Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located in Minbu forest division, on the western edge of the Myanmar dry zone, between Mann and Mone streams. Accessible by road and is about two hours' drive from Minbu. It covers a total area of about 553 km2. Many species of animals including Eld's deer, gaur, banteng, serow, sambhur, hog deer, wild boar, leopard, bear, wild dogs, various kinds of birds, and some species of primates are reported to be inhabiting in this sanctuary.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

  Location

 

  • Located between 20° 12' N and 94° 35' E in Minbu, Setote-taya, Saku and Ngapeh Townships of Magwe Division.

  Area

 

  • 213.4 square miles.

  Year of Establishment

  • Established as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940 and strengthened with more staff in 1985

  Access

  • Yangon to Magwe, 331 miles by car and Magwe to Minbu, 2 miles by river-route and Minbu to Shwesettaw, 30 miles by car.

  Objectives

  • (a) To protect and conserve the endemic Shwethamin (Cervus eldithamin) deer of Myanmar.
  • (b) To conserve the "Than-dahat" forest which is part of the Dry Zone Ecosystem and natural habitat of Shwethamin.
  • (c) To conserve the important Mon and Manth watersheds.
  • (d) To sustain the environs of the cherished Shwesettaw Buddhist heritage

  Forest / Vegetative Types

  • (a) Than-dahat Forest
  • (b) Low 'Indaing' (Dry Dipterocarp) Forest
  • (c) Dry Deciduous Forest

  Wildlife

  • Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Eld's deer, Wild boar and various types of wild cats, wild dogs and birds.In accordance with 1998 inventory, the population of thamin is increasing by (1088 ± 269) and the rare Star turtoise (Geochelone platynota) is also present.

  Conservation, Development and Research   Programmes

  • (a) Conservation of natural forests.
  • (b) Conservation and maintenance of the buffer-Zone.
  • (c) Conservation and protection of wildlife including the Myanmar Shwe Thamin.
  • (d) Inventory and research on the natural habitats and ecosystem of shwethamin.
  • (e) Upgrading of the area to promote ecotourism.
  • (f) Educational programmes of environment conservation during religious festivals

  Opportunities for Study and Recreation

  • (a) Observation of the habits and habitats of the Myanmar Shwe Thamin.
  • (b) Observation of the Dry Zone Ecosystem and wildlife.
  • (c) Pilgrimage and homage to the footprint of Buddha.
  • (d) Observation of life and habits of the rare reptile Star tortoise.
  • (e) Observation of the culture of the Chin ethnic nationals.
  • (f) Accommodation for 20 persons at 2 guest houses.

Myanmar Birding Information

Myanmar/ Burma has unique biodiversity in the world. Myanmar offers outstanding opportunities for birders and professional nature and wildlife photographers with its diverse biosphere, different ecosystems from coastal habitat to mountainous forests, and unparalleled natural...

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