A Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Xuan Lien Nature ...

4. Management Considerations
4.1 Physical Factors
Topography. The topography of the proposed nature reserve is deeply dissected by a number of stream and
rivers, which flow into the Cao River in the north and into the Khue River in the south (both are tributaries of
the Chu River). Such steep topography creates difficulties for constructing the infrastructure necessary for a
protected area, such as guard stations, and for carrying out management activities, such as enforcement of forest
rules and regulations. Adequate planning of both the location and type of infrastructure is required, and particular
consideration should be given to the steep topography.
Climate. The area has a tropical monsoon climate, with rainfall concentrated in the three months from July to
September and the highest rainfall during August. Floods often occur at these times, causing obstacles to the
management and protection of the nature reserve. The dry season is from November to April, and accounts for
only 10% of the total annual rainfall. During the dry season, the area is exposed to hot, dry winds blowing from
Laos. During this period, there is an increased risk of forest fire, caused by slash-and-burn agricultural practices.
Consequently, the nature reserve management must implement measures to prevent and control forest fires,
particularly in forest areas below 700 m. These measures should include raising awareness about the dangers of
fire and establishing fire-prevention teams in each commune.
4.2 Biological Factors
Management of Forest Patches. The majority of mammals and birds in the proposed nature reserve depend
upon evergreen forest. The only significant undisturbed areas of this habitat type occur above 700 m. The first
priority in establishing and managing the nature reserve should be to protect and conserve existing primary
forest patches in order to provide a refuge for species dependent upon evergreen forest. These species include
Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Asiatic Black Bear, Roosevelt’s Muntjac, and White-cheeked Gibbon.
Further Research. Although populations of several threatened and endemic mammal and bird species have been
found in the proposed nature reserve, these populations have not been studied in sufficient detail to understand
their distribution and ecology. The biodiversity data outlined in this report are only initial results and a more
detailed research programme is essential in order to provide data for effective conservation management. Such a
programme should include detailed surveys of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian populations, with particular
attention given to Roosevelt’s Muntjac and threatened species. Future biodiversity survey work should take place
in the spring when conditions are most favourable.
4.3 Socio-cultural Factors
Hunting and Trapping. At present, there is insufficient information on the populations of nationally or globally
threatened animal species to develop a long-term plan for their conservation. However, hunting and trapping of
mammals and birds by villagers continues in Ban Vin village, and it will be necessary to take measures reduce and
possibly eliminate the impact of these unlawful activities. These measures should include enforcement of regulations
on the possession of firearms and patrols to check trap laying during the trapping season from September to
March.
Logging and Forest Clearance. Forest areas above 700 m have steep slopes and soils prone to erosion if the
vegetation cover is removed. Once soil erosion has taken place, regeneration of the natural vegetation is impeded.
The nature reserve management must seek to control forest clearance at higher elevations, in order to protect the
integrity of the forest. Furthermore, it will be necessary to control logging and forest clearance along the Chu
and Khao Rivers by local people from Hon Yen and Ban Vin villages if the catchments of these important water
sources are to be protected.
The conifers Fokienia hodginsii and Cunninghamia konishii have high economic value and, consequently, most
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