By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
With photo contributions from Con Dao National Park, Nguyễn Văn Vững, and Lê Mạnh Hùng.
Con Dao National Park
Covering almost 200 sq km off the southern coast of Viet Nam, Con Dao National Park supports high biodiversity in its terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
ReadMangroves in Con Dao National Park (2017) by Con Dao National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Con Dao National Park consists of three main islands (Con Son, Bay Canh, Hon Ba) and 11 smaller islands. Different forest types are distributed throughout its islands. These include evergreen tropical moist forest, bamboo forests, and wetland vegetation.
Con Son giant squirrel (2007) by Lê Mạnh HùngASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Even with its relatively small land area, the park is home to a number of terrestrial species. Some of them are endemic to the islands. 44 plant species were discovered in the park, along with subspecies of mammals such as Con Son giant squirrel and Con Son long-tailed macaque.
Corals and reef fish (2022) by Nguyễn Văn VữngASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
The park’s marine area consists of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. Over 17 sq km of coral reef and 10 sq km of seagrass beds can be found in Con Dao National Park. The coral composition counts as one of the highest in Viet Nam.
Tridacna squamosa (2022) by Nguyễn Văn VữngASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Its vast marine area is a haven for mammals, reptiles, corals, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, zooplanktons, and many others. 174 of them have been classified as globally and nationally threatened and near-threatened.
Wildlife of Con Dao National Park
• 1,077 species of vascular plants
• 354 species of corals
• 85 species of birds
• 50 species of reptiles
• 28 species of mangroves
• 25 species of mammals
• 19 species of amphibians
• 11 species of seagrass
• 4 species of marine mammals
Green sea turtle (2005) by Con Dao National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Con Dao National Park is known as one of Viet Nam’s breeding grounds for sea turtles such as the leatherback, green turtle, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtle. It's the first in the country to start a sea turtle conservation programme in 1994 which continues to this day.
Greater crested terns (2020) by Con Dao National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Aside from being a breeding ground for sea turtles, the park is an important breeding habitat for migratory seabirds such as various tern species, brown noddy, and brown booby.
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.
With photo contributions from Con Dao National Park, Nguyễn Văn Vững, and Lê Mạnh Hùng.
