A bird perches in a tree at peaceful Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park in the southern province of Tay Ninh

Located 30 kilometers from the north of the southern Tay Ninh Province and bordering Cambodia, Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park is a resplendent nature reserve offering wildlife safari adventures.

The park boasts a mosaic of lowland evergreen forest area with a variety of wetland habitats, including seasonal flooded grasslands and forests, permanent lakes, and watercourses. Great efforts have been made to develop and preserve the fragile ecosystem, especially for several rare bird species.

Lo Go-Xa Mat is not only an exciting tourist destination, but many researchers also come to the area to study the park and its animal inhabitants.

According to researchers, Lo Go-Xa Mat supports significant populations of Germain’s Peacock Pheasants (Polyplectron germaini) and Siamese Firebacks (Lophura diardi). The area also serves as a stop-over for Sarus Cranes (Grus antigone) migrating between the Mekong Delta and Northern Cambodia.

According to locals, there are also globally threatened species such as the White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis.

Apart from these species, many others living in Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park are listed as endangered in Vietnam. They include the Stork-billed Kingfisher (Halcyon capensis), Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), and Bar-bellied Pitta (Pitta elliotii).

In addition to bird-watching, guided safari and walking tours around the park are also available.

Around 600 local residents live around Lo Go-Xa Mat Park and make a living off the diversified types of wetland habitats. The local government is now taking steps to ensure a balance remains between protecting the environment without displacing residents.

Reported by Kim