines in males; the absence of spines on chest and belly in males; toes fully webbed to distal portion of terminal phalanx; in life, dorsum dark brown, chest and belly immaculate white. Phylogenetic analyses found that the genetic divergence of the new species and its congeners ranged from 4.2-5.1% (compared with Quasipaa boulengeri) to 7.6-8.1% (compared with Q. shini) in the 16S gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressures have caused a substantial decline of global biodiversity and have been further reported to strongly affect the ecological performance of species in their habitat, especially reptiles. Understanding the ecology of species and how species respond to habitat alterations is basic knowledge needed to develop conservation programmes and address issues of biodiversity loss. All five species of tiger geckos (Goniurosaurus) in Vietnam are known to be threatened by extinction due to anthropogenic impacts such as habitat degradation and harvesting for the international pet trade. However, conservation actions have only been initiated for the better-studied species. This study provides detailed basic data on microhabitat use of two allopatric sister species, namely Goniurosaurus huuliensis and G. luii. In total, 145 geckos (including 59 records of G. huuliensis and 86 records of G. luii) were observed during field surveys. All Goniurosaurus individuals were mostly recorded in the forest on karst formations, covered with evergreen broad-leaved woody trees, intermixed with ferns, shrubs and vines. Microhabitats of the two species were relatively similar in other traits, such as high vegetation coverage, high humidity, stable ambient temperature and dry-rock substrates. A multiple factor analysis supported that the ecological niche spaces of the two species highly overlap, even though their distribution ranges are geographically separated. We further found no intraspecific niche segregation in both species. The present data provide baseline knowledge for both in situ and ex situ conservation measures to protect species in the genus Goniurosaurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current decline in global biodiversity is most evident in amphibians with 41% percent of all species worldwide classified as threatened with extinction. Hence, a major challenge in amphibian conservation is the high number of threatened species, leading to a common approach of identifying priority species and regions for conservation efforts. As a part of one of 36 globally designated biodiversity hotspots, Vietnam is considered to be of particular importance for conservation action. To improve amphibian conservation in Vietnam, this study provides an updated species list and assesses their threat status by compiling data from a variety of sources. Furthermore, a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) analysis was conducted to determine the representation of extant amphibians from Vietnam in zoos worldwide. The batrachofauna of Vietnam is characterized by a high level of species richness and local endemism as well as a high rate of new discoveries, with more than half of the endemic species reported exclusively from their type locality, making them especially vulnerable to extinction. Up to 18% of all amphibians extant in Vietnam and 28% of endemic species are classified as threatened with extinction by the IUCN. In many cases, Nature Conservation 49: 77–116 (2022) doi: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.82145 https://natureconservation.pensoft.net Copyright Marie the IUCN Red List status is either missing or outdated, highlighting the urgent need of action. Around 14% of endemic amphibian species have been recorded exclusively from unprotected areas, suggesting prioritization for further research and conservation measures. The continuing decline in many species remains an unresolved problem. As a guide for future research and conservation measures, a list of the top 57 species was compiled. In addition, according to the ZIMS analysis, only 8% of threatened and 3% of endemic amphibian taxa from Vietnam are currently kept in zoos worldwide, and a richness analysis revealed that the highest density of husbandries is found in Europe and North America. To achieve maximum outcome for the conservation of threatened species, this study recommends a general shift by zoos towards maintaining species in greater need of captive assurance populations and breeding programs to support integrative strategies that combine in situ and ex situ conservation efforts following the IUCN’s One Plan Approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyrtodactylus is the most diverse genus of the family Gekkonidae and the world's third largest vertebrate genus. The number of species has increased more than fourfold over the last two decades. Indochina, especially Vietnam and Laos, has witnessed a surge in new species discoveries over the last three decades. The species number reported from Laos and Vietnam has remarkably increased from five in 1997 to 71 species in 2021. However, within the genus, several taxonomic issues have not yet been fully resolved. Based on recently collected samples from Laos and Vietnam, we conducted a comprehensive molecular review of Cyrtodactylus occurring in Laos and Vietnam. Our molecular analysis with support from morphological comparisons showed that C. thuongae is a junior synonym of C. dati and C. rufford is a junior synonym of C. lomyenensis. In total, 68 described species distributed in Laos and Vietnam are undisputed with strong support from both molecular and morphological evidence. On the other hand, the molecular analyses revealed that there are at least seven undescribed species in Vietnam and Laos, one in the C. angularis group, one in the C. chauquangensis, and five in the C. irregularis group. This number will likely increase significantly, as previous work suggested that the C. angularis and C. irregularis groups harbor three and six unnamed lineages, respectively. Based on survey gaps identified in our study, it is clear that additional new species will be discovered in poorly studied regions of central Vietnam and northern and southern Laos. As many species in the genus are facing high extinction risks, several undescribed populations might already be severely threatened by human activities in both countries. Therefore, urgent taxonomic research is needed before conservation assessments of newly discovered taxa can be undertaken to protect them from anthropogenic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is considered to negatively affect vertebrate biodiversity. Lizards in tropical regions are considered particularly vulnerable due to their narrow temperature tolerances. The crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus , an ecologically specialized semiaquatic species, is under the risk of extinction due to habitat loss and overharvesting. It is only found in isolated relict populations in southern China and northern Vietnam. Data on the thermal niche of the species are crucial to assess its vulnerability to climatic changes. We developed a backpack system with temperature data loggers for S. crocodilurus in order to monitor the lizard's temperature preferences in its natural habitat in Vietnam. We found that S. crocodilurus vietnamensis preferred a mean ambient temperature range of 24 ± 1°C (min-max: 22-31°C) at natural habitat sites, a far lower temperature amplitude compared to the recorded ambient temperature range at habitat sites. In its natural habitat, S. crocodilurus vietnamensis avoided in particular high temperatures, indicating the importance of constantly cool streams and intact vegetation for the provision of shade and shelter. We further provide first insights into the seasonal variation in microhabitat use and activity of S. crocodilurus vietnamensis based on data from individuals kept in outdoor enclosures under natural climatic conditions in Vietnam, collected daily over a period of eight months. Our results aim to aid further conservation measures for the species, such as the identification and protection of core habitat sites and sites for restocking, as well as to adjust and improve conservation breeding programs for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We record Limnonectes fastigatus for the first time from Vietnam based on a new amphibian collection from Chu Mom Ray National Park, Kon Tum province. Morphological characteristics of the specimens from Chu Mom Ray National Park resemble those of the type series from Cambodia. The specimens from Vietnam differ from the type series from Cambodia by having a slightly larger size in males and a distinct colour pattern on the dorsum. Genetic divergences between sequences of the Vietnamese specimens and those of Limnonectes fastigatus from Cambodia available from GenBank are 2.0–2.1% (16S gene). In addition, we provide morphological data and natural history notes of the aforementioned species from Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lichtenfelder's Tiger Gecko, Goniurosaurus lichtenfelderi is currently known only from northern Vietnam and southern China. Because of its restricted distribution, the species is potentially threatened by extinction due to anthropogenic impacts. Recently, the species has been listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as "Vulnerable" and included in CITES Appendix II and the Vietnam Governmental Decree – Group IIB. However, conservation activities to safeguard wild populations of G. lichtenfelderi have not yet been implemented due to a lack of detailed information about the population status and its ecological requirements. In this study, the micro-habitat use of G. lichtenfelderi was assessed. As a result of our field surveys, we found this species in evergreen forest areas with a high percentage of vegetation coverage and in close proximity to medium or small stream sections with rocky shelters on granitic formations. Canopy coverage, three micro-climatic variables (air, substrate temperature and humidity), weather condition and substrate type were the most important characteristics explaining the variation in the micro-habitat use of G. lichtenfelderi. Coupled with a macro-ecological (climate niche) approach, the complex niches of G. lichtenfelderi were defined by comparing them between two geographically distant populations in island and mainland sites. We found high similarities in macro-climatic and micro-habitat niches between the island and mainland populations of G. lichtenfelderi. Based on the ecological information, we recommend conservation actions to protect the core refugia of G. lichtenfelderi and reduce negative influences of anthropogenic impacts on wild populations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Microhyla heymonsi species complex from central Vietnam was examined, and based upon morphological and molecular evidence, two new species are described. The discovery of Microhyla daklakensis sp. nov. and Microhyla ninhthuanensis sp. nov. brings the total number of known species in the genus to 46 and the species number of Microhyla in Vietnam to 13. The Truong Son Range harbors the highest diversity of the genus Microhyla with 11 recorded species so far. However, this apparent micro-endemic diversity is at risk because of habitat loss by deforestation, which highlights the necessity of further research leading to improved conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achalinus, commonly known as odd-scaled snakes due to their unique scutellation, are a fascinating group of xenodermid snakes distributed throughout east Asia. Currently, northern Vietnam is known to host six species of Achalinus, three of which are considered endemic. During recent herpetofaunal surveys conducted in the Bac Me District of Ha Giang Province, we collected a single specimen of Achalinus in a lowland region surrounded by secondary forest on karst. We conducted Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses using multiple mitochondrial protein-coding loci and a ribosomal subunit to ascertain the phylogenetic position of the Ha Giang specimen among currently recognized odd-scaled snake species. The results of those analyses along with morphological differences support this specimen as representing a new species, which we describe as Achalinus zugorum, new species. We provide detailed morphological descriptions and comparisons of the new species as well as brief comments on the biogeography and conservation of Achalinus in northern Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Son La Province is located in north-western Vietnam and the province contains a large area of 440,000 hectares of natural forest. A wide range of elevations and the complexity of landforms have given this province a great diversity of natural habitats and a high level of biodiversity potential. However, the snake fauna of Son La province is still poorly studied. Previous studies documented 56 species of snakes from this province. New information As a result of our field surveys in Phu Yen, Song Ma, Thuan Chau and Van Ho districts, we report five species of snakes for the first time from Son La Province, northern Vietnam, namely Boiga cyanea, B. guangxiensis, Lycodon meridionalis (Colubridae), Protobothrops cornutus and P. mucrosquamatus (Viperidae), with novel data about morphological characters. In addition, we provide an updated checklist of 61 snake species from Son La Province. The snake fauna of Son La Province also contains a number of species of conservation concern: 11 species listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam (2007), four species listed in the IUCN Red List (2020) and four species listed in the Vietnam Governmental Decree No. 06 (2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tylototriton asperrimus complex from northern Vietnam is reviewed based on morphological comparisons and analysis of the mitochondrial marker NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2). Based on molecular divergences, which were revealed to be higher than in other congeners, in concert with morphological differences, two new species and one subspecies are described herein: Tylototriton pasmansi sp. nov. differs from T. asperrimus sensu stricto by 3.2 to 3.6 % genetic divergence and a combination of distinct morphological characters, such as head slightly longer than wide, distinct mid-dorsal ridge, relatively wide distance between the eyes, tips of fingers reaching the eye when foreleg is laid forward, labial and gular folds present, central belly skin with tubercles shaped like transverse wrinkles and distinct, pointy to round rib nodules. The population of T. pasmansi sp. nov. consists of two subclades, the nominotypic one occurring on the eastern side of the Da River (or Black River, including Hoa Binh and Phu Tho provinces), and another occurring on the western side (including Son La and Thanh Hoa provinces). These two subclades differ by 2.5 to 3.1 % genetic divergence and distinct morphological characters. The western subclade is herein described as Tylototriton pasmansi obsti ssp. nov., which differs from the nominotypic form by a wider head, longer and narrower snout, shorter femur length, and an overall less granulose skin, without an increased concentration of warts on the body sides. A second new species, Tylototriton sparreboomi sp. nov. is described from Lai Chau Province. It differs from T. asperrimus sensu stricto by 4.1 to 4.2 % and from Tylototriton pasmansi sp. nov. by 3.6 to 4.5 % genetic divergences as well as by a combination of distinct morphological characters, such as head longer than wide, tips of fingers reaching nostril when foreleg adpressed along head, rib nodules distinct, round and relatively enlarged, and wide distance between the eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new rhacophorid species is described from Vietnam on the basis of nine specimens collected in Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province, northeastern Vietnam. The new species is morphologically similar to Zhangixalus pinglongensis, Z. dorsoviridis, and Z. nigropunctatus, however, it differs from the latter by having the flank cream with large black blotches on axilla and groin. The genetic distance between the new species and Zhangixalus pinglongensis, Z. dorsoviridis and Z. nigropunctatus is >3.57% (16S mtDNA gene fragment). Zhangixalus jodiaesp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species of Zhangixalus and other small rhacophorid species from Southeast Asia by a combination of the following characters: size small (SVL 36.1–39.8 mm in males); head as long as wide; vomerine teeth present; dorsal surface of head and body green without spots; axilla cream with large black blotches, groin and front-rear parts of the thigh, ventral surface of tibia black with orange blotches; lower jaw region greyish, chest and belly cream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a large crocodile skull recovered from a river bank in August 2010 near Dau Sau Bridge, in An Binh, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho Province, in southern Vietnam. As the skull from Can Tho, named "Dau Sau" herein, is now deposited in the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Ha Noi, we reinvestigated the circumstances surrounding its discovery and provide exact measurements. Skull length (dorsal mid-point) is 70.7 cm. The morphological features confirm it is from a Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and not a Siamese crocodile (C. siamensis), which historically also occurred throughout the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Skull measurements are compared with those of other large C. porosus skulls for which reliable estimates of total length are available. We also provide measurements of the prepared skull of "Lolong" (69.8 cm), a 6.17 m long C. porosus captured in the Philippines in 2011. On the basis of known skull length:total length ratios the crocodile from Can Tho is estimated to be 6.3-6.8 m long. The skull of Dau Sau is likely to have been buried for at least 100 years. We discuss the origin of the local name Dau Sau, which has traditional and cultural significance, and provide historical reports of crocodiles in the area. Dau Sau is smaller than the largest known C. porosus skull (76 cm), but is the largest ever reported from Vietnam, and one of the largest C. porosus known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Lycodon is described from Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, based on three individuals with distinct differences in morphology and molecular data. The new species is differentiated from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal scales in 17-17-15 rows, smooth throughout; supralabials usually eight (rarely nine); infralabials ten; one elongated loreal on each side, in contact with the eye; precloacal plate single; ventral scales 212-218 (plus one or two preventral scales); subcaudals 90 or 91; maxillary teeth 13 or 14; dorsal surface of body with 28 or 29 light body bands; dorsal surface of tail with 13 cream bands, forming a distinct blotch in the vertebral region. Based on phy-logenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data, the new species is recovered as the sister species to a clade containing L. multizonatus and L. liuchengchaoi with strong support from the Bayesian analysis. The new species is at least 7.5% divergent from other species within this clade in uncorrected pairwise distance calculated using a fragment of more than 1000 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b. This discovery increases the number of Lycodon species known from Vietnam to 16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, critically endangered species of softshell turtle, Pelodiscus variegatus sp. n. is described from northcentral Vietnam and Hainan Island, China, distinguished by a unique set of genetic and morphological traits from all other congeners (P. axenaria, P. maackii, P. parviformis, P. sinensis, and unnamed genetic lineages). Morphologically, P. variegatus is characterized, among others, by its strong ventral ornamentation in all age classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 is described based on a single specimen collected in evergreen forest at 1240 m elevation of Ta Dung Nature Reserve in Dak Nong Province, Central Vietnam. The new species is characterized by (1) rostral wider than high; (2) paraparietal surrounded by six shields and scales; (3) eye diameter larger than eyemouth distance; (4) preocular present; (5) supralabials 5/4, 3-4/2-3 entering orbit; (6) maxillary teeth nine, modified; (7) infralabials 5/4, first three touching anterior chin shields; (8) mental touching tip of right anterior chin shield; (9) ventrals 1 + 174; subcaudal scales 18/17, divided; (10) precloacal plate single; (11) tail relatively short (6.2% of the total length), nearly as thick as body, slightly tapering, and ending in obtuse point; (12) dorsal scales reducing to six rows at position above 4th subcaudal, and to four rows above 13th subcaudal on tail; (13) dorsum dark with irregular yellow blotches; and (14) ventral side dark with few yellow blotches and bands. This is the sixth new Calamaria species described from Vietnam in the past thirteen years and the tenth species of Calamaria recorded from this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Amolops is described from northwestern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, Amolops ottorum, new species, is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: size small (SVL 47.5-48.2 mm in females); head longer than wide; vomerine teeth absent; snout short (SE/SVL 0.14-0.15); tympanum dark brown, small (TD/ED 0.36-0.37 in females); skin smooth; supratympanic fold absent; dorsolateral fold absent; webbing formula I 0-1/3 II 0-1 III 0-1 IV 2-0 V; in life, dorsum green with some dark brown spots; flanks with irregular dark markings; head and body with irregular dorsolateral cream stripe; dorsal surface of fore and hind limbs green with dark crossbars; throat, chest, anterior part of belly light-cream with brown dots; and posterior part of belly cream. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is weakly supported as a sister taxon of Amolops tuberodepressus, and approximately 5.6% divergent from it based on a fragment of the cytochrome b gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 21 species of amphibians was documented on the basis of a new herpetological collection from the karst forest of Ha Lang District, Cao Bang Province. Three species, Odorrana bacboensis, O. graminea, and Rhacophorus maximus, are recorded for the first time from Cao Bang Province. The amphibian fauna of Ha Lang District also contains a high level of species of conservation concern with one globally and two nationally threatened species and three species, Odorrana mutschmanni, Gracixalus waza, and Theloderma corticale, which are endemic to Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viridovipera stejnegeri is one of the most common pit vipers in Asia, with a wide distribution in southern China and Vietnam. We investigated historical demography and explored how the environment and climatic factors have shaped genetic diversity and the evolutionary history of this venomous snake. A total of 171 samples from 47 localities were sequenced and analysed for two mitochondrial gene fragments and three nuclear genes. Gene trees reveal the existence of two well-supported clades (Southwest China and Southeast China) with seven distinct and strongly supported, geographically structured subclades within V. stejnegeri. Estimation of divergence time and ancestral area suggests that V. stejnegeri originated at ~6.0 Ma in the late Miocene on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The estimated date of origin and divergence of the island populations of Taiwan and Hainan closely matches the geological origin of the both islands. The mt DNA gene tree reveals the presence of west-east diversification in V. stejnegeri populations. Complex orogenesis and heterogeneous habitats, as well as climate-mediated habitat differentiation including glacial cycles, all have influenced population structure and the distribution of this taxon. The validity of V. stejnegeri chenbihuii is questionable, and this subspecies most probably represents an invalid taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crocodile lizard, a globally endangered species with a restricted range in southern China and northern Vietnam, is an increasingly demanded species in the international pet trade. Poaching activities brought the species to the brink of extinction, while ongoing habitat destruction represents an additional peril to the species. Especially the Vietnamese population is extremely small with a preliminary estimation of less than 100 individuals. According to predictions of the species potential distribution, we conducted targeted field surveys to search for further populations in Vietnam in order to update the species’ conservation status. We could prove the practical and efficient applicability of this theoretical model by the discovery of a new population from a predicted forest site near the international border between China and Vietnam. Based on monitoring of the Vietnamese population from 2010 to 2015 we further provide an overview about current population trends, which revealed dramatic local declines of more than 50% of effective population sizes and the species’ extirpation at a third of all known sites. In addition, we predicted future scenarios of suitable habitats and compared these results with actual forest cover in order to define key habitats for effective conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Me Linh Station for Biodiversity in northern Vietnam, which borders Tam Dao National Park, was established in 1999 by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology for the purpose of rescuing, keeping, studying and breeding Vietnamese plant and wildlife species in an in-country ex situ facility. The Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, which runs the station, has pleased the Cologne Zoo to improve existing facilities at the Me Linh Station and to develop new ones, in particular for amphibians and reptiles, for the keeping and breeding of confiscated, endangered and selected rare or poorly known species from Vietnam for studying husbandry parameters and natural history, to build up captive assurance populations for potential future release or restocking programs, and to improve services for environmental and conservation education for visitors, school children and students. This report summarizes our joint efforts at the Me Linh Station for Biodiversity from 2012 until today. Focus is laid on the construction of indoor and outdoor amphibian facilities, but we also report about the development and buildup of crocodile lizard, monitor lizard, python and turtle enclosures, as well as of primate facilities. We also built up offspring enclosures for amphibians and reptiles, a feeder animal breeding, and created a quarantine section. Preliminary recommendations for a veterinary management are provided. Furthermore we document our joint approaches in improving the station management, developing research programmes, and report about first public awareness measures. With this article we also aim to show how facilities, breeding programs and husbandry systems can be improved and built up in a tropical country within the framework of an international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a compilation of descriptions of 21 new species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles discovered in Vietnam. Considered the leading authority on Vietnamese herpetofauna, René Bourret published a series of papers and books on Vietnamese herpetology from 1927 until 1947. The new species include the Applebys Asian Toad found in the Song Thanh Proposed Nature Reserve in Quang Nam Province, the Geminated Cascade Frog found at Mount Tay Con Linh II in Ha Giang Province and the Psychedelic Gecko found on Hon Khoai Island in Ca Mau Province.

We studied the status and distribution of the diurnal primates in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (PNKB NP) from April to August 2007. In the past, researchers reported 9 primate species and subspecies for the karst forests of PNKB NP, which constitutes the most important protected area for the endangered Hatinh langur ( Trachypithecus hatinhensis) in Vietnam. All 9 primate taxa are threatened due to hunting pressure and habitat loss. We applied line transect sampling in 4 areas. During a total of 117 transect inspections along 12 different transect routes, we confirmed 5 primate taxa and the analysis of population densities resulted in 2143 (±467) Hatinh langurs, 1316 (±871) red-shanked douc langurs ( Pygathrix nemaeus), 930 (±489) stump-tailed macaques ( Macaca arctoides), 986 (±883) eastern Assamese macaques ( M. a. assamensis), and 18 (±18) southern white-cheeked crested gibbons ( Nomascus siki) in the whole PNKB NP, which covers an area of ca. 85,000 ha. We could not detect the 2 nocturnal lorises, Bengal slow lorises ( Nycticebus bengalensis) and pygmy slow lorises ( N. pygmaeus), as well as rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) and northern pig-tail macaques ( M. leonina). The distribution of the primates predominantly depended on human impact. We could not recognize a correlation between habitat constitution and abundance of primates. The population density estimates showed a much higher density of the Hatinh langur than previously assumed. Thus the importance of the PNKB NP for the conservation of this endangered langur increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We use field observations and diagnostic computer simulations (KINEROS2) to estimate the effective slope lengths (ESL) for buffers on disturbed hillslopes in two fragmented basins in northern Vietnam. Grassland, disturbed forest, and intermediate forms of secondary vegetation are the most effective buffering vegetation in the study area because these surfaces tend to have the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity. The ESL (m) is described by the following function of slope (mm−1): ESL=98+15ln(slope). This non-linear relationship predicts comparatively longer buffer lengths at gentle slope gradients than guidelines/practices currently in use. The predicted buffer lengths range from roughly 30 to 100m for slope gradients ranging from 0.01 to 1.0mm−1. However, for large storms, steeper slopes, and/or more degraded conditions, buffer lengths greater than those predicted by the ESL criteria may be needed to minimize impacts from overland flow. On slopes with particularly large contributing areas, multiple or staggered buffers may be required. For the occurrence of concentrated overland flow, no practical buffer length may be sufficient. The ESL estimations provide a starting point for determining appropriate buffer dimensions needed to infiltrate upslope surface runoff in disturbed montane watersheds at the study site. Final determination of buffer dimensions should consider the physical characteristics of contributing hillslopes, the nature of the material to be filtered (e.g., water, sediment, chemicals, nutrients), and the likelihood of adoption of any buffering practice. Finally, buffers should be regarded as complementary practices to other hillslope conservation activities. Recognizing that the use of long buffer lengths may not be feasible for steep terrain in intensely managed tropical watersheds, we derive a second equation to predict the minimal effective slope length (MESL) for buffers: MESL=32+4ln(slope). MESL values range from approximately 15 to 30m over the same slope gradients, but they are less effective at reducing HOF than ESL buffers, particularly for large storms when erosion risk is highest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and indices of Horton overland flow (HOF) generation are used to assess the influence of landscape fragmentation on near-surface hydrologic response in two upland watersheds in northern Vietnam. The fragmented landscape, which results from timber extraction and swidden agriculture, is a mosaic of surfaces having distinct infiltration characteristics. In general, human activity has reduced infiltration and altered near-surface flow paths on all disturbed land covers. Compacted roads, paths, and dwelling sites, for example, have the propensity to generate HOF for small rainfall depths. Although these surfaces occupy a small fraction of a basin land area (estimated at <1%), they contribute disproportionately to overland flow response during typical rainfall events. Recently abandoned fields have the lowest Ks of all non-consolidated, post-cultivation surfaces tested. Beginning 1–2 years following abandonment, diminished Ks recovers over time with the succession to more advanced types of secondary regrowth. If a grassland emerges on the abandoned site, rather than a bamboo-dominated cover, Ks recovers more rapidly. The decrease in Ks with depth below disturbed surfaces is more acute than that found at undisturbed sites. This enhanced anisotropy in near-surface Ks increases the likelihood of the development of a lateral subsurface flow component during large storms of the monsoon rain season. Subsequently, the likelihood of return flow generation is increased. Because the recovery time of subsurface Ks is greater than that for the surface Ks, the impact human activity has on hydrologic response in the fragmented basin may linger long after the surface vegetation has evolved to a mature forested association. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study we present the results from field work in northern Vietnam regarding the occurrence of the warty newt species Paramesotriton deloustali and P. guangxiensis in disturbed and undisturbed habitats and the presence of parasitic water mites of the genus Hygrobates (sg. Lurchibates) (Acari, Hydrachnidia). We report the first evidence of mite parasitism in P. guangxiensis and analyze differences in the infestation rates between both Paramesotriton species and habitat qualities. Furthermore we present the first indication of the detrimental effects of these parasite-host interactions. Our preliminary assessment seems to support the sensitivity of P. guangxiensis to habitat disturbances, as the average number of captured newts per stream was twice as high in undisturbed habitats as in disturbed ones. Until now a very specific parasite-host association was supposed between water mite and newt species. However, our results show the first evidence of a water mite species of the subgenus Lurchibates (Hygrobates forcipifer) parasitizing more than one host species, in this case not only P. deloustali (already known) but also P. guangxiensis (new record). The overall infestation rate was 27 % for P. deloustali and 71 % for P. guangxiensis , from which 100 % and 77 % of the mite-incidence occurred in undisturbed habitats, respectively. Furthermore the parasite load of the newts was clearly higher in prime quality streams: the parasite load in undisturbed habitats was very similar between P. deloustali (19.64 mites per newt) and P. guangxiensis (20.13 mites per newt), however it was significantly lower for P. guangxiensis in disturbed habitats (8.86 mites per newt). Future research should bring more detail on these parasite host associations, especially on the effect of parasitism on the newts. Warty newts are already threatened due to their shrinking natural habitat and overharvesting. We report the first concerns that mite parasitism might be a critical additional stress factor in undisturbed habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distinct clusters of dung beetle traits reflected environmental adaptations. • Body size trait rather than abundance determined dung removal rate. • Forest conversion to meadows negatively affected dung removal. • Dung beetles in meadows, despite abundant, were lacking large-bodied species. • Trait clusters were reliably detected by RLQ analysis and fourth-corner. • method. Dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) are known to respond sensitive to habitat changes, but difficulties in the delineation of species together with their high local diversity have hindered the generalization of results. Morphological traits instead may better reflect species' adaptations to habitat changes. We investigated changes in morphological traits of 41 tunnelling dung beetle species in a sequence of land use change from primary forests, to secondary forests and meadows in a tropical karst mountain ecosystem in Vietnam (South East Asia). Tunnellers were by far the dominant functional group of dung beetles in these ecosystems. In addition, we measured dung removal rate as a key ecosystem service of these beetles. By combining RLQ and fourth-corner methods to characterize shifts in morphological species traits, we identified three distinct morphological trait clusters of dung beetles, reflecting distinct community adaptations to land use changes. Meadows, despite harbouring highest dung beetle abundance and species richness were severely impoverished in large-bodied dung beetles. The large-bodied dung beetles however, turned out to play crucial roles for dung removal. These data indicate that land use change led to significant changes of species traits in dung beetle communities which in turn fed back on critical ecosystem services. Our data demonstrate that trait-based approaches are well suited to describe the functional implications of environmental changes on species-rich arthropod communities and may better allow generalizations of adaptive responses between ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Smallholder households with a plot size of 1–5 ha manage nearly half of Vietnam's acacia plantations. They mostly harvest acacia timber after short rotation periods (5–6 years) producing woodchips with relatively low financial returns compared to potential profits from sawlog production through long rotation periods. The domestic wood production cannot yet meet the needs of the booming furniture industry for raw materials. This paper investigates factors that influence the adoption of long-rotation periods for sawlog production by small-scale plantation owners. Materials and methods: The impact of farmer and farm characteristics and the characteristics of the external environment on the probability to adopt long rotation periods is analyzed. The data were collected through focus group discussions (FGD) and a household survey to capture the wider socio-economic situation of small-scale plantation owners in central Vietnam. Findings: Results from FGDs and probit regressions show that factors that potentially constrain small-scale plantation owners from the production of sawlogs can be grouped into four themes: (1) small and fragmented land holdings, (2) high risks related to natural disasters and other biotic and abiotic hazards, (3) high production and monitoring costs, and (4) lack of knowledge and experience in plantation management. Conclusions: Potential policy approaches to promote the adoption of long rotation periods should include a package of measures that simultaneously address the constraints of smallholders and the various risks that they face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of mangrove-derived material in sustaining coastal food webs (i.e. the Outwelling Hypothesis) is often invoked in support of mangroves conservation. Biogeochemical cycling, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in mangrove ecosystems, however, is poorly understood because of high spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of sources, sinks, and transformation pathways. Here we show that the distribution of N and P are intimately related to vegetation distribution, tidal cycles, and seasonality. We examined the dynamics of N and P in sediments and in a tidal creek of the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Vietnam. Our objectives were to (1) determine the spatial distribution of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in the mangrove forest along a Rhizophora-Avicennia -mudflat transect; and (2) identify the respective inputs and transformation pathways of N and P in the water column via 24-h time series measurements in a tidal creek. Sediment porewater had N-NH 4 + and N-NO 3 − concentrations <11 μM, except in the mudflat where N-NH 4 + was as high as 162 μM. This difference was likely due to N-NH 4 + uptake by trees in the vegetated areas and suggests that mangrove sediments can be a zone of NH 4 + production via ammonification of organic nitrogen. In all stands, P-PO 4 3− concentrations were three-fold higher during the wet season, with a maximum of 34.4 μM. This can be explained by enhanced microbial activity during the rainy season. The phosphorus seasonal trend was also observed in the creek water but with a maximum P-PO 4 3− value of 4.3 μM only. In the tidal creek, N-NH 4 + was highly variable (0 to 51 μM), with the higher values measured at low tide and related to porewater discharge from the mudflat. Our data suggest that mangroves act both as a sink of dissolved inorganic nutrients via vegetation uptake and a source of ammonium from unvegetated mudflat porewater towards the tidal creek. The dual stable isotopes approach (δ15N NO3 & δ18O NO3) revealed that this ammonium was later nitrified within the water column. Moreover, the approach showed that some nitrate originated from the river-estuarine system during rising tides. The export of ammonium from mangrove porewater is presumably entirely consumed before exiting the tidal creek, thereby limiting the spatial extent of mangrove Outwelling. Nevertheless, our multi-isotope approach leads us to conclude that nutrients recycling via mangrove-derived organic matter mineralization may play a fundamental role in sustaining coastal food web. • Dissolved nutrients and particulate nitrogen were studied in a mangrove ecosystem. • Mangrove vegetation was a sink of dissolved inorganic nutrients via tree uptake. • NH 4 + was the only dissolved N-nutrient discharged from porewater to the tidal creek. • NH 4 + was nitrified in the tidal creek during falling tides as evidenced by δ18O NO3 values. • Mangrove-derived NH 4 + and pCO 2 may sustain the first link in the coastal food web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles that limits the effectiveness of conservation efforts in many species is the lack of knowledge concerning their threat status. The recently described species, Gekko canhi, is a gecko endemic to northern Vietnam. As a range-restricted species being found only in limestone karst forests, it is imperilled by human impacts, including habitat degradation and climate change. In this study, we carried out fieldwork at the type locality in Huu Lien Nature Reserve of Lang Son Province to obtain data on the ecological requirements, population demography, and threats to the species. Gekko canhi is identified as a rock-adapted inhabitant of evergreen karst forests with high vegetation coverage, requiring stable microclimatic conditions and dry substrates. Population density proved to be very low, rendering the species vulnerable to ongoing anthropogenic impacts such as forest conversion and limestone mining. To protect it together with the co-existing fauna and flora in their unique karst forest habitats, we recommend reinforcing in situ conservation measures in concert with community education initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed information on potentially suitable habitats and forecasted alterations thereof under climate change scenarios are critical for the conservation planning of endangered taxa, in particular those with small distribution ranges. The Huu Lien Tiger Gecko, Goniurosaurus huuliensis, is a is a micro-endemic species in northern Vietnam. The species is listed in the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered and in CITES Appendix II due to habitat loss and overexploitation for the international pet trade. Climate change has been globally acknowledged to impact on many species and it likely has negative influences on G. huuliensis. In this study, an ensemble modeling technique is employed, trained with climate and vegetation cover conditions, to identify the contemporary potential distribution of this species and assess its alterations under different climate change scenarios. Our predictions suggest that the current potential distribution of G. huuliensis mostly covers the known sites of occurrence and their surroundings. These areas will narrow significantly and/or shift towards higher latitudes under novel climate conditions as can be expected according to future IPCC scenarios. To safeguard in-situ populations of G. huuliensis in the context of the potentially severe impacts, we provide a core refugia map that identifies key regions for priority conservation measures, including Lang Son Province and small sites in Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen Provinces, northern Vietnam. We highly recommend that the Huu Lien Nature Reserve be selected as a "centre" to kick-off conservation actions for the target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive inventory checklist of the herpetofauna of the Bai Tu Long National Park, Quang Ninh Province, northeastern Vietnam. As a result of our herpetological surveys in 2008, 2009, and 2011, a total of 29 species were recorded from the national park, comprising eight species of frogs, eleven species of lizards, and ten species of snakes. Thirteen species (or 44.8% of the total number of recorded species) were recorded for the first time from Bai Tu Long National Park, including six frog, four lizard, and three snake species. We provide first information on species richness and frequency of occurrence. The taxonomic status of three species (Hylarana sp., Limnonectes cf. bannaensis, and Gekko cf. palmatus) still needs further clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We record Amolops cremnobatus Inger & Kottelat, 1998 for the first time from Thanh Hoa Province, northcentral Vietnam, which also represents the northernmost record of this species. Specimens of A. cremnobatus were found at three limestone karst forest sites within the Pu Hu Nature Reserve at altitudes between 277 and 526 m a.s.l. Adults and larval stages matched the diagnostic morphological characters of the original description of A. cremnobatus, such as small size, tarsal gland present, vomerine teeth present, tympanum distinct, nuptial pads distinctly developed in males, and tadpoles with upper jaw sheath divided and labial teeth row formula 10(5-10)/6(1). Besides natural history notes for both developmental stages and adults, we present an extended larval description based on a tadpole at Gosner (1960) stage 31. The tadpole belongs to the exotrophic, lotic, gastromyzophorus larval type after McDiarmid & Altig (1999) and possesses the typical characteristics of a fast-water stream dweller, i.e., a large abdominal sucker disc, thick tail musculature, and reduced fins. In addition, the first larval staging for the genus Amolops in general is provided in this paper, based on the species A. cremnobatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition using anthropometric measures among hospitalized pediatric and adult patients admitted at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods: A one-day cross-sectional survey was used in selected wards (Pediatrics, Surgery, Intensive Care Unit, Renal Diseases, Gastroenterology Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, and Endocrinology). Unavailable patients and those discharged within 24 hours were excluded. Anthropometric data included body weight, height (or length), and mid-upper arm circumference. The type, severity, and prevalence rate of malnutrition were defined based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: The sample was hospitalized children and adults: 108 and 571 were children aged 6 months to 18.9 years old and adult patients, respectively. The overall rate of pediatric wasting (weight-for-height ≤ -2 SD or 2 BMI ≤-2 SD, kg/m²) was 19.0% (n = 19/100) and that of stunting (height-for-age ≤ -2 SD) was 13.9% (n=14/101). Using either the mid-upper arm circumference <11.5 cm or the weight-for-height and weight-for-length ≤ 3 SD, the rate of severe wasting among children aged 6-59 months old was 7.0% (n=3/43). None of the children were obese based on weight-for-length, weight-for-height, or BMI. In adults, the prevalence of under-nutrition (BMI<18.5 kg/m²) was 33.3% (n=141/423) while that of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was 0.9% (n=4/423). Adults admitted to the Respiratory Diseases ward had the highest prevalence of under-nutrition, 40.9% (n=38/93). Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was high in this cohort of hospitalized patients, particularly in adults, but comparable to other published reports. Obesity was nearly nonexistent in both children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]