Myanmar Protected Areas: Context, Current Status ... - Istituto Oikos

RAKHINE YOMA ELEPHANT RANGE
Site ID 35
Locality Rakhine State , Thandwe and Gwa Townships)
Coordinates N18° 00’, E94°45’
Size (km²) 1,756
Altitude (m. asl) 20 – 1,270
Myanmar category Wildlife Reserve
IUCN category NA
Site Governance Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division
Boundaries Demarcated
Year gazetted 1997
Protection level Total
Main purposes Conservation
Habitat
Evergreen Forest, Bamboo Brakes, Mixed Deciduous
Forest (Moist Upper)
Key resources Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Jackal, Asiatic Black Bear
Legend of topographic maps
Head Quarters
Ranger Post
Towns
Protected Areas
State/Region Boundaries
Roads
Water areas
Rivers
Elevation
5.800 m. asl
0 m. asl
Legend of satellite maps
Water Depth Vegetation Density
Deep
Shallow
High
Low
SITE DESCRIPTION
The site is located in the southern part of the Rakhine Yoma
mountain range. The topography consists of a series of steep
ridges running from north to south, with the main drainage
lines cutting them from east to west. The area is famous for
luxurious patches of evergreen forest as well as the presence
of bamboo brakes (mainly Melocanna bambusoides). The
key protected resources are 150 Asian Elephants, which
constitutes the largest remaining population of wild elephants
in Myanmar, and the endemic species of Rakhine Forest Turtle
(Heosemys depressa).
NATURAL RESOURCES
Most of the site is covered with evergreen forest, bamboo
brakes and mixed deciduous forest (moist upper). Nine
mammals are recorded: Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard,
Leopard, Gaur, Common Otter, Hoolock Gibbon, Barking
Deer, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Malaysian Sun Bear, Himalayan
Black Bear. Tigers were present until 30 years ago but are now
extinct. Rakhine Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa) is endemic
to the range and critically endangered. 123 bird species
including Bamboo Woodpecker, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great
Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Green-billed Malkoha, Vernal
Hanging Parrot and Green Lora have been recorded and a
checklist is compiled at the park warden’s office.
Myanmar Protected Areas
84 85
THREATS
INSIDE
Many poachers enter the sanctuary from the southern
point, at the boundary between Ayeyawaddy Division and
Rakhine State. Gaur and Barking Deer are mainly hunted
for meat; elephant for trade; Malaysian sun bear for selling
legs to Thailand; otter for selling parts of the body to
Thailand. River poisoning for fishing is also reported.
OUTSIDE
Shifting cultivation fields in the buffer zone by poor
landless families who are encroaching into the protected
area. Tree cutting for charcoal production to be sold to
Yangon. Poison fishing is mainly done by outsiders.
MANAGEMENT
An annual plan is present, as well as indications for a Buffer
zone. However, both tools are not implemented. Conflicts
between wild elephants and agricultural activities have been
reported in the villages around the site.
STAFF / RESOURCES
A Park Warden is present, along with 15 other staff from
the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division of the Forest
Department. More rangers for patrolling activities are needed.
The Park Office is located in the town of Gwa, and four Ranger
posts are present in the surrounding areas of the PA, outside
its border. Equipment such as boats and motorbikes are
needed in order to patrol the area and a new ranger post is
required in the southern part to control poaching.
TOURISM
Access to the site is difficult with no transportation except
footpath.
The area is restricted to foreign visitors and special permits
are needed to access it. Permits can be requested through
local travel agencies in Yangon. Nevertheless, the potential
for ecotourism is very high due to the proximity to a major
tourism destination, Ngapali beach, on the Rakhine coast.
LAND USE AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES
INSIDE
• Shifting cultivation
OUTSIDE
• Permanent cultivation
• Fishing (capture)
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Surveys on tortoises and gibbons were implemented
respectively by WCS and FFI in collaboration with the
community-based organisation Rakhine Coastal Area
Conservation Association (RCA).