UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Mui Ca Mao
General information
Regional network: SeaBRnet Ecosystem-based network: Tropical Forest and Wetlands  Â
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2009
Country
Viet Nam
Total population
170321
Area
Surface
371,506.00 ha
Total terresterial area
118,236.00 ha
Total Marine area
253,270.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 8.62349 - Longitude: 104.771
Ecological Characteristics
The area is linked to many rivers and waterways leading to the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. These rivers receive alluvium from Cuu Long River, deposited mostly on the northwest side by sea currents, where it accumulates creating foundations for the development of mangrove forests. The Mui Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve hosts a rich and varied biodiversity resulting from three types of ecosystem: marine, mangrove and a closed tropical rainforest ecosystem. Characteristic species include Bui (Ilex cymosa), Mop (Alstonia spathulata), Melaleuca forest (Melaleuca cajeputi), three-leave Dau dau (Euodia lepta) and Tram (Syzygium cinereum). Due to its rich biodiversity many different species can be found in the area. These include the lesser short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis), crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) and spot-billed pelican (Pelacanus philippinensis).
Socio-Economics Characteristics
About 20 ethnic groups inhabit the area the majority of which belong to the Kinh (more than 95%). Other groups include the Khmer and Hoa-Chinese. Major economic activities are agriculture, aquaculture, fishery and tourism. Over 40 relics have been found in the Mui Ca Mau area. Several of these have become tourist attractions including the Quan Am Co Tu and Hung Quang pagodas and the Tan Hung temple. Another attraction is the Ca Mau floating market, situated in the middle of Ca Mau city on the Ganh Hao River. Hundreds of boats sell and buy fresh agricultural products daily from across the region at this crowded market.