Bulls are listed in Vietnam's book of endangered species

Forest rangers in Dong Phu District said they have been recording more cases of illegal hunting of bulls in recent years.

At least one bull was shot in 2010. Another was found being trapped in November, 2011, along with another trapping case in May 2012.

Local forest rangers face obstacles in monitoring the forest because most of the land has been allocated to organisations or individuals for management.

Nguyen Hoang Hao, an official from the Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Biosphere Reserve, said, “These bulls are a rare and precious species in Vietnam. They are listed in the country’s book of endangered species. It's necessary to set up a protected zone where these animals will be in a safe habitat and protected from poachers."

Local forest rangers in Dong Phu said the natural forest habitat of the bulls has also been sharply decreasing in recent years due to deforestation and industry, falling from nearly 5,000 hectares in 2005 to only 2,948 hectares in 2012.

Last June, the reserve, in coordination with forest rangers in Dong Phu District, conducted a survey of bull herds in the area. They found only two herds in the district, with a combined population of nearly 20 animals.