Shwesettaw wildlife sanctuary is located in Minbu, Setote-taya, Saku and Ngapeh townships of Magwe division. It covers an area of 213.4 square miles, and was established in 1985.
Access
Yangon to Magwe, 331 miles (530 km) by car and Magwe to Minbu, 2 miles (3.2 km) by river-route and Minbu to Shwesettaw, 30 miles (48 km) by car.
Objective
To protect and conserve the endemic Shwethamin (Cervus eldithamin) deer of Myanmar. To conserve the "Than-dahat" forest which is part of the Dry Zone Ecosystem and natural habitat of Shwethamin. To conserve the important Mon and Manth watersheds. To sustain the environs of the cherished Shwesettaw Buddhist heritage
Forest / vegetation types
Forests include Than-dahat forest, low indaing (Dry Dipterocarp) forest, and 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
Conservation of natural forests. Conservation and maintenance of the buffer-Zone. Conservation and protection of wildlife including the Myanmar Shwe Thamin (gold color deer).
Inventory and research on the natural habitats and ecosystem of shwethamin. Upgrading of the area to promote ecotourism. Educational programmes of environment conservation during religious festivals
Opportunities for study and recreation
Observation of the habits and habitats of the Myanmar Shwe Thamin. Observation of the Dry Zone Ecosystem and wildlife.
Pilgrimage and homage to the footprint of Buddha. Observation of life and habits of the rare reptile Star tortoise. Observation of the culture of the Chin ethnic nationals. |
