The project aims to clarify the diversity of myriapod fauna (Myriapoda) in karst ecosystems in the northeastern Vietnam in order to support the biodiversity conservation.
Objectives:
- Assessing the species diversity of myriapods in the karst ecosystems in the northeastern Vietnam.
- Evaluating the distribution of myriapod species in karst ecosystems.
- Figuring out the species diversity and endemism of myriapod fauna in cave systems.

-  A total of 38 myriapod species in 24 genera, 19 families, 13 orders and 2 classes (Diplopoda and Chilopoda) have been recorded in four surveyed areas: Cham Chu (Tuyen Quang Prov.), Bac ME (Ha Giang Prov.), Pia Oac – Pia Den (Cao Bang) and Nam Xuan Lac (Bac Can).
- One genus was described from the project areas, namely Tonkinomeris Nguyen, Sierwald & Marek, 2019. In addition, three new species were also described: Tonkinomeris napoensis Nguyen, Sierwald & Marek, 2019, Rhopalomeris sauda Nguyen, Sierwald & Marek, 2019, Hylomus namek Nguyen et al., 2019.
- Most of recorded myriapod species have been found mainly in natural forests. A few species have been recorded dominantly in cultivated habitats, including: Helicorthomorpha holstii, Oxidus gigas, Trigoniulus corallinus và Otostigmus scaber. Members of the order Julida have been found in high elevation (1200-1600m) which is considered to be subtropical or temperate region.
- About six species have been found only in caves. Two genera (Glyphiulus and Eurtichodesmus) and one species have been commonly recorded in caves. The genus Sinocallipus was rare and found only in two caves in Cham Chu NR.

Sphaerobelum hirsutus

Landscape of Nam Xuan Lac Nature Reserve

- Three new species and one genus were discovered and described.
-  A collection of more than 200 specimens was built up for futher research and education.

- Scientific papers in referred journals (list):
1.    Nguyen A.D., Nguyen M.H., Nguyen T.T.A., Phung T.H.L. 2019. Review of dragon millipedes (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) in the fauna of Vietnam, with descriptions of three new species. Zoological Studies, 58:14. doi:10.6620/ZS.2019.58-14.
2.    Nguyen A.D., Sierwald P., Marek P.E., 2019. The pill millipedes of Vietnam: a key to genera and descriptions of five new species (Diplopoda: Glomerida: Glomeridae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 67: 260–297.

3.    Nguyen Duc Anh, Petra Sierwald, 2019. Distribution and descriptive characteristics of the two giant pill millipedes of the genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae) in Vietnam. TAP CHI SINH HOC, 41(1): 9-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15625/0866-7160/v41n1.11400.

- Specimen collections (if applicable): More than 200 individuals of 38 myriapod species.

The specimen collection should be housed in the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) for further research and education.