Vietnam: IBSS Scientists Conduct Landscape-Ecological Research in Cat Tien National Park

Specialists from the A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBSS) have completed the second expeditionary phase of their study on the ecological state of landscapes in Central and Southern Vietnam. Their work was fully carried out within Cat Tien National Park, a unique example of tropical forest and part of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve.

The scientists focused on studying soils and plant communities formed on volcanic bedrock. During the expedition, they examined four sites—both beneath the forest canopy and in agricultural areas—collecting a total of 74 soil and vegetation samples. Additionally, they took water samples from the Dong Nai River, the second-largest river in Southern Vietnam, which flows through the national park.

“Cat Tien plays a crucial role in protecting rare animal and plant species, making it one of the country’s most important reserves. Its flora and fauna include many endangered species, and its ecosystems require protection and attention to preserve this unique biodiversity. I must highlight our fascinating trip to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake), where the critically endangered Siamese crocodile still survives. This experience left an unforgettable impression on the entire expedition team,” shared Polina Drygval, a junior researcher at the IBSS Laboratory of Landscape Ecology and Geomatics.

The first part of the expedition took place in the Ma Da Forest, where researchers surveyed five study sites, collecting nearly 100 soil, vegetation, and water samples from the Dong Nai River. They also documented the structure of plant communities and landscape components.

СПРАВКА:

- Экспедиция проходит в рамках пятилетней программы исследований учёных Института биологии южных морей имени А.О. Ковалевского РАН и Института тропической экологии Совместного Российско-Вьетнамского Тропического научно-исследовательского и технологического центра по теме: «Изучение особенностей функционирования и динамики ландшафтов Центрального и Южного Вьетнама в условиях антропогенной нагрузки и изменения климата для создания научных основ их рационального использования»;

- Руководители проекта: от российской части - директор ФИЦ ИнБЮМ, д.г.н. Роман Горбунов, от вьетнамской – директор Института тропической экологии, профессор Нгуен Данг Хой.