Tram Chim National Park recovers well after wildfire

More than four months after the fire at subzone A1 of Tram Chim National Park (Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province), which burned 20.4 hectares (18.2 hectares under the canopy and 1.84 hectares of grassland), the affected area is showing good recovery. Many young shoots are growing on the melaleuca trees, and the forest canopy recovery rate is about 11.43%. Additionally, the burned forest area has seen dense seed regeneration, though the seedlings are still small.

Recently, Mr. Pham Thien Nghia, Chairman of the Dong Thap People’s Committee, conducted a survey to assess the ecological recovery of the burned forest area in subzone A1 of Tram Chim National Park.

Chairman Mr. Nghia stated, “This is the second time I have directly surveyed the forest areas at Tram Chim National Park and observed the forest’s recovery since the fire a few months ago. I have also directed local authorities, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Tram Chim National Park Management Board to continue monitoring and assessing the forest’s recovery. Research should focus on reducing water levels to accelerate melaleuca forest regeneration. Additionally, efforts must be made to control access to the park, preventing illegal hunting and livestock grazing.”

Currently, the Tram Chim National Park Management Board is implementing the infrastructure project supporting the program to restore and develop the population of red-crowned cranes at the Park.

As part of this, several facilities have been completed, including enclosures for two adult cranes, a pen for juvenile cranes (from six months old), and pairing enclosures for individual cranes. The technical team responsible for crane care is ready. The park has also collaborated with Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden and relevant experts to finalize a list of equipment, food sources, and veterinary supplies needed for raising red-crowned cranes.

During the survey, Chairman Pham Thien Nghia suggested that Tram Chim National Park should research and introduce areas to display and showcase plants that serve as primary food sources for the cranes, such as water chestnut plant. He also asked Tam Nong district to consider developing startup products from the water chestnut plant, which would not only create added value but also provide products for tourists visiting Tram Chim National Park.