How vietnam’s cave conservation efforts are bringing wildlife back from the brink

In 1988, Vietnamese hunter Hồ Khanh made an extraordinary discovery while seeking shelter from a storm—he had stumbled into what would later be identified as the world’s largest cave. But in that moment, his attention was focused on the dense jungle above, where he hunted endangered species like slow lorises and pangolins, and searched for precious agarwood trees. When the weather cleared, he continued his hunt and eventually forgot about the mysterious cave opening.

This forgotten discovery would later transform both the region and its wildlife. When British cave explorers Howard and Deb Limbert heard Hồ’s story in 2007, they partnered with him to relocate the cave within what had become Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. The cave system they rediscovered was so massive it contained underground rivers and chambers large enough to house entire city blocks.

The establishment of the national park and the subsequent focus on cave conservation has had an unexpected benefit: wildlife populations are making a remarkable comeback. Howard Limbert, who has been exploring the region since the 1990s, recalls that wildlife was barely visible during the early years when hunting pressure was intense. Now, with increased protection and alternative livelihoods for former hunters like Hồ Khanh—who has become a cave guide—the jungle is showing signs of recovery.

This conservation success story demonstrates how protecting unique geological formations can create broader ecological benefits, offering hope for endangered species recovery in one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse regions.