red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) (Critically Endangered), white-rumped falcon (Polihierax insignis) (Near Threatened),
lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) (Vulnerable). We also encountered two Near Threatened (IUCN, 2012) species
of mammals: silvered langur (Trachypithecus cristatus) and black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor). All of this information
demonstrate the importance of these two sites, even if there is no planned quantitative tracking of the status of key species
over time. We have quantified change in conservation status of a large-bodied terrestrial vertebrate and shown that in Yok
Don National Park the species has declined substantially, whereas in Cat Tien National Park it has maintained its population
in important tourist areas. The increase in tourist activity in Cat Tien National Park, with a consequent increase in financial
revenue for the area, might have encouraged the adjacent rural communites to avoid disturbing the forest (i.e. hunting and
grazing cattle in the park) as well as increased the park’s management effectiveness. Outside such managed areas, however,
there are serious problems, as evidenced by the loss of the last one-horned rhinoceros in the park and which marked its
extinction in Vietnam and mainland Southeast Asia.
Limiting free-range grazing and the setting of bushfires inside Yok Don National Park might reduce the level of
disturbance to green peafowl and other wildlife. An increase in protection around water sources is necessary because green
peafowl and other wildlife seem likely to gather here, especially in the dry season if not all year round. The streams and
rivers in Yok Don National Park, such as Dak Na, Dak Klau and Dak Ken streams in the south part, Sero Pok River in the
center and Dak Rue stream in the north which would benefit from an increase in protection on both sides should be a first
priority for conservation action in Yok Don. The grassland in the south-east of Cat Tien National Park is very close to a village
and it seemed that green peafowl was less sensitive to human settlement as it had been reported flying across Dong Nai
River and roosting near a village outside the park. Green peafowl in this area is well known to birdwatchers and as a result
villagers have given importance to the species, which is now subject to low hunting pressure inside Cat Tien National Park.
In contrast, Yok Don National Park is not easily accessible for general tourists and birdwatchers. Several bird species that we
recorded during the survey were birds of dry deciduous habitat and are listed as threatened species. These species may be
of interest to birdwatchers and the area could be promoted for this activity. This may, in turn, lead to the villagers inside and
around the park increasing their awareness and giving importance to wildlife and the forest in Yok Don. Ideally, a wildlife
monitoring program would be conducted at the same time to provide an assessment of trends in wildlife populations and
identifying threats, if present in the area.
The results from this study have been presented and discussed with the chief and staff of both Cat Tien and Yok Don
National Parks. In Yok Don National Park, we have discussed concentrating patrolling effort in the areas where there is important
habitat as a way of addressing problems of disturbance and as a first step towards appropriate management. Park
staff took part in the survey and so understand the field protocols used.