Hon Ba Nature Reserve covers over 19,285ha located in the 4 districts of Cam Lam, Dien Khanh, Khanh Vinh and Khanh Son. There are over 17,592 hectares of forested land, mostly natural forests. The Hon Ba forest ecosystem is rich and diverse with many places still relatively intact.
A corner of Hon Ba Nature Reserve.
According to Nguyen Thanh Tung, Director of Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board, regular patrols are conducted to protect forests in Hon Ba. To keep the forest intact and protect the biodiversity, in addition to propaganda to mobilize households living near forests to step up efforts to preserve forests and not to encroach on the forest while enhancing their livelihoods. Ranger stations are placed in key high-risk areas to prevent illegal logging. Thanks to regular patrols, since the beginning of the year, no violation cases have been reported.
High-risk locations include Tra Dang, Da Trang, Suoi Tan (Cam Lam District), Ma O, Chi Chay Stream, Ta Gu, Ko Lac, (Khanh Son District); Kho Dan, hot stream, Yang Bay Waterfall (Khanh Vinh District); Lo Gia, Mo Da, Am Chua Lake (Dien Khanh District), etc.
In 2024, Hon Ba forest rangers conducted 293 long-term patrols in key areas; coordinated with the Forest Protection Unit and People's Committees of communes within the forest area to carry out 40 natural forest patrols; and collaborated with neighboring forest owners to organize numerous patrols in adjacent forest areas.
In the coming time, the Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board will continue to direct the Hon Ba Forest Protection Unit to intensify regular efforts to raise public awareness about forest protection, fire prevention and control; and conduct joint patrols in deep forest areas at risk of encroachment to enhance forest protection efficiency.
The dry season is coming and forests are at high risk of wildfire. Therefore, 24-hour patrols will be maintained to protect forest resources as well as prevent wildfires.
Hon Ba Nature Reserve boasts rich biodiversity with 1,445 species of flora of 708 orders, 174 genera, including 209 listed in the Red Book of Endangered Species in Vietnam and in the world.
Wildlife in Hon Ba is distributed in different habitats and altitudes with 77 species of animals, 224 of birds, 71 of reptiles and 48 of frogs. 89 animals are listed in the Red Book of Endangered Species. Every year, local and international researchers discover many more new species in Hon Ba Nature Reserve.
H.L - Translated by N.T