Did you know that tens of thousands of species on our planet are endangered or critically endangered? These precious animals and plants are disappearing at an alarming rate, and it's up to us to work together to protect and preserve them.
On May 19th, we celebrate Endangered Species Day to raise awareness for this global effort. At Greater Good Charities, we're passionate about preserving endangered animals and plants year-round. One way we do this is through our Global Discovery Expeditions program, where we explore, study, and protect key biodiversity hotspots facing imminent threat and loss.
From the Madrean Archipelago to Vietnam
Our journey began with Madrean Discovery Expeditions, a 10-year program that studied the Madrean Archipelago's unique ecosystems. We surveyed 23 Sky Island sites, resulting in over 60,000 records processed into our growing database.
Now, we're taking our efforts global with the expansion of Global Discovery Expeditions to Vietnam. We're studying key ecosystems at the Sao La Nature Reserve, a globally recognized key biodiversity area in the He province, part of the Annamite Mountain chain.
A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity
Vietnam is one of the 16 most biodiverse countries in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund and Nature & Biodiversity Conservation Agency (BCA). This rich environment of lush forests and mountains is home to over 50,000 species of plants and animals. Sadly, habitat loss, hunting, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade are driving thousands of these species to extinction.
Our mission in Vietnam focuses on regions requiring baseline surveys or continuing assessments of local biota. With over 13,000 species of land-based plants, 10,000 species of land-based animals, 39 types of wetlands, 20 marine ecosystems, and more than 11,000 marine species, Vietnam needs our help.
Partnering with Wildlife at Risk (WAR)
Our efforts in Vietnam will be in collaboration with Wildlife at Risk (WAR), a Vietnam-based non-profit dedicated to the long-term conservation of Vietnam's threatened biodiversity. For the last two years, we've worked with WAR to support conservation activities within Vietnam, aiding trafficked pangolins and other endangered species.
Our Vietnam expedition will include three of our scientists, accompanied by eight Vietnamese scientists with diverse specialties. Our goal is to obtain over 1,000 records to be added to our public, all-species database, which is used for research, environmental education, and habitat protection.
Together, we can make a difference. By studying, documenting, and understanding the plant and animal species within an ecosystem, we can determine how best to protect them. Global Discovery Expeditions is an important initiative to propel these activities forward and help save our planet's diverse life.
Meet 6 Endangered Species in Vietnam
Pangolin
Critically endangered due to illegal poaching for their meat and scales. 
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Pygmy Slow Loris
At risk from deforestation and illegal poaching for pets, souvenirs, and traditional medicine. 
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Saola
Critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching in Vietnam. 
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Indochinese tiger
Only an estimated 350 individuals remain today.
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siamese crocodile
The most threatened crocodile in the world, with an estimated 500 to 1,000 mature individuals left due to habitat destruction. 
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Indochinese box turtle
Suffering from habitat destruction and extensive illegal poaching for pets, food, or medicine. 
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With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of these endangered species. This Endangered Species Day, let's come together to raise awareness and take action to protect our planet's precious inhabitants.
