When tiny creatures reveal the bigger picture of biodiversity in the north-eastern limestone region of Vietnam
With its highly dissected terrain, well-developed cave systems, and the interweaving of soil – forest – cave habitats, this region forms an ecosystem with a complex structure. Within it, hymenopterans, myriapods and soil nematodes play vital roles in pollination, organic matter decomposition, pest control, and reflecting environmental changes. Owing to these functions, they are considered important “bioindicators” of the limestone ecosystem.
In response to the need to supplement data on bioindicators of limestone ecosystems, during the period 2023–2025, a research team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Anh, Prof. Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Lien, Dr Vu Thi Thanh Tam and colleagues at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (now the Institute of Biology), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), implemented the project: “Development of a level I excellent research group on exploring diversity and application potential of hymenopterans, myriapods and soil nematodes in the north-eastern limestone region of Vietnam” (NCXS01.04/23-25). The study aims to clarify the biodiversity structure, ecological value and application potential of these organism groups, while establishing a database to support conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in limestone mountainous areas.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Anh collects samples in the field
A biodiversity picture of the north-east
The research team adopted an interdisciplinary approach, combining taxonomy, ecology, genetics and biochemistry. The three organism groups were studied as functional components reflecting environmental conditions and evolutionary processes of the limestone ecosystem.
Field surveys were conducted across eight northern mountainous provinces, including Cao Bang, Ha Giang (now part of Tuyen Quang Province), Lao Cai, Bac Kan (now part of Thai Nguyen Province), Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang (now part of Bac Ninh Province), and Lang Son, covering a wide range of habitats from primary forests and secondary forests to limestone caves. Species identification was carried out through a combination of morphological analysis and gene sequencing (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S).
The results recorded 344 species/morphospecies of hymenopterans, 95 species of myriapods and 131 species/morphospecies of soil nematodes. Notably, the team described 22 species new to science and one new genus, while adding 20 genera and 19 species newly recorded for the fauna of Vietnam. In addition, many other morphospecies are still under analysis and have the potential to be identified as new species in subsequent studies.
Hylomus longspinosus Nguyen et al., 2025 – a newly described millipede species
Antepipona concava Nguyen, Dang & AD Nguyen – a newly described species
From the collected samples, the team established a database on species composition, distribution, morphological and genetic characteristics of these organism groups. Based on this, 25 soil animal species have been identified as potential bioindicators for assessing environmental conditions and soil quality in limestone ecosystems.
Vastnema crassicutaneum Vu et al., 2025 – a new nematode genus and species for science
In addition to ecological value, the study also recorded 33 species with potential applications in biology and medicine. Many hymenopteran species possess venom containing highly bioactive compounds; several peptides extracted from wasps have demonstrated the ability to inhibit cancer cells under experimental conditions. Meanwhile, nematodes and myriapods can be used as tools for assessing soil quality and monitoring environmental changes.
Some venomous hymenopteran species recorded during field surveys: Vespa soror (Left); Nest of Vespa tropica (Right)
Expanding to the north-west
Based on the findings from the north-east, the research team has identified the expansion of surveys to the north-western limestone region as the next step towards completing the overall picture of limestone biodiversity in northern Vietnam. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Anh, the north-west remains data-deficient but is predicted to harbour many endemic species and valuable genetic resources due to its high level of habitat isolation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Duc Anh (left) and the research team during a field survey
Upcoming studies will utilise the standardised database and genetic barcoding system developed from the north-eastern region to compare DNA similarity among biological populations, identify geographical barriers, ecological corridors, and assess soil environmental quality through indicator species. At the same time, comparing the biological activity of peptides derived from hymenopterans between the two regions may further clarify their pharmaceutical potential.
In addition to scientific outcomes, the project also focuses on building a biological–genetic data platform, standardising research methodologies, and training young scientists. This database will serve as a long-term resource for future research on biodiversity and biological applications in Vietnam.
The VAST evaluation council recognised the project as having achieved many outstanding results, contributing numerous new taxa to science and to the fauna of Vietnam, and publishing 18 international papers (16 Q1 and 2 Q2). The project was rated A and is considered one of the most representative studies in limestone biodiversity research in recent years.
The study has helped clarify the structure and function of the north-eastern limestone ecosystem, while opening new research directions in the north-west to complete the biodiversity picture of northern mountainous Vietnam. These results provide an important scientific basis for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in the context of current environmental changes.
Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version
