Established in 1991, Bach Ma Park has a core zone covering 37,487 hectares in Phu Loc and Nam Dong districts.
Itboasts 2,373 mushroom and flora species. Among them, 73 plants arelisted in the Vietnam Red Data Book of endangered species, while morethan 500 others are rare herb plants.
The park also harbours1,715 fauna species, including 363 types of bird - one third of thenumber of bird species in Vietnam .
Sixty-nine animals named in the Red Data Book and 15 indigenous species have also been recorded here.
Despitesuch biodiversity, the number of fauna and flora species in the parkhas fallen significantly, with some even becoming extinct.
Thishas been attributed to illegal activities by people residing in BachMa’s buffer zone. Many live impoverished lives, and they cut wood andpoach wild animals to satisfy the growing demand and high prices forrare species in big cities.
To cope with the problem, the park’smanaging board and local authorities are increasing education to raisepeople’s awareness of protecting forests and encouraging the developmentof eco-tourism.
They also plan to give intensive training toconservation staff, help local households grow plants that have higheconomic value and build infrastructure facilities serving theconservation.
More attention will also be given to maintainingthe protective function of deltas surrounding the Truoi, Ta Trach, Cu Deand Con rivers so as to provide a stable environment for agriculturaland industrial activities in the region.-VNA