Nam Kading National Protected Area
Nam Kading National Protected Area | |
---|---|
Paksan | |
Coordinates | 18°24′28″N 104°14′25″E / 18.40778°N 104.24028°E |
Area | 1,690 km2 (650 sq mi) (decreed),[1] 1,570–1,584 km2 (606–612 sq mi) (actual)[1][2] |
Designated | 29 October 1993 |
Nam Kading National Protected Area is a
Geography
Nam Kading National Protected Area is located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) east of
The park's main river is the
History
Beginning in 1989, the area of the current park was surveyed by air and land. In 1993 Nam Kading National Biodiversity Conservation Area was decreed. Surveying began in 1995 to assess the impact on the park of two further proposed hydropower projects: Theun-Hinboun and Nam Theun 1.[1]
Flora and fauna
The park's main forest types are evergreen forest dry mixed deciduous forest. Native forests in Nam Kading cover 84% of the park area. A study for the proposed hydropower projects identified 256 plant species in the park. Included were two rare species: Lagerstroemia balansae and Justicia gendarussa.[2]
The native forests of Nam Kading host a large variety of animals and birds, including endangered species. At least 43 mammal species and 234 bird species have been catalogued.[2] Animal species include both northern and southern white-cheeked gibbon, sun bear, gaur, tiger, elephant and giant muntjac.[2][3]
Endangered bird species include great hornbill, rufous-necked hornbill, green peafowl and Vietnamese crested argus.[2] Other bird species include wire-tailed swallow, wreathed hornbill, river lapwing, sooty babbler and rufous-throated fulvetta.[2][3] One species is unique in Laos to Nam Kading: the pale-capped pigeon.[1]
Environment
Nam Kading faces a number of environmental threats. The most significant is from the effects of current and future hydropower projects. The current Theun-Hinboun project has reduced the flow of the Nam Kading river. The Nam Theun 1 project would flood an area of 40 square kilometres (15 sq mi) within the park, causing biodiversity loss and separating habitats. Hunting of wildlife by locals is currently a threat and is expected to increase if the Nam Theun 1 project finishes, as easier boat access to the park interior would become possible.[1][2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Nam Kading NBCA". Greater Mekong Subregion Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Lao PDR. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j
Sayer, Jeffrey (2013). "Chapter 8: Nam Kading National Protected Area". In Sunderland, Terry C. H.; Sayer, Jeffrey; Hoang, Minh Ha (eds.). Evidence-based Conservation: Lessons from the Lower Mekong. ISBN 978-1-8497-1394-8. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
- ^ a b "Nam Kading". Greater Mekong Subregion Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Lao PDR. Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.