Vietnam Primate Conservation Status Review 2002 - Hoang Lien ...

8 APPENDIX: 2
regeneration of evergreen forest and promotes the development of a vegetation dominated by Pinus
kesiya, which is now the most widespread forest type on the plateau (est. 120,000 ha in 1990).
Furthermore, lands covered by evergreen forest are preferred by shifting cultivators, because of a
better soil quality. Evergreen forest is of a higher biodiversity value than pine forest. Consequently,
shifting cultivation is a major threat to biodiversity. However, Pinus kesiya is a pioneer species and
evergreen species grow predominantly in the understory. Unfortunately, much of the pine forest
understorey on the Plateau is burnt annually (Eames, 1995).
Logging is a major activity on the Da Lat Plateau. As the principle market for charcoal and fuelwood
is Da Lat city, the continued expansion of this urban centre is likely to lead to increased pressure on
the forest resources.
Other non-timber forest products collected include pine resin, extracted from Pinus kesiya, oils
collected from Cinnamomum species, and flowering plants, in particular members of the Orchidaceae
(Eames, 1995).
The spontaneous arrival of new migrants, and governmental programmes to develop new economic
zones, increase pressure on the environment (Eames, 1995).
Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve was established by governmental decree in 1986, and comprises about
20,000 ha, in 1993 extended to 34,237 ha, and in 1997 to 59,278 ha (BirdLife International & FIPI, 2001).
The forest comprises 33,827 ha.
In the frame of the EU funded project “Expanding the Protected Areas Network in Vietnam for the 21st
Century” an extension to the southwest and to the east (in Khanh Hoa Province) of Bi Dup-Nui Ba
Nature Reserve propose to add 45,600 ha of land. A 16,400 ha extension to south of Chu Yang Sin
Nature Reserve (in Lam Dong Province) would connect this protected area with Bi Dup-Nui Ba. This
complex of protected areas should cover 168,737 ha and is considered a priority for forest conservation
(Wege et al.,1999).
Bi Dup-Nui Ba Nature Reserve was established in 1993 on an area which comprises two separate
earlier- established small nature reserves. The reserve supports high levels of plant diversity and
endemism. The fauna is also very species rich, and exhibits high levels of endemism.
The overall level of human impact on the nature reserve is moderate. One of the greatest threats
comes from shifting cultivation. Other main causes of forest loss have been charcoal production and
fuelwood collection. Charcoal production has already lead to the destruction of most of the evergreen
forest on Mount Lang Bian.
Primates are subject to hunting on the Da Lat Plateau. An unquantified trade of wildlife trophies
occurs in Da Lat and Bao Loc cities, principally for sale to local tourists. In addition, significant
numbers of primates are sent to Ho Chi Minh City markets (Eames & Robson, 1993).
Cat Tien National Park (LAM DONG, DONG NAI, BINH PHUOC)
Special use forest: National Park (73,878 ha)
Forest size: NA
Forest type: primary and secondary lowland evergreen, semi-deciduous, flooded, mixed bamboo
Elevation: about 100m to 659m a.s.l.
Leaf monkey and gibbon species: Pygathrix nigripes, Trachypithecus germaini, Nomascus gabriellae
The first decision degreed the establishment of a nature reserve in 1978 comprising 35,000 ha.
Following the rediscovery of the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in 1989, a Rhinoceros
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