a.TFF_rpt_on identification-planning - HCV Resource Network

of Special Use Forest also performs a watershed protection function, much of it along the
edge of rivers and streams. There is much overlap between these zones, and no conflict
between managing special use forest for biodiversity conservation, and managing key areas
for their high watershed protection value or to provide environmental services. Indeed, the
argument that forest is performing two or three important functions rather than just one only
reinforces the need to adequately protect it.
Although some of the threatened ungulates which the national park supports prefer a mosaic
of broadleaved evergreen and coniferous forest, areas of coniferous forest are not threatened
by the processes that threaten broadleaved evergreen forest, therefore resources do not need to
be used to protect them. It is the patches of broadleaved evergreen forest in such a mosaic
landscape that are under threat, primarily from burning and clearance for agriculture. Neither
of these activities is permitted under the laws and regulations for the core zones of national
parks and nature reserves.
Large areas of broadleaved evergreen forest located on the eastern side of the national park
and in the south-west are also at risk from fragmentation owing to fire and forest clearance.
As two of the largest blocks of contiguous broadleaved evergreen forest in the Da Lat Plateau,
these are of global importance owing to the population of Collared Laughingthrush which
they support. Efforts should be made to ensure they are not reduced in size. The greatest
concentration of forest of high watershed protection value in the national park is also located
in the north-east, one of the most important parts of the national park for biodiversity.
Protecting broadleaved evergreen forest from clearance and burning is the best way to ensure
it retains its watershed protection value. In addition, it also enables it to provide
environmental services. National park staff should ensure that no more broadleaved evergreen
forest is lost to burning or clearance, through ranger patrols and their presence in communities
surrounding the national park.
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