Ba Be National Park

NAME

Ba Be National Park

MANAGEMENT CATEGORY

II (National Park)

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PROVINCE

4.10.04 (Thailandian Monsoon Forest)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Approximately 5km from Cho Ra District Town, Cho Ra District, Cao Bang Province, and a straight-line distance of 150km north-north-west of Ha Noi. Approximately 2224'N, 10537'E

DATE AND HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT

1977. Established under Council of Ministers Decision 41-TTg, dated 24 January 1977.

AREA

5,000ha

LAND TENURE

People's Committee of Cho Ra District

ALTITUDE

Approximately 400m to 893m

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Includes a freshwater lake, covering approximately 500ha, in an area of limestone mountains. The lake is 8km long and up to 0.8km wide. The depth generally varies from 17m to 23m with a maximum of 29m. The surrounding limestone hills rise to peaks at 570m-893m and a peak some 13km to the south-east rises to 1,546m. The lake is connected to the Nang River by a channel; at high water levels during the rainy season, the lake drains into the river via this channel, while during the dry season, water flows from the river into the lake. The famous Dau Dang series of waterfalls, up to 45m high, and extending for about 10km, is located in the hills to the north-west. There are also numerous caves and grottos, the most notable being Phuong Grotto (Scott, 1989) with vaults 30-40m high (Duc, 1985).

CLIMATE

Tropical monsoonal

VEGETATION

No information on the aquatic vegetation is available. The lake is surrounded by tropical rain forest, some of which remains in good condition (Scott, 1989).

FAUNA

Approximately 100 species of birds and 30 species of mammal have been recorded, including several that are rare or endemic. Pheasants of the genus Lophura, green peafowl Pavo muticus (V), gibbons Nycticebus sp. and Francois' leaf monkey Presbytis francoisi may still be present. The fish fauna includes 17 native species, four of which are of economic value (Scott, 1989).

CULTURAL HERITAGE

No information

LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION

Ba Be township is located to the immediate south of the lake although specific details on the population are not available.

VISITORS AND VISITOR FACILITIES

Ba Be is accessible by road from Ha Noi, the journey taking about eight hours by road. The caves, waterfalls and lake are accessible either by boat or foot (Le Dien Duc, 1985).

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND FACILITIES

Some preliminary faunal surveys have been carried out in the area (Scott, 1989).

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

The lake is of considerable importance for the local communities as it regulates water supply. It is set amidst spectacular mountain scenery and has considerable potential for both national and international tourism. It is also the only mountain lake in the country and possesses a flora unique at national level. According to Scott (1989) the area was declared a national park in 1985, although this appears to be erroneous. The Ministry of Forestry and the Natural Resources and Environment Centre are currently working together on a management plan. The hunting of animals and the cutting of trees is strictly forbidden. Plans have already been made to develop the area for tourism, which would enhance the income of local people (Scott, 1989).

MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

The most serious threat is illegal hunting. Some protective measures have already been taken but they are not as yet fully effective. It is recommended that environmental education programmes are promoted in the region in order to reduce the level of poaching (Scott, 1989).

STAFF

No information

BUDGET

No information

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

No information

REFERENCES