By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

With contributions from the management of Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Myo Thet, and Wai Phyoe Maung.

Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Mohnyin Township in the Kachin State of Myanmar, the lake is found at 175 m. elevation and covers 120 square kilometres.

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Shwe Myitzu Pagoda (2020) by Myo ThetASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

It is the largest inland lake in ASEAN and the third largest lake in the world.

Ducks (2012) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1999 to protect local waterfowl and their habitats and neighboring catchment areas.

Asian Openbills (2012) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Considered a birdwatcher’s paradise, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose, tufted duck, openbill, common crane, and brown-headed gull.

Vultures (2013) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Rare species include the red-crested pochard, grey-headed lapwing, sarus crane, lesser adjutant, black-necked stork, woolly-necked stork, white-rumped vulture, slender-billed  vulture, blue-bearded bee-eater and brahminy kite.

Shwe Myitzu Pagoda (2019) by Myo ThetASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The lake is a major stop for migratory birds and attracts thousands from December to March. Even for those who aren’t enthusiasts, the sight of thousands of birds on the lake, and flying in flocks over it, is something to behold.

Seagull (2020) by Wai Phyoe MaungASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Recorded species

• 350 species of forest birds
• 99 species of waterbirds
• 88 species of amphibians and reptiles
• 85 species of trees
• 70 species of orchids
• 66 species of fish
• 56 species of medicinal plants
• 50 species of butterflies
• 37 species of mammals

Seagulls flying over a boat (2018) by Wai Phyoe MaungASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Learn more about Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

AHP logo by ACBASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

ASEAN Heritage Parks

ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity. 

AHPs provide a window to the world. showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.

Credits: Story

Photos of Shwe Myitzu Pagoda by Myo Thet
Closeup photo of the seagull by Wai Phyoe Maung

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.