Exploring the Rich Ecosystem of Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is located in the southwest of Quang Binh province, in Kim Thuy commune, Le Thuy district (partially bordering Quang Tri). The area was officially established in 2020 with a total area of about 22,133 – 22,595 ha, including 22 sub-zones. To the west, it borders the Vietnam – Laos border, and to the south, it borders Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve (Quang Tri).

This is one of the largest contiguous natural forests in Vietnam that still retains a high level of integrity, with primary forest coverage reaching over 97-99%. The terrain is mainly low soil mountains (average altitude of 500-600m, highest at about 1,220m), belonging to the key biodiversity area of Truong Son. The reserve is divided into sub-zones: strictly protected, ecological restoration, and administrative - service.

The tropical monsoon climate, with an average rainfall of about 2,000 mm/year, creates ideal conditions for the tropical evergreen forest ecosystem. The area forms the upper reaches of Long Dai and Kien Giang rivers, with an intricate network of streams and creeks. WWF once assessed this as one of 200 global biodiversity hotspots. The reserve not only conserves biodiversity but also supports sustainable economic development for local communities through ecotourism and environmental services.

The most prominent highlight of Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is the ecosystem of lowland tropical evergreen forests on low soil mountains – a forest type that has become very rare in Vietnam due to population pressure and exploitation. The area conserves more than 50% (about 12,000-14,000 ha) of almost intact tropical and subtropical moist evergreen closed forests in lowland areas.

According to Thai Van Trung's classification, the main vegetation types include:

• Lowland tropical moist evergreen closed forest (accounting for the largest proportion).

• Subtropical moist evergreen closed forest.

• Secondary forest after exploitation and forest on limestone mountains.

The total number of recorded plant species is about 1,030 species belonging to 144 families, including many rare and precious species in the Red Data Book of Vietnam (about 43 species). Recently, scientists also discovered new species such as Dong Chau stone tamarind and black rock garlic, affirming its high scientific value.

The forests here have large timber reserves and a complex multi-layered structure, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife. High canopy cover helps maintain water sources, regulate climate, and prevent soil erosion—crucial ecosystem services for Southwestern Quang Binh.

Overall, the forest ecosystem in Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is not only significant in terms of biodiversity, but also plays an essential role in environmental protection and sustainable development in Central Vietnam.

The fauna at Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is assessed to have a high level of diversity with 357 terrestrial vertebrate species, including 76 mammal species, about 214–220 bird species, and 67–71 reptile and amphibian species. Among these, 39 species are listed on the IUCN Red List, 44 species in the Vietnam Red Data Book, 28 species managed under the CITES Convention, and 46 species under Government Decree 06/2019/ND-CP on the management of endangered, precious, and rare forest plants and animals.

The mammal group records many species with high conservation value such as the red-faced macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, red-shanked douc langur, southern white-cheeked gibbon (siki gibbon), Annamite striped rabbit, Sunda pangolin, Asiatic black bear, Annamite muntjac, large-horned muntjac, saola, and mainland serow. The bird fauna is outstanding with endemic and rare species such as crested argus, short-tailed scimitar babbler, grey-cheeked warbler, white-crested kalij pheasant, and red-bellied pitta. For reptiles and amphibians, the presence of king cobra, clouded monitor lizard, and several endemic tree frog species shows that the habitat characteristics are still well preserved.

The richness of species composition, especially endemic species of Indochina and Vietnam, has enhanced the conservation value of the reserve. Population monitoring through camera traps, forest protection patrols, and illegal hunting control are regularly implemented to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species in this ecosystem.

The habitat at Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is very diverse, including a system of streams, waterfalls, and natural caves intermingled with primary forest. The area serves as the headwaters of the Nhat Le River, with streams and creeks such as Sa Ram (Gold Stream, Khe Bung), Khe Bang (An Bai, Rao Chan), creating crystal-clear waters, majestic waterfalls, and limestone caves.

The geology belongs to the Paleozoic fold belt with ancient sediments, contributing to the formation of natural caves and waterfalls like Khe Nuoc Trong. These habitats are not only home to many aquatic species but also attract adventure tourism, featuring activities like trekking, waterfall viewing, and cave exploration. Habitat conservation focuses on preventing erosion and water pollution, ensuring a balance between tourism and environmental protection.

Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is not merely a nature reserve, but a place that offers us the opportunity to reflect on the relationship between humans and their living environment. There, life unfolds quietly yet resiliently in every forest canopy, stream, and familiar sound of the mountains and forests. Without grand calls, this place reminds us through its own simple presence: nature remains intact only when humans know how to pause, listen, and preserve. An exploration tour to Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong is not just for discovery, but also for reflecting on how we live and our responsibility towards what belongs to nature yet remains deeply intertwined with our own lives.