conservationists<\/a> with crucial data on the key threats to the region\u2019s many species. It was conducted by nature conservation charity Fauna & Flora, and its local and global partners.<\/p>\n\u201cThe Annamites mountain range\u2014sometimes called the \u2018Amazon of Asia\u2019\u2014is alive with a host of incredible creatures, each playing a critical role in maintaining the forest ecosystems that are vital to the health of our planet,\u201d Gareth Goldthorpe, a Senior Technical Adviser, Asia-Pacific, Fauna & Flora said in a statement. \u201cThis camera-trap data allows us to discover some of the Annamites\u2019 rarest species, while also understanding more about their behaviour, preferred topography and their interactions with human settlements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Take a look at nine of the survey\u2019s exciting finds below. (Click to expand images to full screen.)<\/em><\/p>\nAsian elephant<\/h2>\n\n\nDespite being the smallest elephant species, Asian elephants (Elephas maximus<\/em>) need room to roam. Forest fragmentation is arguably their greatest threat because it increases their exposure to poaching and to human-elephant conflict. To ensure the species\u2019 long-term survival, protecting and connecting the remaining forested landscapes is critical.Image: \u00a9 Fauna & Flora.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSun bear<\/h2>\n\n\nThe name sun bear (Helarctos malayanus<\/em>) comes from this mammal\u2019s distinctive orange-yellow chest patch. These play-fighting sun bears have poor eyesight and hearing. However, they make up for it with a powerful sense of smell\u2014and strength. Their claws can excavate a bees\u2019 nest and rip open termite mounts, which are as hard as concrete concrete. Sun bears are currently threatened by deforestation and poaching for their gall bladder and paws. Image: \u00a9 Fauna & Flora.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nClouded leopard<\/h2>\n\n\nThe clouded leopard\u2019s (Helarctos malayanus<\/em>) markings make it a prime target for poachers in the illegal wildlife trade. The felines are often trafficked alive as exotic pets and their pelts are illegally sold to make luxury clothing and decorations. They also may be killed for their teeth, claws, and bones, which are passed off as tiger parts. Image: \u00a9 Fauna & Flora.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGreat hornbill<\/h2>\n\n\nGreat hornbills (Buceros bicornis<\/em>) are large birds that play an important role as seed dispersers. They feed on fruit high in the forest canopy and then fly around, spreading seeds as they go. This and other hornbill species have earned the nickname \u201cbarometers of biodiversity\u201d because the presence of these threatened birds is a strong indicator of a healthy forest. Image: \u00a9 Fauna & Flora.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n