Current view: Text account
Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA comprises Can Gio Man and the Biosphere Reserve in the coastal zone of Ho Chi Minh City. The area is situated in a recently formed estuary complex of tidal flats, where the Vam Co, Saigon and Dong Nai rivers discharge into the sea. The topography of Can Gio is low-lying and dynamic. The site is divided by a network of canals and rivers. The major habitat types found at Can Gio are plantation mangorve and naturally regenerating mangrove. The mudflats and sandbanks at the site are an important habitat for migratory shorebirds. There are several threats to biodiversity arising from the local population, the most significant of which are cutting mangrove trees for timber and fuelwood, and conversion of mangrove forest into aquacultural ponds.
Several globally threatened and near-threatened waterbird species have been recorded at Can Gio, including Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer and Spot-billed Pelican Pelcanus philippensis.
Non-bird biodiversity: Can Gio is reported to support a population of Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis (Anon., 1998).
The major habitat types found at Can Gio are plantation mangrove and naturally regenerating mangrove. In addition to the mangroves, the site also supports seagrass beds. The mudflats and sandbanks at the reserve are an important habitat for migratory shorebirds.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
According to ADB (1999), the core and buffer zones of Can Gio Man and the Biosphere Reserve have a human population of 1,500. There are several threats to biodiversity arising from the local population, the most significant of which are cutting mangrove trees for timber and fuelwood, and conversion of mangrove forest into aquacultural ponds. Other threats include destructive fishing techniques, oil spills and sewage discharge from nearby urban areas.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Action for Mangrove Reforestation, Japan (ACTMANG), the European Union (EU), the John D. and Catherine MacArthur foundation, Oxfam America and UNESCO/UNDP have all funded projects to research or support mangrove rehabilitation activities at Can Gio. Between 1994 and 1996, for example, the EU funded a two-year project entitled Environmental Assessment of Mangrove Reforestation as a Means of Improving Coastal Protection, Stability and Fisheries Production. This project was implemented by the Mangrove Ecosystem Research Division of the Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies.
In 1991, Can Gio was designated as a coastal protection forest. In 2000, Can Gio was designated as Vietnam's first Man and the Biosphere Reserve, and a management board was established.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Can Gio (Vietnam). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/can-gio-iba-vietnam on 23/11/2024.
