Wild canids have been sighted in Na Com, Hin Phon, Huoi Chanh, and Son Tong villages in Nua Ngam commune from April to 15/7. The animals attacked the buffalo and cows of 31 households, causing an estimated loss of 350 million VND. Na Com village suffered the most significant damage, with 23 cows killed, while Huoi Chanh village also lost 17 cattle.

Locals confirmed the culprits were wild canids due to the bite marks left on the livestock and having witnessed the animals themselves.

The Vietnam Administration of Forestry and Forest Protection said based on the evidence, the species attacking the livestock could be golden jackals (Canis aureus) or dholes (Cuon alpinus). Both species are listed under Group IB of the endangered, rare, and protected species list.

A cow killed by wild canids. Photo: *Nua Ngam Commune People's Committee*

The Administration has requested the Dien Bien Sub-department of Forest Protection to coordinate with the commune authorities and relevant units to investigate and implement appropriate solutions to protect residents while ensuring wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. The administration also requested Dien Bien province to educate residents about preventative measures, respecting the natural habitats of wild animals, and refraining from illegal hunting.

Regulations stipulate that in any instance where endangered, rare, and precious animals threaten to harm the property or lives of people, organizations, households, or individuals, preventative and deterrent measures must be applied to minimize harm to the animals.

In cases where endangered, rare, and precious animals directly attack people outside special-use forests and nature reserves after deterrent measures have been applied without success, the commune-level People's Committee will decide and directly organize the capture of the animals. If the animals pose a threat to human life and cannot be deterred, repelled, or captured, defensive measures are permitted.

Gia Chinh