The scientific research themed "Building biodiversity database of Khanh Hoa forest" implemented from 2011 to 2014 has confirmed high biodiversity of Khanh Hoa forest...
The scientific research themed “Building biodiversity database of Khanh Hoa forest” implemented from 2011 to 2014 has confirmed high biodiversity of Khanh Hoa forest.
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| Researchers at Hon Ba Forest. |
The research was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources & Environment and Southern Institute of Ecology in collaboration with subsidiaries namely Forestry Agency, Forestry Protection Agency and management board of Hon Ba Natural Reserve under the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
19 survey trips were taken to forests in Khanh Hoa, mainly Hon Ba, Giang Ly, Son Thai, Hon Giao (Khanh Vinh District); Dam Mon, Ong Nghi (Van Ninh District); Ninh Tay, Hon Heo (Ninh Hoa Town); Hon Vong Phu (at the border of Daklak, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa), O Kha Valley (Khanh Son District) and so on.
The recent scientific study has shown high biodiversity of Khanh Hoa forest with 159 lower flora species, including genera, 43 families; and 2,208 higher flora species, containing 943 genera and 196 families. 91 important species in need of protection include 36 at global extinction risk and 69 at national extinction risk.
The high biodiversity of the fauna of Khanh Hoa plays an important role in the protection of endangered species. Khanh Hoa has 52 endangered fauna species, of which 37 are threatened on a global scale.
Rare plants include Fokienia, Ducampopinus krempfii, Calocedrus macrolepis, acrydium pierrei Hickel, Cinnamomum, Cinnamomum parthenoxylon Meissn, Aquilaria, Quercus langbianensis Hickel et. A. Camus, Melanorrhea laccifera Pierre, etc. In addition, Khanh Hoa is rich in decorative plants and wild orchids.
Khanh Hoa ecosystem has abundant and diverse flora species. Especially, dwarfed plant ecosystems can be found in Hon Giao. Particularly, various newly-recorded species are camellia krempfii, Nomascus gabriellae, Pygathrix nigripes, Buceros bicornis, etc according to Engineer Tran Gioi, Khanh Hoa Natural & Environmental protection Association.
However, forest biodiversity in Khanh Hoa has faced challenges in preservation and development. According to researchers, urbanization, planning of major economic zones, hydroelectric projects and deforestation have had impacts on forest biodiversity.
Son Thai – Giang Ly and Hon Heo has been approved as a national biodiversity biological reserve till 2020 and towards 2030 but until now the project has not been implemented yet.
Suggestions given by the researchers include reviewing and supplementing the planning of special-use forests; developing Hon Ba Natural Reserve into a national park; implementing sustainable management models; and restoring and developing mangroves together with sustainable use of forest resource; biodiversity education, eco-tourism promotion, etc.
Nguyen Tuan Kiet, Vice-Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, says the research has received much concern and support from local and international organizations for a more sufficient dada about Khanh Hoa forest biodiversity. Cooperation and information sharing are vital during the research and evaluation.
N.T
