Species: Annamite Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata 
Organisation: Monitor Conservation Research Society
Project focus: Investigating the alarming and growing threat of illegal trade in Annamite Crested Argus
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Project date: January 2022 – March 2022
Supported by: Fondation Segré
The challenge
The Annamite Crested Argus occurs throughout the Annamite mountains in central and southern Vietnam and eastern Lao PDR. Previously described as common, high levels of hunting and snaring have been reported in its range resulting in extirpation in some sites and conservationists believe that rapid reduction in the wild population has occurred.
The species has mainly been hunted for meat, but recent reports have found a concerning number of animals circulating in the pet trade. In 2021 Monitor received information of live pheasants being trafficked from Vietnam to Indonesia to meet the demand for exotic pets. This was the first record of international trade for the species and indicates a potential growing threat to the conservation of this species.
The alarming news of emerging and growing trade for the species requires urgent attention and action to halt further trafficking of the Annamite Crested Argus.
The project
Monitor Conservation Research Society aims to curtail the illegal trade of the Annamite Crested Argus between Vietnam and Indonesia by:
- Gathering information on both ends of the trade chain about the dynamics of international trafficking for this species
- Employing an analyst to investigate information from online trade forums
- Sharing actionable information with enforcement agencies in order to halt Annamite Crested Argus trafficking
- Identifying key recommendations will protect this species from international wildlife and exotic pet trade
Project reports
Project reports will be added here
