Vietnamese Crocodile Lizard

Only 100 left: saving the Vietnamese Crocodile Lizard from immediate extinction

The Vietnamese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis) is endangered by habitat loss and overcollection for the international trade. According to the most recent estimate, fewer than 100 mature individuals might still exit in its natural habitat in northeastern Vietnam. Due to a continued decline, the immediate implementation of conservation measures is crucial to protect the Vietnamese population from extinction.

This project follows an integrative approach towards strengthening conservation of the population. This approach includes a survey of the remaining subpopulation in several provinces in northern Vietnam using both traditional surveying methods and an advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) technique. The data are not only crucial for targeted conservation measures but can also be used for future reintroduction efforts, should the wild population severely decline or completely vanish. The project furthermore investigates collecting and trafficking activities through interviews with local people and in online platforms. Protected area staff and forest rangers are trained in using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) to track effectiveness of patrolling activities. Local people and tourists in the region are informed of the project findings.