PA FACT SHEET HUE SAO LA NR

Located between 16°03' and 16°09' north latitude and 107°25' and 107°33' east longitude, the reserve spans 15,342 hectares across the A Luoi and Nam Dong districts and the Hương Nguyên, Thượng Quảng, and Thượng Long communes. Established in 2013, the reserve aims to protect the habitat of the critically endangered Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis). The reserve is characterized by dense forests, with a forest cover of 92.99% of the total area. The forest comprises high-quality evergreen forests (17%), degraded evergreen forests (41%), and secondary forests (28%). The reserve is home to a diverse range of species, including 57 mammals, 161 birds, 73 reptiles and amphibians, and 1,035 plant species. Many of these species are recognized as critically endangered at the international and national levels, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The Saola Nature Reserve is part of a larger network of protected areas, including the Saola Nature Reserve in Quang Nam Province. Together, these reserves cover an area of approximately 32,000 hectares. The reserve's terrain is rugged, with steep slopes and high rainfall, making it a challenging environment for conservation efforts. Despite the challenges, the reserve has been relatively successful in protecting its forests, with only 0.02% of forest loss between 2012 and 2014. However, hunting remains a significant threat to the reserve's wildlife, with large numbers of snares being used to capture wild animals. This is a major concern for conservation efforts, as there have been no reported sightings of Saola in recent years, despite significant efforts to monitor the species through camera trap surveys. The capture of any remaining Saola individuals for breeding programs is a contentious issue, as the species may not be able to survive in captivity without support. The reserve's management plan, which spans from 2015 to 2020, is guided by a team of 25 staff members. The plan aims to balance conservation efforts with the needs of local communities, who rely on the reserve's resources for their livelihoods. Despite the challenges, the Saola Nature Reserve remains a critical area for biodiversity conservation, and continued efforts are needed to protect its unique and threatened species.