Part I: Unparalleled Biological Diversity

(Baonghean)Pu Mat National Park is located on the eastern slopes of the majestic Truong Son mountain range, with a core area of ​​91,113 hectares and a buffer zone of 86,000 hectares. Among the 164 special-use forests in Vietnam, Pu Mat National Park is a treasure trove of rare and valuable wild genetic resources, ranked among the most biologically valuable in the country.

Pu Mat National Park shares a 61.5 km border with Laos, with a core area of ​​91,113 hectares and a buffer zone of 86,000 hectares, distributed across 16 communes in 3 districts: Anh Son, Con Cuong, and Tuong Duong. Pu Mat National Park is located on the Truong Son mountain range at altitudes ranging from 100 to 1,841 meters above sea level. 90% of the park's area is below 1,000 meters, with the highest areas situated near the Vietnam-Laos border. The highest peak in Pu Mat National Park, at 1,841 meters, serves as the park's symbol and name. From this eastern peak, steep valleys stretch down, forming high-slope mountain ranges. There are very few flat areas in the park; the valley bottoms contain four main river basins: Khe Thoi, Khe Bu, Khe Choang, and Khe Khang.

A sun bear was rescued at Pù Mát National Park.

Recent discoveries of new large mammal species in the Truong Son mountain range have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. Scientific interest in this region has increased rapidly. This is demonstrated by the assistance provided by organizations to the Vietnamese government in finding solutions for forest conservation and biodiversity preservation. Currently, scientists both domestically and internationally have identified 132 mammal species in Pu Mat National Park, including 42 species of conservation value listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and 25 species that are internationally threatened. Large mammal populations are threatened by adverse human activities, especially the Indochinese tiger, saola, and gaur. The gray-bellied squirrel population remains relatively high. Pu Mat National Park is also home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants in Vietnam. Regarding the 51 species of small mammals in the National Park, it is unique in the Indochina region in terms of the number of species. There are 53 species of reptiles and 33 species of amphibians, including many threatened species such as the three-striped turtle, the green-headed box turtle, the green pit viper, and the king cobra. All amphibians and reptiles have been photographed and preserved as specimens for research at the Chicago Museum of Natural History, USA.

Regarding birds: There are 361 species belonging to 49 families and 14 orders, including both native and migratory birds. Of these, 287 species are listed in the IUCN Red List, including 3 species classified as Vulnerable (VU), 7 species classified as Threatened (NT), and 277 species classified as Least Concern. In addition, the National Park has 39 species of bats, 7 of which are threatened, making it the most diverse bat species in Asia, accounting for 50% of known bat species in Vietnam and 4% of known bat species worldwide. Regarding fish: There are 83 species belonging to 56 genera and 19 families. Notable species include eels, catfish, barramundi, and other similar species. Insect species number 1084, belonging to 64 families and 7 orders.

Indian sun bats in Pu Mat (source: Pu Mat National Park)

The vegetation here is rich and diverse. At the foot of the mountain are patches of teak forests, and at an altitude of over 600 meters, there are forests with tree trunks so large that 4-5 people couldn't encircle them. Pu Mat National Park is also home to 2,494 species of vascular plants belonging to 202 families, including 70 species listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and 63 species in the World Red Book. Rare plant species here include fir, hainan oak, etc. Recently, the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection (VACNE) awarded a certificate recognizing the fir tree in Pu Mat National Park as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, considered the most majestic in Vietnam. With a height of over 70 meters, a trunk circumference of 23.7 meters, and a trunk diameter of 5.5 meters, this fir tree is estimated to be over 1000 years old. In general, 80% of the area of ​​Pu Mat National Park and its buffer zone is covered with trees, and within the National Park itself, 62% is primary forest (almost untouched).

Pu Mat National Park is an important part of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding values. It is the largest biosphere reserve in Vietnam, covering over 1.3 million hectares, including a core zone of 191,922 hectares and a buffer zone of 503,270 hectares. Currently, 473,822 people live within this biosphere reserve. Connecting the core zones of Pu Mat National Park, Pu Huong Nature Reserve, and Pu Hoat, it creates a conservation corridor that maintains the continuity of the landscape and ecology, as well as biodiversity, with many rare and endemic species of the region. This biosphere reserve demonstrates the harmony between natural landscapes and cultural spaces, with more than ten ethnic groups coexisting and maintaining their cultural identities.

The slow loris, a primate species that needs conservation (photo by Tran Xuan Cuong)

The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is a model for sustainable development, leaving a legacy for future generations with the motto of conservation for development and development for conservation. This biosphere reserve represents ecosystems and biogeographical areas of significant biodiversity conservation, creating conditions for sustainable development. Its large area fulfills three functions: conservation, development, and preservation of cultural values ​​with community participation, and promotion of research, education, and training. This is creating an advantage for the biosphere reserve in attracting domestic and international scientific research projects and developing ecotourism. Pu Mat National Park, a priority area for biodiversity conservation at the national level, also boasts the largest area of ​​natural forest in northern Vietnam and is most significant in conserving the ecosystem of the Truong Son mountain range. The national park borders vast forests that extend across the Vietnam-Laos border and into the southern part of the Truong Son mountain range, adding to its importance in the region, particularly in cross-border biodiversity conservation strategies and climate change research. It is home to representatives of almost all forest types, from peak dwarf forests to mixed, deciduous, subtropical coniferous, and tropical evergreen deciduous forests.

Pu Mat National Park is considered to have the highest biodiversity in the country, as confirmed by comparisons with other national parks nationwide: Pu Mat National Park has 494 more plant species than Cuc Phuong National Park, 37 more mammal species, 260 more bird species, and 71 more fish species... In addition, Pu Mat National Park has over 1000 more plant species, over 60 more mammal species, over 41 more bird species... and 7 more reptile species, 121 more bird species, and 65 more mammal species than Yokdon National Park...

It is known that Pù Mát National Park was the subject of a basic biodiversity survey funded by the "SFNC Social Forestry and Nature Conservation Project," sponsored by the European Union and the Vietnamese Government. The comprehensive survey program was conducted over three years, from 1998 to 2000, by experts and staff of the Pù Mát Nature Reserve (now Pù Mát National Park), with assistance from Vietnamese, British, and American scientists. A total of 55 domestic and international scientists, along with 17 staff members of Pù Mát National Park, participated in the work.

Van Truong