Safeguarding biodiversity in Hon Ba

In recent years, Hon Ba Nature Reserve has recorded many rare animal species, while its flora includes numerous endangered plants in need of protection. To safeguard forest resources and preserve biodiversity, the Hon Ba Forest Ranger Force, in coordination with the Reserve Management Board’s forest protection unit, has implemented comprehensive forest management and conservation measures.

Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station Forces patrol the forest in the Da Giang area.

Many rare species of flora and fauna

Recently, Hon Ba Nature Reserve has recorded the appearance of a beautiful and unique animal species called the orchid mantis. This mantis is small in size, with colors and shapes that are captivating, resembling a wild orchid flower. In addition, surveys and camera‑trap studies by the management unit and scientists have documented many rare species, namely black-shanked douc (Pygathrix nigripes), yellow-cheeked gibbon, slow loris, golden-tailed monkey, pig-tailed monkey, Bengal monitor, Asian water monitor, elongated tortoise, impressed tortoise, king cobra, Kalophrynus honbaensis, Leptobrachium leucops, etc.

In addition to its rich animal life, the reserve also boasts many rare plant species such as Fokienia hodginsii, Pinus krempfii, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Madhuca pasquieri, Afzelia xylocarpa, Cycas micholitzii, Cycas pectinata, Cinnamomum parthenoxylon, Paphiopedilum spp., Anoectochilus setaceus, contributing to the unique biodiversity value of the area.

Two black-footed langurs in Hon Ba Nature Reserve captured on a camera trap.

Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Head of the Science and International Cooperation Department (Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board), said: Hon Ba is 19,285ha, including more than 17,708 ha of forested land, mainly natural forest. Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity with many rare species of flora and fauna.

According to preliminary statistics, Hon Ba Nature Reserve hosts 1,445 plant species across 708 genera and 174 families, including 209 rare species listed in both the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red Book. Wildlife on Hon Ba is also diverse, distributed across different habitats and altitudes with 77 species of animals, 224 of birds, 71 of reptiles and 48 of frogs. 89 animals are listed in the Red Book of Endangered Species. Through research conducted at Hon Ba Nature Reserve, many new species have been discovered by scientists in Vietnam and abroad, underscoring Hon Ba’s exceptional biodiversity value.

Protecting forest ecosystems

In recent years, forest protection stations have been established in high‑risk areas to conserve forests. Alongside these efforts, local communities are encouraged not to damage forests or practice slash‑and‑burn agriculture within the reserve. Regular patrols are carried out to safeguard the forest, confirmed Hon Ba Forest Protection force.

To sustain biodiversity in Hon Ba’s forest ecosystem, the reserve’s rangers and protection forces, the reserve's forest rangers and protection forces have implemented a comprehensive range of solutions. These include focusing on raising public awareness about forest and wildlife protection and regularly conducting patrols to protect the forest. Thanks to these efforts, authorities have been able to promptly detect and prevent illegal entry, resource exploitation, and wildlife hunting. As a result, hunting and trapping have been largely curbed, and illegal logging has been effectively controlled. With stronger forest protection and conservation, Hon Ba has also attracted many domestic and international scientists, whose research continues to highlight the reserve’s unique ecological value.

The orchid mantis recorded in the Hon Ba Nature Reserve.

Nguyen Trieu Duong, Head of the Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station, emphasized: “Protecting biodiversity and preventing forest fires in Hon Ba Nature Reserve is a core and ongoing mission for our station and the Reserve’s forest protection units.” He noted that based on high-risk areas, such as trails along Hon Ba, Da Giang, Tra Dang, and Da Trang roads (Suoi Dau Commune); Ma O and Chi Chay (Dong Khanh Son Commune); Ta Gu and Ko Lak (Khanh Son Commune); and the ammunition depot, hot springs, and sub-areas 196 and 212 (Khanh Vinh Commune), the station has coordinated with the Reserve’s forest protection force to establish checkpoints at key points to promptly detect and prevent encroachment. Since early 2026, the unit has carried out 78 patrols and inspections, including intensive day and night patrols, to safeguard the forest.

In the coming period, the Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station will intensify patrols to safeguard natural forests, particularly during peak hot weather. It will also promote awareness campaigns on wildfire prevention, forest protection, and wildlife conservation within its jurisdiction. In addition, the station will coordinate with the forest management unit, the Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board, and local authorities to enforce the forest protection agreement and strengthen inspection, detection, and prompt prevention of threats to forest resources and biodiversity in Hon Ba.

H.L

Translated by N.T