Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Jan. 29 (VNA) -- The 54,740-hectare Vu Quang wildlife park has become famous since the discovery of the mammal Sao La, or Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, there in May 1992.

In fact the park, 75km west of Ha Tinh, the provincial capital of the province of the same name, is home to 96 endangered animal species, with 41 of these listed in the World Conservation Union's Red book. There are also 237 species of bird, 38 species of reptiles, 20 species of amphibians, and 60 species of fish. Two of the amphibians are listed in the red book.

Of the park's protected rare species 26 are animals such as tiger, elephant, bear, wolf, wild buffalo and otter; 10 are species of fowl: pheasants, partridges and crows and 16 are species of reptiles.

The discoveries of Pseudoryx nghetinhensis followed by Megamuntiacus vuquanggensis caught the attention of the world's conservationists because both were thought extinct. The two are among three rare animals and two species of fish nearly found in the park, about 400 km south of Ha Noi.

Flora in Vu Quang is also abundant with 307 species of plants and trees. Trees of high economic value include baria kingwood (baria delbergia), iron wood, peltophore and sandalwood.

Soon after the discovery of Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, the Dutch government granted almost USD 2.43 million as non-refundable aid to help Viet Nam preserve the rare species and their habitats. The project, from July 1995 to June 2000, helped local authorities curb poaching and deforestation. Many illegally-captured wild animals were released and illegal timber-cutters and poachers punished.

Short-term courses in keeping honeybees and growing crops were organised and 8,640 fruit-tree cuttings given local farmers to help them improve their lives.

The project also helped farmers use a new type of stove in a bid to end the use of wood for cooking. An estimated 15-120 tonnes of firewood could be saved each year if all 7,000 households in Vu Quang were to use the newly-introduced stoves.--VNA