Inle Lake wetland Sanctuary
The lake is 22 kilometers long, 11 kilometers wide and virtually surrounded by the beautiful Shan mountain ranges. Inle Lake is the county’s second biggest lake after Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State. The inhabitants of the Inle Lake are generally known as In-Thas. Specifically, the region’s menfolk are called In-Tha and womenfolk are called In-Thu. They live in houses built in and around the lake, some partly on the lake bank and partly in the water, some on lands bordering the lake bank, some in the water near the bank. They are known for their industrious and persevering mindset, which has helped them survive by growing a wide variety of flowers, vegetables and fruits on the water on floating islands that are attached to the lake bed with long bamboo poles. The floating water hyacinth and tomato are the major products of the region. Many handmade accessories such as bags, shawls, headdresses, baskets and even robes for the monks are made from water hyacinth.
The lake is also eminent for its Floating Market nearby Ywama village which is run on every 5 days with Shan ethnic people. Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, also known as Jumping Cat Monastery as the monks have trained their cats to show acrobatic jump, near Ywama village is also one of the fantastic places to visit in Inle Lake.
Site Profile
Location
* Located between 20° 10′ N and 97° 02′ E in Naung Shwe, Pinlaung and Peh Kon Townships of Southern Shan State. Elevation over 2900 feet.
Area
* 642.32 square miles.
Year of Establishment * Established in 1985.
Access
* Yangon to Nyaung Shwe, 430 miles by car. * Yangon to Heho, 335 miles by air way and Heho to Nyaung Shwe, 14 miles by car. * Yangon via Thazi to Shwe Nyaung, 320 miles by train and Shwe Nyaung to Nyaung Shwe, 10 miles by car.
Objectives
* To conserve and protect natural vegetation, wetland birds and fresh water fishes in Inlay sanctuary. * To conserve geological features and scenic beauty of mountain areas. * To conserve Inlay watershed and maintain water resource for Law-Pi-Ta hydroelectric power plant. * To conserve and educate the local people in traditional floating agriculture practiced by “In” lake-dwellers. * To upgrade the Sanctuary so as to promote ecotourism.
Forest / Vegetative Types * Oryza granulate Dalbergia spinosa, Hypericum prunizolium, Coladium spp., Desmodium oblongum, Enhydra zluctuans, Panicum sarmentosum grow on the natural floating islets. Salix tetrasperma, Ficus spp. Crataexa nurvala, Mitragyna parvizolia, Salmalia malabarica syn., Bombax malabaricum are found in shallow water or on the shores.
Wildlife
* 37 species of birds * 27 species of wetland birds * 14 species of migratory birds * 40 species of freshwater fishes, otter and turtle
Conservation, Development and Research Programmes * Protection of land and wetland birds and conservation of their natural habitat and refuge. * Construction of bird watch-towers. * Cooperation with Inlay watershed conservation programme. * Implementation of environment conservation and research.
Opportunities for Study and Recreation * Observation of world renowned wetland ecosystem 2950 feet above sea level. * Observation and enjoyment of scenic beauty of the Shan plateau. * Observation and research on various types of birds. * Observation and of endemic fish species such as Ngapweh (Chaudhuria caudata) and Ngaku-Shinpa (Silurus bumanensis). * Observation of traditional agriculture practiced by lake dwellers.

Mein-ma-hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Mein-ma-hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Lower Myanmar (Burma). It is located in Bogale Township in Ayeyarwady Division. Mein-ma-hla means beautiful woman in Burmese, as the island is linked to a local Burmese myth. The wetland reserve is located on Mein-ma-hla island(kyun) and is classified as a mangrove ecosystem reserve. The reserve is occupies an area of and was established in 1986.
Flora and fauna
It has a total of 29 mangrove tree species and saltwater crocodiles.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of the city center of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. It is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park, or St. Paul Underground River. The entrance to the Subterranean River is a short hike from the town of Sabang. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the 28 finalists for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" competition.
Geography
The park has a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. Until the 2007 discovery of an underground river in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula,[1] the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was reputed to be the world's longest underground river.
The area also represents a habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999.
Flora
The Park has a range of forest formations representing eight of the thirteen forest types found in tropical Asia, namely forest over ultramafic soils, forest over limestone soils, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest. Researchers have identified more than 800 plant species from 300 genera and 100 families. These include at least 295 trees dominated by the dipterocarp type of species. In the lowland forest, large trees such as the Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Ipil (Intsia bijuga), Dita (Alstonia scholaris), Amugis (Koordersiodendrum pinnatum), and Apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis) are common. Beach forest species include Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum), Pongamia pinnata, and Erynthia orientalis. Other notable plant species include Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), Kamagong (Diospyros pulganensis) Pandan (Pandanus sp.) Anibong, and Rattan ('Calamus sp.)
Fauna
Birds comprise the largest group of vertebrates found in the park. Of the 252 bird species known to occur in Palawan, a total of 165 species of birds were recorded in the park. This represents 67% of the total birds and all of the 15 endemic bird species of Palawan. Notable species seen in the park are the blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), Tabon scrub fowl (Megapodius cumunigii), hill myna (Gracula religiosa), Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), white breasted sea eagle (Halitutus leucogates ).
There are also some 30 mammal species that have been recorded (Madulid, 1998). Most often observed in the forest canopy and along the shoreline feeding during low tide is the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the only primate found in the area. Other mammal species in the park are the bearded pig (Sus barbatus), bearcat (Arctictis binturong), Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei) and the Palawan porcupine (Hystrix pumilus)
19 species of reptiles have been identified, eight of which are endemic (Madulid, 1998). Common species in the area include large predators like the common reticulated python (Phython reticulatus), the monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) and the green crested lizard (Bronchocoela cristatella). Amphibian fauna include ten species. The Philippine woodland frog (Rana acanthi) is the most dominant and frequently encountered. One species, Barbourula busuangensis, endemic to Palawan was also observed in the area.
Notable are the nine species of bats, two species of swiftlets and whip spider (Stygophrynus sp.) found in the cave, and the sea cow (Dugong dugon) and the hawksbill sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) that feed in the coastal area of the park.
Lorentz National Park
Lorentz National Park is located in the Indonesian province of Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya (western New Guinea). With an area of 25,056 km² (9,674 mi²), it is the largest national park in South-East Asia. In 1999 Lorentz was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
An outstanding example of the biodiversity of New Guinea, Lorentz is one of the most ecologically diverse national parks in the world. It is the only nature reserve in the Asia-Pacific region to contain a full altitudinal array of ecosystems ranging through marine areas, mangroves, tidal and freshwater swamp forest, lowland and montane rainforest, alpine tundra, and equatorial glaciers. At 4884 meters, Puncak Jaya (formerly Carstensz Pyramid) is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes.
Birdlife International has called Lorentz Park “probably the single most important reserve in New Guinea”.[1] It contains five of World Wildlife Fund's "Global 200" ecoregions: Southern New Guinea Lowland Forests; New Guinea Montane Forests; New Guinea Central Range Subalpine Grasslands; New Guinea Mangroves; and New Guinea Rivers and Streams.[2]
Lorentz Park contains many unmapped and unexplored areas, and is certain to contain many species of plants and animals as yet unknown to Western science. Local communities' ethnobotanical and ethnozoological knowledge of the Lorentz biota is also very poorly documented.
The park is named for Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz, a Dutch explorer who passed through the area on his 1909–10 expedition.
Fauna
There are over 630 species of bird (around 70% of the total number of bird species in Papua) and 123 species of mammal. Birds include two species of cassowary, 31 dove and pigeon species, 31 species of cockatoo, 13 species of kingfisher and 29 species of sunbird.[3] Six bird species are endemic to the Snow Mountains including the Snow Mountain Quail and Snow Mountain Robin, 26 species are endemic to the Central Papuan Ranges while three are endemic to the South Papuan Lowlands. Threatened species include the Southern Cassowary, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Pesquet's Parrot, Salvadori's Teal and Macgregor's Giant Honeyeater.[4]
The mammal species include the Long-beaked echidna, Short-beaked Echidna, and four species of cuscus as well as wallabies, wildcats and tree-kangaroos.[3] Endemic to the Sudirman Range is the Dingiso, a tree-kangaroo species only discovered in 1995.
Human habitation and culture
The area of the national park has been inhabited for more than 25,000 years. The forests of Lorentz encompass the traditional lands of eight indigenous ethnic groups,[4] including the Asmat, Amungme, Dani, Sempan, and Nduga. Estimates of the current population vary between 6,300 and 10,000.[4]
It is widely acknowledged that conservation management strategies for the park will have to incorporate the needs and aspirations of these peoples if the park is to succeed in protecting biodiversity. Moreover, cultural diversity is another important measure of success for the park.
Ecological threats
The main threats to the biodiversity of Lorentz are from commercial logging, forest conversion for plantation agriculture, smallholder agricultural conversion, mining/oil/gas development, illegal road construction, and the illegal species trade. Global warming also poses a substantial threat.
As of 2005, there was no reported commercial logging or other large-scale threats present inside the park. There are no currently active forest conversion projects, and agricultural conversion is minimal. The illegal species trade is known to be a serious problem. The large Freeport gold/copper mining operation has been active for decades to the west and north of the park but is not active inside the park boundaries. Oil exploration inside and to the northeast of the park is ongoing.
The overall health of the biodiversity of Lorentz Park is currently excellent. While logging and other threats have yet to materialize, it is likely that this will become a threat in the future. Climate change poses a very real threat, but its specific implications for Lorentz are uncertain.
Conservation
The first formal protection of a 3,000 km² core area of the Lorentz landscape was applied by the Dutch Colonial Government in 1919 with the establishment of the Lorentz Nature Monument. In 1978, the Indonesian Government established a Strict Nature Reserve with an area of 21,500km². Lorentz National Park was established in 1997, with a total area of 25,056km², including an eastern extension and coastal and marine areas.[5]
Lorentz National Park was listed as a natural World Heritage Site in 1999, however an area of about 1,500 km² was excluded from listing due to the presence of mining exploration titles within the park.[6]
As of 2005, there were no park staffs or guards assigned to Lorentz. However, the park's success largely depends on local communities' understanding of and support for conservation, rather than external enforcement alone. Several conservation organizations are working in the Lorentz area.
In 2006, the Minister of Forestry established a managing structure for Lorentz National Park, the Lorentz National Park Bureau with headquarters in Wamena. The Bureau became functional only in 2007, and reached a strafing of 44 in mid-2008. However the an UNESCO Monitoring Mission in 2008 acknowledged that the capacity of the Bureau was seriously limited due to lack of funding, equipment and experience.
Gunung Leuser National Park
Gunung Leuser National Park is a national park covering 7,927 km² in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces.[1] The national park, named after 3,381 m height of Mount Leuser, protects a wide range of ecosystems. An orangutan sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located inside the park. Together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat national parks it forms a World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.
Geography
Gunung Leuser National Park is 150 km long, over 100 km wide and is mostly mountainous. 40% of the park, which is mainly in the north, is steep and over 1,500 m. 12% of the Park only, in the lower southern half, is below 600 meters but for 25 km runs down the coast. 11 peaks are over 2,700 m and the highest point is Gunung Leuser, which 3 466 m high.
Ecology
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii).[3] In 1971, Herman Rijksen established the Ketambe research station, a specially designated research area for the orangutan.[4] Other mammals found in the park are the Sumatran Elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, Siamang, Mainland Serow, Sambar deer, and Leopard Cat.[5]
Ecological services
Water Supply As mentioned, the first signs of reduced water replenishment have already been seen in and around the Leuser Ecosystem. Groundwater reservoirs are rapidly being exhausted and several rivers fall completely dry during part of the year. This has severe consequences for the local community. Both households and industries need to anticipate water shortages and higher costs for water. [6]
Fishery Coastal fisheries and aquaculture in and around Leuser are very important. They provide a large portion of the animal protein in local people’s diets and generate ample foreign exchange. Their annual value currently exceeds US $171 million. If the Leuser Ecosystem is degraded, the decline in fresh water may have a detrimental impact on the functioning of the fishery sector. [7]
Flood and Drought Prevention Flooding generally becomes more frequent and more destructive as a result of converting forests to other uses. Annual storm flows from a secondary forest are about threefold higher than from a similar-sized primary forest catchment area (Kramer et al., 1995). In Aceh, local farmers have reported an increasing frequency of drought and damaging floods due to degradation of the watercatchment area. In May 1998, over 5,000 ha of intensive rice growing areas were taken out of active production. This was the result of the failure of 29 irrigation schemes due to a water shortage. Furthermore, floods in December 2000 cost the lives of at least 190 people and left 660, 000 people homeless. This cost the Aceh province almost US $90 million in losses (Jakarta Post, 2000a). Logging companies are slowly recognising their role in increased flooding and have made large donations to support the victims (Jakarta Post, 2000b). [7]
Agriculture and Plantations Agriculture is a major source of income for the local communities around Leuser. Large rubber and oil palm plantations in northern Sumatra play a major role in the national economy. Almost all remaining lowland forest has been given out officially for oil palm plantations. Yield decline has been recorded, however, in several Leuser regencies. This decline can be ascribed mainly to a deterioration of nutrients in the soil, along with soil erosion, drought and floods, and an increase in weeds. Clearly, these causes of decline are linked to the deforestation of Leuser. For example, the logging of water-catchment areas in Leuser is found to be responsible for taking 94% of failed irrigation areas out of production (BZD, 2000a). [7]
Hydro-electricity Several regencies, such as Aceh Tenggara., have hydro-electricity plants that use water from Leuser. The plants operated in Aceh Tenggara are designed as small-scale economic activities. It appears that the operational conditions for the hydro-plants have worsened in recent years. Increased erosion of the waterways has forced the operators to remove excessive sediments from their turbines. This has led to frequent interruption of the power supply, higher operational costs and damage to the blades of the turbines. One plant closed down due to lack of water supply. Most of these disturbances are considered abnormal and may therefore be attributed to deforestation. [7]
Tourism Low-impact eco-tourism can be one of the most important sustainable, non-consumptive uses of Leuser, thereby giving local communities powerful incentives for conservation. Given the opportunities to view wildlife such as orang-utans, some experts view eco-tourism as a major potential source of revenue for communities living around Leuser (van Schaik, 1999). [7]

Biodiversity People living in areas with a high biodiversity value tend to be relatively poor. Hence, the highest economic values for biodiversity are likely to be found within institutions and people in wealthy countries. Funds can come from several sources, including bio-prospecting, the GEF and grants from international NGOs (with donations possibly being proportional to biodiversity value) (Wind and Legg, 2000). [7]
Carbon Sequestration Anthropogenic increases in the concentrations of greenhouse gases (such as CO2) in the atmosphere are widely believed to lead to climate change. Carbon sequestration by rainforest ecosystems therefore has an economic value, since the carbon fixed in the ecosystem reduces atmospheric concentrations. [7]
Fire Prevention To what extent does primary rainforest have a fire prevention function, and thus an additional value for preventing economic damage? There are various factors that make disturbed forest more prone to fires than primary forests. The likelihood that a forest will burn depends on the level of fire hazard and fire risk: (1) fire hazard is a measure of the amount, type, and dryness of potential fuel in the forest. Logged forest has relatively large amount of dry logging wastes lying around; (2) Fire risk is a measure of the probability that the fuel will ignite. In the presence of abandoned logging roads, which provide easy access to otherwise remote forests, the fire risk is greatly increased when settlers use fire for land clearance. [7]
Non-timber forest products NTFP can provide local communities with cash as long as exploitation does not surpass a threshold level. [7]
Threats
In November 1995 the Langkat Regency government proposed a road to connect an old enclave, known as Sapo Padang, inside the park. In pursuit of business opportunities, 34 families who had been living in the enclave formed a cooperative in March 1996 and subsequently submitted a proposal to develop an oil palm plantation in August 1997.[8] The oil palm proposal was accepted by the regency and the head of the park agreed to the road construction.
In accordance to the government's Proverty Alleviation Program, the oil palm project proceed with 42.5 km² of clearance area, but the project caused major forest destruction in the park during its implementation.[8] The local cooperation unit formed a partnership with PT Amal Tani which has strong relationship with the military command in the area.[note 1] In January 1998, the Indonesian Forest Ministry granted a permission of 11 km road to be built. In June 1998, local office of the Forestry Service issued a decree stating that the Sapo Padang enclave was no longer legally a part of the national park; a controversial decision which consequently led to further forest destruction during the road construction and invited newcomers to slash and burn forest area to create local plantations a way deeper to the park.
In 1999, two university-based NGOs filed a legal suit to the Medan State Court, while a group of 61 lawyers brought a parallel case in the National Administrative Court. In July 1999 the National Administrative Court rejected the case, while the local NGOs won with 30 million rupiahs damage, but the legal process continues with appeals.[8] The legal process did not stop the project that extensive logging and clearing, road-building and oil palm plantation continue operating inside the national park.
2011 reports the pressures on locals from palm oil profits has lead to illegal slash and burning of 21,000 hectares per year.
"Despite being protected by federal law from any form of destructive encroachment, illegal logging is still rampant in the forest, with the foliage of the Leuser ecosystem disappearing at a rate of 21,000 hectares per year."

Kerinci Seblat National Park
Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest national park in Sumatra Indonesia. It has a total area of 13,791 km2, and spans four provinces: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra.
It is located between 100°31'18"E - 102°44'01"E and 1°07'13"S - 3°26'14"S. Together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Gunung Leuser national parks it forms a World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.[1]
The park area includes a large part of the Barisan mountain range, including the highest peak in Sumatra, Mount Kerinci (3,805 m). The park includes hot springs, rivers with rapids, caves, scenic waterfalls and the highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia - Lake Gunung Tujuh.
The park is home to diversity of flora and fauna. Over 4,000 plant species grow in the park area, including the world's largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldi, and the plant with the largest un-branched inflorescence, the titan arum. The fauna include Sumatran Tigers, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sumatran elephants, Bornean Clouded Leopard, Malayan Tapir, Malay Sun Bear and 370 bird species, including the Sumatran Ground-cuckoo.
Birdwatching
The Kerinci area is home to more than 300 different bird species, including 17 of Sumatra's 20 endemic birds, making it of particular importance to ornithologists and bird-watching enthusiasts.
Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park is a national park in Indonesia located within the Lesser Sunda Islands in the border region between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones,[1] with a total area of 1,733 km² (603 km² of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 in order to protect the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard.[3] Later it was dedicated to protecting other species, including marine species. In 1991 the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geography and climate
The park comprises a coastal section of western Flores, the three larger islands of Komodo, Padar and Rincah, 26 smaller islands and the surrounding waters of the Sape Straights. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. The terrain is generally rugged, characterized by rounded hills,[3] with altitudes up to 735 m.[1] The climate is one of the driest of Indonesia with annual rainfall between 800mm and 1000mm. Mean daily temperatures in the dry season from May to October are around 40°C.
Flora and fauna
The hot and dry climate of the Park, characterized by savannah vegetation, make it to a good habitat for the endemic Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Their populations are restricted to the islands of Komodo (1,700), Rinca (1,300), Gili Motang (100), Gili Dasami (100), and Flores (ca. 2,000),[4] while extinct on Padar.[3]
Cloud forests appear only in few areas above 500 metres but they provide habitat to several endemic flora. Coastal vegetaion includes mangrove forest, which generally appear in the sheltered bays of the three larger islands.[3]
Fringing and patch coral reefs are extensive and best developed on the north-east coast of Komodo.[3] The park is rich in marine life, including whale sharks, ocean sunfish, manta rays, eagle rays, pygmy seahorse, false pipefish, clown frogfish, nudibranchs, blue-ringed octopus, sponges, tunicates, and coral.
Conservation
The island of Padar and part of Rincah have been established as nature reserves in 1938. Komodo Island has been declared a nature reserve in 1965, and in 1977 an UNESCO biosphere reserve. The three islands have been declared a national park in 1980, which was later extended to include the surrounding marine area and a section of Flores in 1984. In 1991 the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since 1995, the national park authority has been supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an American environmental organization. A new management plan was co-authored with TNC and implemented in 2000 to address the problem of increasing resource exploitation, both marine and terrestrial. Most pressure on marine resources originates from fishing communities and commercial enterprises from outside the park. However, regulations and restrictions on resource use impact mostly on park residents, who have few options to make a living but rely on what the park has to offer. The provision of alternative livelihoods is part of the overall management strategy, but communities within the park are yet to benefit from appropriate measures addressing their needs.
Komodo National Park has been selected as one of 28 finalists to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Human habitation and tourism
About 4,000 people live within the park. Scuba diving is popular because of the park's high marine biodiversity. The development of, largely marine-based, ecotourism is the main strategy to make the park self-financing and generate sufficient revenue through entrance fees and tourism licenses to cover operational and managerial costs. To this end, a joint venture between TNC and a tourism operator were granted a tourism concession, that also entails extensive park management rights.[7] This concession has generated an ongoing controversy. The joint venture has been accused of making decisions behind closed doors, and many people in and around Komodo claim that they haven’t been consulted regarding decisions that ultimately affect their lives.[8]
Most controversy, however, was caused by the death of several fishermen since the 1980s. The circumstances of the fishermen’s deaths are contested. While park patrol (including, at the time, police and navy personnel) claim they acted in self-defense, fishing communities accuse park management of having deliberately killed the fishermen.[9]
The number of visitors to the park increased from 36,000 in 2009 to 45,000 in 2010. Most of the visitors were foreign tourists as the high transport cost to this remote location is less affordable for local visitors. The park can accommodate up to 60,000 visitors a year according to the local tourism agency.
Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park (means : Western Tip) is located at the western-most tip of Java, Banten, Indonesia. It includes the volcanic island group of Krakatoa and other islands including Panaitan, Handeuleum and Peucang on the Sunda Strait.
Geography
The park encompasses an area of 1,206 km² (443 km² marine), most of which lies on a peninsula reaching into the Indian Ocean. The explosion of nearby Krakatau in 1883 produced a tsunami (giant wave) that eliminated the villages and crops of the coastal areas on the western peninsula, and covered the entire area in a layer of ash averaging 30 cm thick. This caused the total evacuation of the peninsula by humans, thereby allowing it to become a repository for much of Java’s flora and fauna, and most of the remaining lowland forest on the island.
Ecology
It is Indonesia's first proposed national park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for containing the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Java.
It is also one of only two homes of the critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros. A population of fifty to sixty live in Ujung Kulon with a smaller population of possibly 10 or less living in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam.
Within the last 10 years there have been 14 rhino births identified using camera and video traps. After several male calves were born, there was a documented female birth which will allow the population to remain viable. After February 2011, video and camera trap management will be fully conducted by Ujung Kulon National Park Authority.[2]
The park protects 57 rare species of plant. The 35 species of mammal include Banteng, Silvery Gibbon, Javan Lutung, Crab-eating Macaque, Leopard, Java Mouse-deer and Rusa Deer. There are also 72 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 240 species of birds.
The status of crocodilians within the park is largely unknown- sightings are rare, but do occasionally occur. There are reports of the false gharial within the park, but these are not confirmed. In addition, the saltwater crocodile was historically present throughout Java's coastal river systems but is currently extinct within these regions. Small, isolated populations of the saltwater crocodile are reported to exist within Ujung Kulon but confirmation is needed.
Conservation
Parts of today's national park and World Heritage site have been protected since the early 20th century. Karakatoa Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 1921, followed by Pulau Panaitan and Pulau Peucang Nature Reserve in 1937, the Ujung Kulon Nature Reserve in 1958, the Gunung Honje Nature Reserve in 1967, and most recently Ujung Kulon National Park in 1992. In 2005 the park was designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after independence, which literally means "national park" in Malay. Taman Negara (total area 4,343 km²) has a reputation as the world's oldest tropical rainforest.[1][2]
Taman Negara encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, each with its own legislation. The Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939 is enforced in the state of Pahang, the Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 in the state of Kelantan and the Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No. 6 of 1939 in the state of Terengganu. The enactments have similar contents.
Taman Negara Pahang is the largest at 2,477 km², followed by Taman Negara Kelantan at 1,043 km² and Taman Negara Terengganu at 853 km².
The park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Malay Peninsula; climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as their departure point. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Malayan Tiger, Crab-eating macaque, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Great Argus, Red Junglefowl, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant. Among the birdlife, the rare Malayan Peacock-pheasant is still found here in some numbers. Tahan River has been preserved to protect the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.
Others attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang) include a canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapid). Visitors can enjoy the tropical rain forest, birdwatching or jungle trekking (e.g. Tenor Rentis) and the river views along the Tahan River.
All visitors to the park must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. There are many hostels and hotels nearby.
Tarutao National Marine Park
Tarutao National Marine Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเลตะรุเตา) consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Satun Province of Southern Thailand. The Tarutao National Marine Park consists of two island groups: Tarutao (Thai: หมู่เกาะตะรุเตา, Thai pronunciation: [mùː kɔ̀ʔ tàʔ.rúʔ.taw] or [ta.ru.taw]) and Adang-Rawi (Thai: หมู่เกาะอาดัง-ราวี, Thai pronunciation: [mùː kɔ̀ʔ ʔaːdaŋ raːwiː]), which are scattered from 20 to 70 kilometers distance from the southwestern most point of mainland Thailand. The park covers an area of 1,490 square kilometers (1,260 ocean, 230 island). The southern most end of the Park lies on the border with Malaysia. Tarutao became Thailand's second marine national park on April 19, 1974. The coastal Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park had been designated in 1966.
The name Tarutao is a Thai corruption of its original Malay name, Pulau Tertua (the island of old).
Main (larger) islands
There are essentially 9 islands of note in the Tarutao/Adang-Rawi archipelagoes: * Tarutao Archipelago (located approximately 30 km off the Thai coast) * Ko Tarutao (Thai: เกาะตะรุเตา) - The largest of the islands, Ko Tarutao is 26.5 km long, and 11 km wide. The highest point is over 700 m. Forest covers over 60% of the island. * Klang Archipelago (located approximately 38 km off the Thai coast) * Ko Klang (Thai: เกาะกลาง, Ko Khai (Thai: เกาะไข)เกาะไข, Ko Ta-Nga (Thai: เกาะตางาห์) * Adang Archipelago (located approximately 45 km west of Tarutao) * Ko Adang (Thai: เกาะอาดัง), Ko Rawi (Thai: เกาะราวี), Ko Lipe (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ), Ko Butang (also written as Tong or Dong; Thai: เกาะดง), Ko Lek (Thai: เกาะเหล็ก) * In the Adang Archipelago, the small (4 km²) island of Lipe is the most important. With water available year-round, it is the home of the largest permanent settlement, of approximately 800, and the gateway for boat transportation in and out of the Adang group.
History
The park was established in 1974. In 1982, it was listed as one of the original ASEAN Heritage Parks. It was also submitted to UNESCO for inclusion to the World Heritage in 1990, but its listing was deferred in the fifteenth session of the World Heritage Committee in 1991. The UNESCO requested a stronger management of the area.[1]
The island had been used in the late 1930s as a penal colony for Thai political prisoners. During World War II, when support from the mainland was cut off, the guards and prisoners banded together and formed raiding parties on ships sailing through the waters near the island. The raids were masterminded by a American plantation owner who blamed the war for his loss of fortune and he was assisted to implement his plans by two British non commissioned officers who were on the run for murder and who ironically landed on Tarutao to sit out the war. They sank 130 ships always killing everybody on board. After the pirates of Tarutao were eradicated by British forces at the end of the war, fishermen and farmers took up residence on the island.
Hoang lien national park
Hoang Lien National Park, just outside Sapa town, is unique for experiencing nature at close hand. The Park encompasses approximately 30 km2 of scenic mountainous landscape, including Vietnam's highest peak, Fansipan (3142m). The Park contains temperate and sub-temperate forests which cover the Hoang Lien mountain range. The forest and surrounding vegetation provides habitats for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Many of these are found only in north-west Vietnam and are of great biological significance.
Hoang Lien National Park
Hoang Lien National Park is located in the Hoang Lien mountain range belonging to Sapa and Than Uyen districts, Lao Cai Province and includes Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m).

The park supports a wide variety of habitat types: elevations below 1,800m support lower montane evergreen forest; elevations between 1,800 and 2,500m support upper montane evergreen forest, elevations between 2,500 and 2,800m support sub-alpine forest, while the vegetation above 2,800m is dominated by stands of dwarf bamboo with scattered, stunted trees. Below 1,000m, the forest has been almost entirely cleared and replaced with anthropogenic habitats, including secondary grassland, scrub and cultivation. Secondary habitats are also found at higher elevations.

The park supports a high diversity of animal groups. 347 bird species have been recorded in and around the nature reserve, including 49 species that are restricted in Viet Nam to north-west Tonkin. The park also supports approximately one third of Viet Nam’s known amphibian species, the highest recorded amphibian species richness of any protected area in Viet Nam. Several amphibian species are currently known only from the site, and around 10% of the national park's amphibian species are globally threatened. Invertebrate diversity is also very high, and many species of invertebrate discovered at the site are known from nowhere else in the world.
Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park South Thailand * Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park is a short drive north east of Phuket and comprises an area of 400 square kilometres of which the 40 islands cover 53 square kilometres [ 20 square miles ] and the surrounding turquoise water covers 350 square kilometres [ 135 square miles ]. It is located in the Province of Phang Nga on the west side of the Malay Penninsula. * The Phang Nga Province includes both Phang Nga Bay and surrounding land. Between Phanga Bay and the Andaman Sea is the Island of Phuket. A large portion of the Phang Nga Bay comprises the Ao Phang Nga National Park. * This is one of the most spectacular locations in South East Asia. The Islands comprise limestone Karsk formed of Permian limestone, thrust up high millions of years ago to form today a bewildering array of shapes, some reaching 400 metres high [ 1,315 feet ]. There is abundant plant life and a vast array of fauna. The coast line of the park is extensively covered by mangrove forests. * Within Phang Nga Bay are numerous Islands, the most well known being James Bond Island so named after the filming there of its location for the James Bond series film '' The man with the Golden Gun ''. Within the Bay the major two Island groups are Ko Yao Yai [ big Island ] and Ko Yao Noi [ small Island ]. * Ao Phang Nga Bay is a huge shallow bay fringed with extensive mangrove swamps, extending north from Phuket Island eastwards along the mainland coast past the mouths of six river systems to the mouth of the Mae Nam Marui. * The easternmost boundary of the site is delimited by the large promontory of Khao Ao Muang, which separates the site from another major mangrove inlet, Ao Luk (Krabi Province). A great many limestone pillars and islands rise sheer from the coastal flats, and there are extensive shallows offshore, only 1 to 4 m deep at mean low water. The site encompasses the two offshore islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi together with a great many smaller islets. * The tidal amplitude at Ao Nang, Krabi, varies from l meter at neap tides to 3 meters at spring tides. The tidal regime is complex, the usual pattern is two high tides per day, but there are many irregularities. * Ao Png Nga National Park is home to over 206 animal species, including 17 species of mammals, 88 bird species, 18 reptiles, 3 amphibians and 24 speices of fish.
Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park
Declared the national park on 1981, the archipelago covers the total area of 135 square kilometers. The park comprises of five islands including Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Klang, and Koh Kai. Similar to the Similans, the five islands of Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park offer superb conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. Lying north of the Similans, it is approximately 70 kilometres off the coast of Khuraburi district in Phang Nga province. The islands are suitable to both on-land and underwater exploration. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails, especially on the northern island, while the southern island has the additional attraction of a village of sea gypsies who maintain a traditional lifestyle and preserve long-established customs. The underwater delights are perfect for both scuba divers and snorkellers who can explore and observe a profusion of shallow coral reefs.
The national park is not only a tourist attraction, but also a priceless natural heritage for ecotourism. It is the perfect place to explore several species of plants and animals. The park also features rainforests, beach forests, mangrove forests, and arrays of corals.
Koh Surin Nuea is the location of the park office. Accommodation, restaurants, snorkeling equipment and long-tail boat are available. The island offers beautiful and tranquil coves, and campsite at Ao Chong Kard, where tourists can witness the stunning sunset. Other bays can be reached by long-tail boat for 45 minutes.
Koh Surin Tai can be reached by boats from Koh Surin Nuea. The island is suitable for snorkeling. Ao Suthep and Ao Pak Kard are the most remarkable bays.
There are several good dive sites around the island. The best spot is Richelew, it is a rocky beach, 14 kilometres east of the national park. The scuba diving enthusiasts can join the diving tours on the mainland.
Thungyai Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries * Stretching over more than 600,000 hectares along the Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi and Tak Provinces of Thailand, the two adjoining and combined Wild life Sanctuaries of Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha Khaeng, which are relatively intact, contain examples of almost all the forest types of continental South-East Asia. * They are home to a very diverse array of animals, including 77% of the large mammals (especially elephants and tigers), 50% of the large birds and 33% of the land vertebrates to be found in this region. * Declared a World Heritage Site in 1991, The United Nations Committee inscribed the Thung Yai Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary as a natural property of outstanding universal value on the World Heritage List under criteria (ii), (iii), and (iv).

The justification for inscription submitted by the Wildlife Conservation Division of the Royal Forest Department of Thailand in 1990, indicated for the following reasons, it is unique in:

1. Size * Thung Yai Huai Kha Khaeng is the largest area of legally protected forest in mainland South East Asia today, and is the core of a conservation area covering over 12,000 square kilometers. It is thus the best area in the region for ensuring the long-term survival of habitats and species. * It is one of few protected area in the region large enough, and sufficiently undisturbed, to support truly natural communities containing populations of large herbivores and predator species within this dry tropical ecosystems.
2. Diversity and Integrity of habitats * Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng incorporates near pristine examples of almost all the principal inland forest formations of continental South - East Asia, and one ( the savanna forest of Thung Yai ) which may be unique. * It includes significant variations in topography, altitude, rainfall, soil types and aquatic environments which have created a mosaic of many habitats and an ecosystem that is both intricate and fragile. * It constitutes the most complete and most secure example of South - East - Asia's dry tropical forest ecosystem - an ecosystem that is more critically endangered than the region's equatorial rain forest. * It incorporates two intact river systems whose watersheds are largely encompassed by its boundaries. It is rare in Asia today to find rivers with both banks well protected. It is especially rare to find accessible lowland rivers with their riparian forest still intact. Most have been logged and settled, or dammed.
3. Diversity of Flora and Fauna * Species diversity in Thung Yai - Huai Kha Khaeng is exceptionally high because, in addition to its high habitat diversity, the sanctuary occupies a unique position at the junction of the four biogeographic zones of mainland South-East Asia. Many species reach the north, south, east or western limit of their range within its boundaries and do not occur together in any other area. It also includes many endemic species not known to occur outside west Thailand or the Dawna-Tenasserim highlands. * The sanctuary supports at least a third of all terrestrial vertebrates know for mainland South East Asia, almost two thirds of the region's large mammals and many of its large birds, including rare riparian and wetland species. Altogether, 28 species are internationally threatened species; fifteen mammals, nine birds and four reptiles. * It supports the wide forms of many domestic plants and animals and may, in future, provide the genetic stock for hardier breeds. Wild species are usually better adapted to environmental stresses and extremes.
4. Scientific Value * Thung Yai Huai Kha Khaeng is a key area for clarifying taxonomic relationships because the ranges of many parapatric species and sub-species overlap in the sanctuary. Cases to date include Rhesus and Crab eating Macaques, Wreathed and Plain-pouched Hornbills. Future cases may well include murids, squirrels and bulbuls. * The sanctuary incorporates the only two rivers in the Mae Klong basin which have not been modified in any way, so its aquatic and riparian communities are not only important for conservation and taxonomy, but also research into the ecological impact of large dams and commercial fishery projects. * Because it survives in a primitive state and supports so many animal species, the sanctuary provides excellent, in some cases exclusive, opportunity to study ecological relationships within different communities and various aspects of forest dynamics, including the impact of fire.
For example; * [1] no other protected area in mainland South-East Asia supports all five of the region's macaques or the same three leaf-monkeys. * [2] no other protected area is known to support the Gaur, Banteng and Wild Water Buffalo. * [3] Few areas in the region support as many carnivores, particularly felids and viverrids; * No where else in the world is known to support as many woodpeckers.
To sum up, this sanctuary is unique in size, complexity and diversity. Its distinction derives from its location and the disturbed nature of its habitats.

Tigers and wild cats at Thung Yai - Huay Kha Khaeng * Thung Yai - Huay Kha Khaeng has more wild tigers and other wild cats than any other National Park or Wild life Sanctuary. They are difficult to see at day but can be heard at night and traces of their movem,ents can be seen. * Other wild cats here include Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat and Leopard. * Equally dangerous are the packs of hunting dogs, the Asian Wild Dog and Asiatic Jackal, both of which reside here.

The Herbivores at Thung Yai - Huay Kha Khaeng * The wild Cats feed on the herbivores and these include three of Thailand's native cattle, the Wild Water Buffalo, Banteng and Gaur. The Gaur is a large black forest ox and the Banteng is the early relative to the Asian domestic cow. Other herbivores include the Asian Elephant, Muntjak and Malayan Tapir. * The Malayan Tapir is the largest of the four Tapir species in the world and is only found in Asia. The animal is easily identified by its markings, most notably the light-colored “saddle” which extends from its shoulders to its rump. The rest of its hair is black, except for the tips of its ears which, as with other tapirs, are rimmed with white. This pattern is for camouflage: the disrupted coloration makes it more difficult to recognize it as a tapir, and other animals may mistake it for a large rock rather than a form of prey when it is lying down to sleep. * Malayan Tapirs grow to between 6 and 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) in length, stand 3 to 3.5 feet (90 to 107 cm) tall, and typically weigh between 550 and 700 pounds (250 to 320 kg), although they can weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg). The females are usually larger than the males. Like the other types of tapir, they have small stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises. They have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. The Malayan Tapir has rather poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. * * Muntjak or Barking Deer are small deer of which globally now there are 11 species now restricted to India and South east Asia. The Barking Deer here are Fea's Muntjac.

Preah Monivong National Park
Preah Monivong National Park is a national park in southern Cambodia. The main attraction of the park is Bokor Hill Station. The park is one of only two Cambodian ASEAN Heritage Parks.
It is also known as Phnom Bokor National Park and Bokor National Park
Description of site: The Preah Monivong ‘Bokor’ National Park was established by Royal decree in 1993 and is one of 23 protected areas in Cambodia. The park, with an area of 1,400 km2 (14,0000 ha) spanning three southern provinces, is located near the Cambodia - Vietnam border and overlooks the sea. It was first accessed in 1916 and developed later as a famous altitude resort during the French Protectorate and Prince Norodom Sihanouk regime in the 60’s. Altitude ranges from 10 meters to 1,079 m above sea level. The hill station has been abandoned twice in its history, once when the Vietnamese overran the place in the late 40’s while fighting for independence against the French, and then again in 1972 when it was overrun by the Khmer Rouge. The Park is the catchment area for one major river, the Touk Chhou.
Climatic conditions: The prevailing climate in the area is a tropical monsoon with two distinct seasons: dry and hot from November to May and cool with heavy rainstorms from May to October. There are frequent winds and an annual rainfall of 1,813 mm. Temperatures on the plateau are 6 to10 degrees cooler than the coast, ranging from a low 10°C in July to a mean of 21°C throughout the rest of the year.
Habitats: Bokor National Park is predominantly covered with moist tropical evergreen forests but has a wide range of habitat types, from mangrove in the south where river estuaries join the Park to the sea, to dwarf montane on the top of a mountainous plateau. The plateau, which is 1,079 meters above sea level, provides a spectacular view of the Cambodian coast. The park is hilly in the north and east with a plateau and escarpment in the west and southwest, which gives it a certain level of natural protection from encroachment. The National Park contains a unique range of habitats and supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Habitats consist of virgin lowland forest, waterfalls, rivers and coastline. Forest types range from dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous in the north to predominately moist evergreen. A small montane forest zone is recognized on the highest points. Bokor is rich in endemic flora, and its ferns and bogs are an unusual feature. Also, insectivorous sundew plants are around here.
Wildlife: Inventory of the park is still far from complete but the presence of large mammals like elephant, tiger, leopard, sun-bear, sambar deer, gaur and binturong has been confirmed in addition to an important population of pileated gibbon Hylobates pileatus. Over 300 bird species are expected to be present. The globally threatened green peafowl and the chestnut headed partridge have been sighted as have the blue-eared drongo, rufous-winged buzzard and three species of hornbill. Eleven species of amphibians have been noted in addition to a variety of reptiles. The flora is rich and includes valuable examples of Burretiodendron hsienmu. In 2005, some 34 different animal species were identified based on direct (i.e., visual, audio) or indirect (i.e., tracks, fecal matter) evidence. Four of those species (i.e., Asian elephant, banteng, elongated tortoise, tiger) are listed as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Resources, 8 as vulnerable, 3 as near threatened, 16 as least concern, and 3 were not listed. Other wildlife species were identified only to the genus or family level (i.e., bear, civet, buzzard, egret, cobra, hornbill, macaque, parrot, and squirrel). In the past few years, increasing use of camera traps have led to excellent data on wildlife, and have allowed for the identification of rare or nocturnal species. Species that were identified based on camera traps include the leopard cat, common palm civet, red muntjac, eastern porcupine, kalij pheasant and wild boar. Species that could only be identified to the genus level include a bear, a macaque, and a squirrel. The Park's flora is rich and includes valuable examples of flowering plant Burretiodendron hsienmu. It also has several endemic flora. Its ferns and bogs are unusual features, and insectivorous sundew plants are also found.
Disturbances and threats: Bokor has come under increasing pressure from landless migrants who have moved to the area in recent years and have become involved in many of the logging, rattan collection, encroachment and poaching incidents in and around the Park. Forest fires remain a problem in the drier forests on the north side of the Park. The following figures for 2003 indicate the scale of the problem and the efforts being made by Park staff - poachers intercepted: 424; poacher camps destroyed: 25; sawmills destroyed: 22; charcoal kilns destroyed: 71; chainsaws confiscated: 57; snares destroyed: 13,082; confiscated wildlife released back into the wild: 62. Although Bokor is considered by some to be one of the best protected parks in Cambodia, it still faces constant threat from encroachment and poaching activities, as well as the lack of available funds from the Cambodian government.
Conservation Programs: Recently, the Park has been receiving funding to focus on protection, monitoring of wildlife and community outreach programs. Since this program began, poaching of endangered animals and illegal logging has diminished. WildAid’s Surviving Together team has worked with the Cambodian government to enforce Bokor’s protected area status and to establish the Park as a national training center for staff from other protected areas across the country. The effective patrolling system of WildAid has curtailed the activities of loggers and poachers to the extent that they can no longer plunder the park with impunity. Rangers perform daily patrols, surveying local villagers’ needs and monitoring wildlife with camera traps. WildAid’s work to convince skeptical villagers living around Bokor of the need to protect the Park is also beginning to show results. Rural development work focusing on four high priority villages has resulted in successful mushroom farming programs to reduce the villages’ dependence on the forest as well as restoration of important. In 2001, the Bokor Conservation Project (BCP) was initiated in cooperation with the Protected Areas Office, and the Department of Nature Conservation and Protection of the Ministry of Environment with the aim to reduce illegal poaching activities within the National Park. The BCP combines park protection, wildlife monitoring and community outreach to create a comprehensive and durable protection system that can be replicated elsewhere in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
Visiting Bokor National Park: The Hill Station has only been open to tourists since 1997. It consists of a collection of French colonial buildings constructed in the 1920’s. This infamous hill station still has an untouched and mysterious feel to it. The road up to Bokor is famously bad. It takes almost 3 hours from Kampot to reach the top. But the discomfort is compensated by beautiful views and strange places along the way: Sihanouk’s Black Palace, an abandoned Catholic church (where Khmer Rouge soldiers were attacked by the Vietnamese) and an eerie former casino.
Other Interests: Bokor town, consisting of the well-preserved ruins of a hill station dating from the French colonial period, sits atop the escarpment with impressive sea views over the Gulf of Thailand and Vietnam. The Ranger Training Center is also located here.
Nam Ha Protected Area
History of Nam Ha National Protected Area
Southeast Asian countries are known for their rich, yet fragile, biodiverse ecosystems. These natural treasures are what attract ecotourism initiatives to the area. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Centre for Biodiversity was established in 1970 to protect biodiversity from degradation in the region.
Luang Namtha's own Nam Ha region has been recognized by the Centre as an area of precious biodiversity. In 1993, the Nam Ha National Protected Area was established. This mountainous area covers 222,4000 hectares (or 2,224 square kilometers) and extends as far north as the Chinese border.
Habitats and Wildlife
The Nam Ha area scores high on any measure of biodiversity. It is a patchwork of tropical and subtropical forests, spotted with caves and waterfalls. About 2000 kinds of plants grow in this area. One of the most prized species is the Aquilaria tree, which is used to make incense.
There is also a great wealth of animal species in the Nam Ha NPA. The vast variety of bird species make it an ornithologist's wonderland, and the variety of mammals (over 30 mammal species) also allows for fulfilling wildlife spotting adventures. For insect lovers, flocks of butterflies can be spotted near pools of water and other bugs are worth a close-up examination.
Another beauty of the Nam Ha NPA is that the percentage of primary forest is quite high. According to some estimates, approximately 32% of the forest is either undisturbed or primary forest that regenerates itself. The age alone of these primary forests makes it the Nam Ha area a point of deep-rooted natural history in Laos.
Challenges and Threats
One magnificent mammal species under threat in the Nam Ha National Protected Area is the Asian Elephant. These creatures’ migratory patterns lead them across the border of China and Laos in search of sugar cane to eat. Over recent years, the elephants have increasingly come into conflict with encroaching human settlement.
The Nam Ha NPA also faces the same threats that are common to all precious yet vulnerable areas of rich biodiversity -- agricultural encroachment and slash-and-burn methods, illegal logging and hunting, forest fires, grazing of buffaloes, and the harvest of non-timber forest products such as bamboo and ginger.
Ecotourism in the Nam Ha National Protected Area
Fortunately, local people are learning the value of the Nam Ha NPA in its pure and unspoiled form due to a growth in ecotourism to the area, which also serves as a conservation incentive. The National Tourism Authority of Lao has identified Nam Ha as rich in both natural and cultural tourism potential.
This vast potential to explore Nam Ha while helping to conserve it through ecotourism is now a reality. Through this site, you can read more about the various trekking in Nam Ha trips on offer, including our One Day trekking in Nam Ha trip, and for those with a little more time, two-day trekking trip from Nam Ha to Namdeat Mai. The 3 Days Nam Ha Trekking tour and the slightly shorter 2 day Ban Nam Yang Trek are both great choices.
Ecotours such as these are a great way to appreciate this protected area and give some economic incentive to the conservation efforts in place.