Established in 1991, Bach Ma Park has a core zone covering 37,487 hectares in Phu Loc and Nam Dong districts.

It boasts 2,373 mushroom and flora species. Among them, 73 plants are listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book of endangered species, while more than 500 others are rare herb plants.

The park also harbours 1,715 fauna species, including 363 types of bird - one third of the number of bird species in Vietnam .

Sixty-nine animals named in the Red Data Book and 15 indigenous species have also been recorded here.

Despite such biodiversity, the number of fauna and flora species in the park has fallen significantly, with some even becoming extinct.

This has been attributed to illegal activities by people residing in Bach Ma’s buffer zone. Many live impoverished lives, and they cut wood and poach wild animals to satisfy the growing demand and high prices for rare species in big cities.

To cope with the problem, the park’s managing board and local authorities are increasing education to raise people’s awareness of protecting forests and encouraging the development of eco-tourism.

They also plan to give intensive training to conservation staff, help local households grow plants that have high economic value and build infrastructure facilities serving the conservation.

More attention will also be given to maintaining the protective function of deltas surrounding the Truoi, Ta Trach, Cu De and Con rivers so as to provide a stable environment for agricultural and industrial activities in the region.