Below you can find a complete list of Vietnamese animals. We currently track 293 animals in Vietnam and are adding more every day!
Vietnam belongs to the Indomalayan realm of biogeographic areas. It’s considered to be very high in biodiversity. The climate of Vietnam varies according to region. Vietnam has several regions such as plains, tropical forests, mountains, rivers, and beaches.
It is also affected by tropical storms and typhoons. Vietnam is ranked 16th in biodiversity compared to the rest of the world.
It is home to roughly 16% of all species in the world. Vietnam is home to about 260 species of reptiles, 120 species of amphibians, 840 species of birds, and 310 species of mammals.
Some examples of Vietnam’s animal species include:
The official national animal of Vietnam is the water buffalo. The water buffalo is very important to Vietnam’s culture and history.
Its docile and gentle demeanor allows it to be tamed easily, and it is widely used for farming and other work tasks. Water buffalos are so crucial to farmers in Vietnam that they are treated as a member of the family.
Water buffalos are considered endangered and are often hunted for their hide and horns. Natural predators of the water buffalo include tigers and crocodiles. They are herbivores and love spending time in the water. Aquatic vegetation makes up the majority of their diet.
Rarest Animals Found in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many unique and rare animal species.
Here are some of the rarest animals found in Vietnam:
Saola – The Saola, also known as the “Asian unicorn,” is a critically endangered antelope-like species that is found only in the Annamite Mountains on the border between Vietnam and Laos.
Giant ibis – The Giant ibis is a critically endangered bird species that are found only in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It is the largest ibis species in the world and is one of the rarest birds in Southeast Asia.
Red-shanked douc – The Red-shanked douc is a critically endangered primate that is found only in the central highlands of Vietnam. It is known for its striking and colorful appearance.
Largest Animals Found in Vietnam
Several huge animal species, as well as a wide variety of plants and animals, may be found in Vietnam.
The following list includes some of the biggest animals in Vietnam:
Asian elephant – The Asian elephant is the largest land animal in Vietnam and can weigh up to 5,500 kg. It is found in the forests of central and southern Vietnam.
Saltwater crocodile – The saltwater crocodile is the largest crocodile species in the world and can weigh up to 1,000 kg. It is found in the rivers and coastal areas of southern Vietnam.
Gaur – The gaur, also known as the Indian bison, is the largest wild cattle species in the world and can weigh up to 1,500 kg. It is found in the forests of central and southern Vietnam.
Water buffalo – The water buffalo is an important domestic animal in Vietnam and can weigh up to 900 kg. It is used for farming and transportation in rural areas.
Where To Find The Top Wildlife in Vietnam
Vietnam has a large number of colorful wildlife species. Some of the more famous native animals and where you can find them are as follows:
Red-Shanked Douc – these colorful monkeys live high in the Vietnam jungle canopies. You can find them primarily in central Vietnam between Pleiku and Vinh.
Great Hornbill – the hornbill is an easily recognizable bird with its large size, distinctive bill, and colorful plumage. You can find them flying and perching in the hilly old-growth forests of Vietnam.
Indian Elephant – Indian elephants are native to Vietnam, but their numbers are few. Many of them are now in reserves and sanctuaries. You can find them in Dak Lak Province.
Sun Bear – these small bears are also called honey bears because honey is mainly what they eat. They can be found throughout Vietnam, but they are shy and reclusive.
Vietnamese Mossy Frog – this native frog has green bumpy skin that looks like moss, which makes it hard to spot. It’s mainly found in north Vietnam.
Asian Water Monitor – this large lizard species can grow to two meters in length. It’s found throughout Vietnam near water sources. Its large size and powerful tail can make it dangerous if provoked.
Water Buffalo – the water buffalo is the national animal of Vietnam and can be seen in nearly any rural area.
Burmese Python – this shy, nonvenomous snake is found throughout Vietnam but primarily near water sources. They are often kept as pets.
The Most Dangerous Animals In Vietnam Today
The dangerous animals in Vietnam mainly come in the form of venomous snakes. There are several species of venomous snakes in Vietnam, including the king cobra, many-banded krait, white-lipped pit viper, and the Malayan pit viper.
Of these, the Malayan pit viper and the king cobra are the most aggressive and most likely to stray into human territory.
Vietnam is also home to saltwater crocodiles, which are the largest living reptiles in the world. The specimens found in Vietnam tend to be larger than average. However, the good news is that they are largely extinct in Vietnam. They mainly live in the northern wetlands near China.
Vietnam has a few dangerous insects in the Vietnamese giant centipede and the mosquito. Malaria and dengue fever rates in Vietnam tend to be quite high. The giant centipede is mainly found in jungles, but it’s fairly aggressive and contains neurotoxic venom.
Endangered Animals In Vietnam
There are a number of endangered animals in Vietnam, including famous species like the water buffalo. The following are some other endangered animals in Vietnam:
A number of different bird, snake, and frog species are likely extinct in Vietnam, but actual numbers are unknown.
Native Wildlife To Vietnam
Vietnam has roughly 11,217 species of native animals in a generally hot and humid climate. Various monkeys are native to Vietnam, including the lar gibbon and douc monkey species. Vietnam is also home to a large number of reptiles, including venomous and nonvenomous snake species as well as crocodiles and monitors lizards. Vietnamese waters are home to a variety of sea life as well.
Here are a few animals that are native to Vietnam:
The flag of Vietnam has transitioned multiple times over the years, due to changing political and religious movements. One flag contains three red stripes, representing the blood of its people throughout the country, in southern, northern, and central Vietnam. The most common flag features a large five-point yellow star with a bright red background.
The flag represents the nation’s fight against French and communist leadership dominance. Despite its stormy past, the country is still united as a nation, as symbolized by the star on its flag.
National Flower of Vietnam
The national flower of Vietnam is the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera). The lotus is not only widespread across the country, but it is also an important part of Vietnam’s culture, often seen adorning buildings, in the country’s art, or on the menu of local restaurants and various tea shops.
The lotus flower symbolizes the dignity and resiliency of the Vietnamese people, who resonate with the plant’s ability to grow out of the mud and float on top of the water with beauty and dignity.
What often prevents more people from falling victim is that the banded krait does not always inject venom in a defensive bite. It saves the venom for hunting prey instead.
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What dangerous animals live in Vietnam?
Vietnam is home to several venomous snake species as well as saltwater crocodiles, disease-carrying mosquitos, and giant centipedes.
What animal represents Vietnam?
The national animal is the water buffalo.
Are there tigers in Vietnam?
Tigers are largely considered to be extinct in Vietnam. Some may still live in evergreen forests in Central and North Vietnam.