COMMUNITY FRONTLINE DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Facing deadly threats every day, the Community Forest Patrol Team in Chư Yang Sin National Park risks their lives to protect endangered wildlife from ruthless poachers. Their dedication is unwavering—but without urgent support, they cannot continue patrols in one of Vietnam’s most dangerous yet vital forests,  a vital carbon sink absorbing up to 7.5 million tons of CO₂ each year, crucial in the global fight against climate change.

Over 165 illegal poaching camps have been dismantled and nearly 3,400 deadly traps destroyed — a remarkable effort that has saved countless lives of endangered wildlife in Chư Yang Sin . (© WildAct ).

Chư Yang Sin: A Last Refuge Under Threat

Urgent! Deep in Vietnam’s Central Highlands lies Chư Yang Sin National Park—one of the Vietnam's most critical biodiversity hotspots. This vast forest shelters rare and critically endangered species, including the elusive giant muntjac and grey-shanked douc. But it’s under siege.

Every day, the forest is littered with brutal snares—silent killers set by professional poachers who won’t hesitate to use violence. They are heavily armed, dangerous individuals, some known to open fire when confronted. Their traps maim and kill indiscriminately, threatening not just wildlife—but the brave forest guardians protecting them. 

Community Forest Patrol Team (CCT)  

In response to this snare-crisis, WildAct has been instrumental in implementing activities to restore safe habitats for wildlife and protect biodiversity in CYSNP by establishing and operating the Community Forest Patrol Team (CCT). Collaborating with forest rangers, CCT conducts regular patrols and monitors the sustainable maintenance of the environment. Comprising H’Mong ethnic community members living in the buffer zones of CYSNP, many of whom were former hunters, CCT members possess deep knowledge of the local terrain and culture. Inspired and determined, they have transformed into forest guardians. Between May 2023 and May 2024, they dismantled over 165 illegal hunting camps and destroyed nearly 3,400 various traps, rescuing numerous critically endangered wildlife in CYSNP.  

Challenges Faced - What difficulties rangers in Chu Yang Sin National Park are facing?

Despite ensuring the survival of wildlife in CYSNP, the task is perilous and fraught with challenges. Without proper equipment, CCT members often confront seasoned and aggressive poachers, who are willing to "open fire" to protect their illicit interests. This disparity makes patrol duties extremely dangerous.  

The treacherous terrain of CYSNP, characterized by steep and slippery mountains, high cliffs, and narrow trails, constantly tests the patience and resilience of the patrol team. Such conditions demand constant vigilance and sharp judgment to detect traps or avoid ambushes by poachers lurking in the shadows. Every step in the forest is fraught with risk but also represents hope—a chance to save species on the brink of extinction and protect the ecological corridor of CYSNP.  

The devastating traces left behind by illegal wildlife hunting — alongside the confiscated traps and tools recovered during the CCT’s high-risk patrols — are stark reminders of the ongoing threat deep within the forest . (© WildAct ) .  

Urgent Needs

Courage and determination alone are not enough. To enhance safety and effectiveness, CCT members urgently need:

• Protective Gear & Mission Provisions: Essential for ensuring safety and extending the reach of their patrols deep into the forest.

• Specialized Patrol Equipment & Training: Local community members require proper gear and skills in wildlife rescue and patrol techniques.

• Advanced Technology: Improved monitoring tools are critical for detecting threats and saving endangered wildlife in real time.

Frontline Defenders of Wildlife Need Your Support - How are your funds going to help

To ensure "Step Up for Nature," we urgently seek the support of benefactors to raise $17,000 to fund patrol missions, dismantle animal traps, rescue wildlife, and report illegal logging and wildlife trade activities. We aim to raise $17.00 USD to:

• Providing additional food supplies and survival materials for patrol missions;  

• Supplying necessary protective equipment to enhance the safety of the team during operations;  

• Equipping the team with communication devices and advanced technology for monitoring and reporting patrol activities;  

• Conducting specialized training to enhance the team's capacity to respond to emergencies.

Including:

• $25/day – Help our patrol team remove snares and save lives.
• $50/month – Keep patrols moving with fuel, food, medicine, transport, and specialized training.
• $75/year – Equip rangers with boots, uniforms, outdoor gear, and GPS.
• $100/year – Secure their future with life insurance for them and their families.

These efforts aim to protect the rich biodiversity and ecosystems of CYSNP, enabling the forest to absorb millions of tons of CO₂ annually, thereby contributing to global climate change mitigation. 

Support today - Protect lives!

Previous Achievements - The efforts of WildAct Vietnam

Thanks to the community's support, WildAct has raised over $4,615 to cover surgery costs for brave ranger Ngô Đức Liên, who sustained severe injuries from 17 bullets during a confrontation with hunters while on duty. Recently, WildAct mobilized an additional $2,885 to assist families of forest protection officers facing hardships. While some support has been provided for living expenses, numerous significant challenges await forest protection forces operating in the harsh wilderness.  

WildAct Vietnam promotes transparency practice. Our financial report can be found here. In addition, an e-newsletter will be sent to your email every 3 months. 

In recent times , WildAct has been rallying the community to urgently join forces with forest rangers , specialized protection units , and the Community Forest Patrol Team working on the frontlines in Chư Yang Sin National Park . (© WildAct )  

About Chu Yang Sin National Park  

Chu Yang Sin National Park (CYSNP) located in Dak Lak Province in the Central Highlands. The park is one of the largest forest blocks in the Annamite ecoregion where was known as a global biodiversity hotspot with one of the highest levels of species endemism found anywhere on a continental setting. This park is also considered as the centre of the ecosystem of the area that occupies most of the Langbiang Plateau, adjacent to Bidoup Nui Ba National Park and two other nature reserves. This place is evaluated by scientists as one of the four main biodiversity centres of Vietnam.  

STEP UP TODAY — YOUR SUPPORT EMPOWERS THE COMMUNITY TO DEFEND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE AND THEIR FRAGILE HOME.