vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn  

Leafy giant: Visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park admire a 1,000-year-old parashorea tree. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

Cuc Phuong National Park branches out

HA NOI — Nearly 100,000 visitors have made their way to Cuc Phuong National Park so far this year, Director Dao Van Khuong said.

Cuc Phuong, Viet Nam’s first national park, is located 120km south west of Ha Noi, spanning Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces.

With its pristine forests and diverse ecosystems, the 22,200ha park attracts tourists and scientists alike. Many come to see the work being done to protect threatened and endangered species.

Fifteen species of langur on the world red list of threatened species are found at the Cuc Phuong endangered primate rescue centre.

Three endemic primates, the Delacour’s langur, douc langur and Ha Tinh langur are housed there.

In addition, a turtle conservation centre is located in the park, housing 550,000 turtles of 17 species. Two of the 17 species are threatened globally.

There are also two globally threatened species of bird – the chestnut-necklaced partridge and red-collared woodpecker – and 12 species on the globally near-threatened list.

Of course the park boasts huge numbers of non-threatened plant and animal species, as well as some impressive scenery.

There are some awe inspiring limestone caves, some once home to ancient civilisations dating back 7,000 years.

Cuc Phuong is also home to the Muong ethnic minority, who live mainly on bee keeping, farming and textile weaving. Khanh village, a Muong settlement, has become very popular with visitors. — VNS