When it comes to nature and wildlife, Vietnam is one of the most biodiverse countries globally. The fact that the country’s geography is covered with coastlines, caves, mountains, and dense forests provides a habitat for wildlife.
Wildlife and Nature
When it comes to nature and wildlife, Vietnam is one of the most biodiverse countries globally. The fact that the country’s geography is covered with coastlines, caves, mountains, and dense forests provides a habitat for wildlife. This resulted in more than 300 species of mammals, 800 birds, 700 freshwater species, 280 reptiles, 7,700 insects, and more than 10,000 species of flora native to Vietnam.
These amazing creatures include Red-Shanked Douc, Sun/Moon Bear, Vietnamese Mossy Frog, Indochinese Tiger, Indian Elephant, Pygmy Slow Loris, Asian Water Monitor, Water Buffalo, Burmese Python, and many more. Additionally, Vietnam boasts 30 national parks in the country. Therefore, a Vietnam Wildlife Tour should be on your itinerary if you plan to visit the country.
However, a rapid increase in population and the illegal wildlife trade have led to environmental concerns and a high decline in the numbers of many wildlife. Not to mention threats such as climate change, environmental pollution, and disease. This puts various wildlife species at a severe chance of extinction. In addition, the forests have been consistently pushed back due to land clearing. For the purpose of commercial users such as agricultural and housing.
When it comes to wildlife conservation, Vietnam is trying to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade. In order to pose a significant threat to the survival of many endangered species. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Government has focused on improving the legal framework on wildlife conservation and protection. The aim is to tackle the illegal wildlife trade in Asia. For instance, interacting with local communities through education on conservation and awareness, encourage responsible tourism, and respect nature and wildlife.
Endangered Primate Research Center (EPRC) and Khiri Reach
Two closely interrelated missions must be achieved to conserve and protect wildlife and nature: conserving the ecosystem in which wildlife lives and protecting them from the invasion of numerous objective and subjective factors.
Various organizations are very conscious of the need to take care of and protect these unique and at-risk rare animals. Such is the case of the Endangered Primate Research Center at the Cuc Phuong National Park. Located in Ninh Binh Province, in Vietnam’s Red River Delta, about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi.
Endangered Primate Research Center (EPRC) is one of Vietnam’s first animal rescue centers and one of Southeast Asia’s largest centers. EPRC is a non-profit organization that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitation, breeding, research, and the conservation of endangered primate species in Vietnam. As a result, there is approximately 190 wildlife from 15 different species of langurs, lorises, and gibbons at EPRC. The species include the Delacour’s langur, the Northern white-cheeked gibbon, the Pygmy lories, and many more.
It is one of the projects supported by our charity Khiri Reach that supports animal welfare. The center is home to 190 individuals of 15 primate species and subspecies – six species there exist nowhere else in captivity. Besides its rescue duties, the center has also led essential activities, including a program to release captive animals back into the wild.
The park, which is an easy day trip from Hanoi, organizes night trips into the forest. These unique tours offer opportunities to see the more elusive mammal species. For example, the Black Giant Squirrel, the Indian Flying Squirrel, Samba Deer, Loris, and several small carnivores.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Not only home to the EPRC, but Cuc Phuong National Park is also home to beautiful tropical birds, many of which endemic to Vietnam and Indochina. Cuc Phuong National Park is the first Vietnamese national park and the largest nature reserve in the country. Created by President Ho Chi Minh back in 1962, it is one of the most important sites for biodiversity in Vietnam.
Some of the 308 species of rare birds that visitors might encounter. Includes the Silver Pheasant, the Red-collared Woodpecker, the Brown Hornbill, and the Bar-bellied Pitta. Cuc Phuong is becoming a must-see destination for scientists, birdwatchers, and those travelers looking for a closer experience with the natural world.
Also, there are more than 2,000 species of a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna that can be found in Cuc Phuong National Park. Other park inhabitants include 97 species of mammals, 36 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 11 fish, and thousands of types of insects that live in this park.
Khiri Travel is proud to have been a long-standing partner of the project. Despite the current situation, hopes to support further the EPRC and the protection and conservation of this wonderful wildlife and nature. Visiting this fabulous center, learning about the primates, and simply being surrounded by stunning scenery. Also, interact with people who care deeply for the work they do is inspiring for any visitor.
Tour experiences
Upon arrival, visit the Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the park. Next, you will visit Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Rescue Center (the former name CPCP, which is no longer actively in use). There are two areas: wild & education animals, which the center can’t release back to the wild. The group might see a pangolin, but we won’t wake them up if the animals don’t come out.
The pangolin feeding time is from 18.00-18.30pm. Meet with Mr. Nguyen Van Thai – director of Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Rescue Center. Around 10meter from we won’t wake them up ave Vietnam’s Wildlife.
You will walk about 5 minutes to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre (EPRC). You will take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility to see how it works. In the meantime, speak to the people in charge about their daily care for these animals.
Guided by the staff of the Centre, you will wander through the sanctuary. Also, if the timing is right, see animal feeding and the hand-reared babies. Due to the nature of the reserve, these activities cannot be guaranteed. After the tour, you will be able to ask in-depth questions to the staff. Who are open, dedicated, and willing to share their stories.
At the center, you will have a chance to meet Khiri Travel’s adopted langurs – a species endemic to Vietnam and that is in danger of extinction.
For more information on this Khiri Reach project in Vietnam or booking requests, please contact us at sales.vietnam@khiri.com or visit our website at Khiri Vietnam.