The survey results from 2016 to 2024 show that Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa) is hiding a " life treasure trove" with 103 species of amphibians and reptiles. Most curious is that 4 species have never appeared in any document of Thanh Hoa.
Notable are Linh Nam Swallow Spurs - a species of round-bodied, smooth-skinned frog, producing strange sounds; Orlov Swallow Spurs - small as a fingertip but with a very unique disguised color; Denny Spurs - often hidden on high leaf layers, bright eyes at night; and especially the Short-tailed Earth Dragon - an animal with a strange shape, similar to an "old-famous Langer", rarely appearing in front of humans.
Not only that, Pu Luong also recorded 30 more species found for the first time in the reserve, including many names that made the biological community "shocked": Nam Dong Cranberries, Pasmans Par American Cranberries, Earth Parrots, large-headed Turtles, Riding Mountain Turtles...
These species appear most often in least affected secondary forests where moisture, leaves and a suitable habitat are still retained. In particular, the forest area near Pu Luong village is a "biodiversity hot spot", with up to 50 species recorded in just one survey.
According to experts, Pu Luong is currently a sanctuary for 20 endangered species, including species classified as extremely endangered (CR) such as Golden recorded Turtle, large-headed Turtle, or species with toxicity and high ecological value such as the tiger snake.
However, these rare species are under great pressure: grazing cattle in the forest, hunting for meat or trading for ornamental purposes. Scientists warn that if protection is not tightened, many species that have just been "discovered" can quickly disappear.
