Biodiversity conservation in Hon Ba

In recent times, the Hon Ba Nature Reserve has seen the appearance of many rare animal species; the flora here includes many endangered and rare species that need protection. To preserve forest resources and conserve biodiversity, the Hon Ba Forest Ranger force, along with the forest protection force of the Reserve Management Board, has implemented a comprehensive range of forest management and protection solutions.

Many rare species of animals and plants.

Recently, Hon Ba Nature Reserve has recorded the appearance of a beautiful and unique animal species: the orchid mantis. This mantis is small in size, with colors and shapes that are captivating, resembling a wild orchid flower. In addition, through surveys and camera trapping activities by the management unit and scientists , the reserve has also recorded the presence of many rare animal species such as: black-footed langur, yellow-cheeked gibbon, slow loris, yellow-tailed monkey, pig-tailed monkey, clouded monitor lizard, flower monitor lizard, golden mountain turtle, bordered mountain turtle, king cobra, spotted toad, white-eyed toad... Not only is it rich in animal life, the reserve also has many rare plant species such as: cypress, flat-leaved pine, rosewood, sandalwood, honey rosewood, red sandalwood, split-leaf cycad, comb cycad, fragrant orchid, slipper orchid, golden orchid… contributing to the unique biodiversity value of the area.

Forces from Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station inspect the forest in the Da Giang area.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Head of the Science and International Cooperation Department (Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board), stated: “The reserve has a total area of ​​over 19,285 hectares, of which more than 17,708 hectares are forested land, mainly natural forest. The Hon Ba forest ecosystem is rich and diverse, with many areas still maintaining a relatively intact state, boasting high biodiversity with many rare and endangered animal and plant species. According to incomplete statistics, the flora in Hon Ba Nature Reserve comprises 1,445 species belonging to 708 genera and 174 families; including 209 rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red Book. Wildlife in Hon Ba is also abundant, distributed across different habitats and altitudes. To date, 77 species of mammals, 224 species of birds, 71 species of reptiles, and 48 species of amphibians have been recorded; including 89 rare animal species. Through various research efforts.” At Hon Ba Nature Reserve, many new species have been discovered and published by scientists from Vietnam and abroad, contributing to affirming the exceptional biodiversity value of the reserve."

Protecting forest ecosystems

To ensure the continued development and conservation of biodiversity in the Hon Ba Nature Reserve's forest ecosystem, the reserve's forest rangers and protection forces have implemented a comprehensive range of solutions. These include focusing on raising public awareness about forest and wildlife protection, and regularly conducting patrols and inspections to protect the forest at its source. Through these efforts, authorities have been able to promptly detect, prevent, and expel individuals illegally entering the forest to exploit forest resources and hunt wildlife, preventing the emergence of hotspots within the forest area. Hunting and trapping of wild animals have been largely curbed, and illegal logging activities have been effectively controlled. Thanks to effective forest protection and biodiversity conservation, the Hon Ba Nature Reserve has attracted numerous domestic and international scientists to conduct surveys and research over the years, contributing to a clearer understanding of the area's unique ecological values.

Two black-footed langurs in Hon Ba Nature Reserve were captured on camera traps.

Orchid praying mantis recorded in Hon Ba Nature Reserve.

Mr. Nguyen Trieu Duong, Head of Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station, said: “Protecting biodiversity and preventing and fighting forest fires in Hon Ba Nature Reserve is a key and ongoing task every year for Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station and the forest protection stations of the Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board. Based on identifying areas at risk of fire or encroachment such as: the trails of the Hon Ba, Da Giang, Tra Dang, and Da Trang roads (Suoi Dau commune); the Ma O and Chi Chay areas (Dong Khanh Son commune); the Ta Gu and Ko Lak areas (Khanh Son commune); the ammunition depot area, hot springs, and sub-areas 196 and 212 (Khanh Vinh commune)..., Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station has coordinated with the forest protection force of the Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board to set up checkpoints at key locations to promptly detect and prevent acts of forest encroachment. From the beginning of 2026 to the present, the unit has conducted 78 patrols and inspections to protect the forest.” This includes numerous intensive patrols lasting day and night. In the coming period, the Hon Ba Forest Ranger Station will continue to strengthen patrols and protect natural forests, especially during peak hot weather periods; promote awareness campaigns to educate people about forest fire prevention and control, and the protection of forests and wildlife within its managed forest area. Simultaneously, it will coordinate with the forest management unit, the Hon Ba Nature Reserve Management Board, and local authorities to effectively implement the signed cooperation agreement on forest protection; and strengthen inspections, detection, and timely prevention of acts that pose a risk to forest resources and biodiversity in Hon Ba.

HAI LANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202606/bao-tonda-dang-sinh-hoc-o-hon-ba-cc906ce/