VN033
Ea So
Current view: Text account
Year of compilation: 2002
This IBA comprises Ea So proposed nature reserve, which is situated in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. To the north of the proposed nature reserve lie low mountains and to the south lie lowlands of around 300 m in altitude. Ea So proposed nature reserve supports a range of natural habitat types, including evergreen forest, semi-deciduous forest and deciduous forest. Blocks of forest are interspersed with areas of natural grassland, which is important habitat for large mammals, particularly wild cattle.
Key biodiversity
Two notable bird species that occur at the site are Green Peafowl Pavo muicus and Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea.
Non-bird biodiversity: The proposed nature reserve supports populations of Gaur Bos gaurus and Banteng B. javanicus. Also of particular significance at Ea So is a record of Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata. Five globally threatened primate species are listed by Brickle et al. (1998) as occurring at Ea So: Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Stump-tailed Macaque Macaca arctoides, Black-shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix nigripes and Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus gabrielle.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The major threats to biodiversity at Ea So proposed nature reserve are hunting, illegal extraction of forest products and clearance of forest for agriculture. These threats are being intensified by increasing population pressure resulting from migration into Ea So commune of people from northern Vietnam and elsewhere in Dak lak province. A new highway that is planned to be built through the proposed nature reserve will open up the forest further, and will be likely to increase levels of human disturbance.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Between February and May 1998, a survey of Green Peafowl Pavo muticus was conducted in Dak Lak province. This project aimed to survey Green Peafowl in Dak Lak, to determine their status and distribution, and to investigate their habitat use. Ea So was found to be one of the most important areas of Dak Lak for suitable Green Peafowl habitat (Brickle et al., 1998).
Habitat and land use
Ea So proposed nature reserve supports a range of natural habitat types, including 11,274 ha of evergreen forest, 4,513 ha of semi-deciduous forest and 144 ha of deciduous forest. Blocks of forest are interspersed with areas of natural grassland, which is an important habitat for large mammals, particularly wild cattle.
BirdLife International (2022) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Ea So. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 29/01/2022.