MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY

STUDENT THESIS
Title

FUNDAMENTAL OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGY OF ASARUM GLABRUM IN
BA VI NATIONAL PARK, HA NOI

Major: Natural Resources Management
Code: D7850101
Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management

Student: Lam Tieu Hong

Student ID: 1453092346

Class: K59A Natural Resources Management

Course: 2014 – 2018

Advanced Education Program
Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University, USA

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Nam
Dr. Tran Minh Tuan

Hanoi, September 2018


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

With all of my respectation and from bottom of my heart, I would like to say thanks to
my honorable supervisor - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Nam who helped me a lot to
accomplish my graduation thesis. His enthusiasm, caring, and immense knowledge are
invaluable motivation for me.
Besides that I would like to express my unlimited gratitude to Dr. Tuan Tran and all of
officers in Ba Vi national park, for their given information which helped me a lot in my
research. During the study they helped me with all unconditional help and extremely create
condition to avail me.
Additionally if without my friend’s support I wouldn’t know how can I finish my
thesis. My interview, field trip, research may not have been accomplished well without their
helps whose extremely means to me.
The last words I would like to thank to my parents who always facilitate to support,
mobilize me with infinite love.
If lack of any factors above I am not sure that my thesis whether be completed.
Sincerely thank!

i


ABSTRACT
Nature gives Ba Vi rich ecosystems and diversified vegetation. Asarum glabrum is a
precious herbal species in Ba Vi National Park. Survey results show that Asaurm glabrum has
many uses and gives local people a lot of benefits. The majority of people collect Asarum
glabrum for medicine and sale. However, the regeneration capacity of the species in the wild
is poor and people over-exploit it, leading to the serious decline of the species. To do this
research, I use some main methods: observation method to determine size of trunk, rhizomes,
root, leaves, flower, fruit; setting standard plot to investigate the distribution and structure of
the forest where the species distribute; investigating the distribution of tree regeneration and
their quality. Besides that, interviewing local people are also used. Interview the local people
how to use, exploit, plant in the local. Through the process of investigation and data

collection, this thesis gives a general overview about phenological, morphological, ecological
characteristics of Asarum glabrum in Ba Vi National Park, Ha Noi. Learn some ways to plant
and develop species in Ba Vi, that is premise for the conservation of Asarum glabrum in Ba
Vi as well as in Vietnam.

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ............................................................................................................. i
ABSTRACT ...............................................................................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... iii
ABBREVIATION ...................................................................................................................... v
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................vii
I.

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

II.

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................... 8

2.1. Goal ..................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 8
III.

METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 9

3.1. Study area ............................................................................................................................ 9

3.1.1. Natural condition of Ba Vi National Park ...................................................................... 10
3.1.2. Forest resources .............................................................................................................. 15
3.1.3. Social and economic conditions ..................................................................................... 17
3.2. Field survey and data collection ........................................................................................ 18
3.2.1. Field survey .................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.2. Data collection ................................................................................................................ 18
3.3. Data processing and analysis ............................................................................................. 24
IV.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................... 25

4.1. General introduction .......................................................................................................... 25
4.2. Biological characteristics of Asarum glabrum .................................................................. 25
4.2.1. Morphological and regenerative characteristics ............................................................. 25
4.3. Ecological characteristics of Asarum glabrum .................................................................. 31

iii


4.4. Study the distribution characteristics of Asarum glabrum ................................................ 35
4.5. Exploitation, using, planting and conservation of Asarum glabrum ................................. 36
4.5.1. Situation of exploitation of trees. ................................................................................... 36
4.5.2. Use situation ................................................................................................................... 36
4.5.3. Planting situation ............................................................................................................ 37
4.6. Analyzing, evaluating, proposing conservation measures................................................. 38
4.7. Proposed solutions for conservation and development of Asarum glabrum. .................... 38
V.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................................... 40


5.1. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 40
5.2. Recommendation ............................................................................................................... 41
VI.

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 1

VII.

APPENDICES ................................................................................................................. 3

iv


ABBREVIATION
NP : National Park
IUCN : The International Union for Conservation of Nature
SP : Sample plot/ Standard plot

v


LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Investigating morphological characteristics of Asarum glabrum ............................... 20
Table 2. Shade cover, height and forest status in sample plot .................................................. 20
Table 3. : Distribution network tree regeneration in sample plot ............................................. 21
Table 4. Characteristics of regenerated tree quality ................................................................. 22
Table 4.1: Morphological characteristics of Asarum glabrum ................................................. 26
Table 4.2: Shade cover, height and forest status in standard plot ............................................ 32
Table 4.3: Distribution network tree regeneration in standard plot .......................................... 33
Table 4.4: Characteristics of regenerated tree quality .............................................................. 34


vi


LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Map of Ba Vi National Park, Ba Vi Commune .......................................................... 9
Figure 2. Ba Vi National Park tourist map ................ ………………………………………….9
Figure 3. Gate of Ba Vi National Park ....................................................................................... 9
Figure 4. Standard plot ............................................................................................................. 19
Figure 5. Questionnaire for local people .................................................................................. 23
Figure 6. Asarum glabrum ........................................................................................................ 27
Figure 7. Field survey ............................................................................................................... 28
Figure 8. Morphological characteristics of Asarum glabrum ................................................... 29
Figure 9. Flower and fruit of Asarum glabrum ........................................................................ 31
Figure 10. Investigating regeneration tree ................................................................................ 35

vii


I. INTRODUCTION
The botany have been formed since the appearance of humans in order to live and fight in
harmony with nature. Humans have used plants for their livelihood (such as plants for food,
housing, medicinal plants, essential oils ...). In addition to being of great value to humans, plants
have a strong positive effect on the environment, animals and a variety of other factors. Plants
provide a lot of essential necessities for human beings, helping people's lives become better.
Environment and nature play a very important role in human life. They provide vital
human life, such as water, air, land, etc. The role of natural resources in human life has been
greatly exemplified and undeniably evident. However, due to various causes, human beings
have been and will be adversely affected by this resource and have caused serious biodiversity
loss. Many fauna and flora species have been exposed to the threat of extinction, including

species that are special and important value in science and human life.
Vietnam is one of the centers of biodiversity in the world with rich fauna and flora.
There are many national parks and nature reserves built to study and preserve and maintain
the growth of plant and animal species throughout the country. From ancient times people
have been constantly exploring, learning and accumulating experience to use the plants next
to themselves to serve for themselves, family, society as well as in all aspects of life living.
Due to differences in customary practices as well as the knowledge that each region uses
different plant species as well as the effect it brings.
For the past 20 years, the herbs (research, application and use of herbs) have grown
historically, with herbaceous species accounting for the major components of medicines in
developing countries and gradually spread throughout the world. Humans have struggled to
protect their health in the areas of environmental pollution and to reduce stress, to cure
diseases with drugs in combination with the body's defense system. A revolution has been
silently taking place, now about 80 million people around the world have used herbal

1


medicines (such as Parabour, Artichoke, etc.) to maintain mental health and physical strength.
The number of people who consulted with herbalists and natural therapists increased. More
and more scientific evidence suggests that herbal remedies can be as effective as traditional
medications, but have fewer side effects. Sales of herbal medicines have increased
dramatically - about 55% of the total in the United States in 1998 - now many pharmaceutical
companies are turning to the trend of producing and trading herbs.
The diversity and perfection of some plants combined with therapies is surprising.
Herbics in medicine and botany are considered as inseparable areas of human activity; the
physician is often referred to as the first botanist in human history. Western medicine is of
interest in most medical schools around the world. Although people tend to replace natural
herbs with artificial remedies produced in the factory, herbal remedies have so far been of
great importance in traditional medicine in many countries is developing (Vo Van Chi, 1997).

In the recent years, under the pressure of population explosion, socio-economic
development in which the general resources, as well as the plants in particular, are under
serious threat. High-value tree species are heavily exploited to serve human uses leading to
extinction. Low value or valuable plant species, but people who do not know how to use it,
are destroyed to make room for other high economic returns such as agriculture and industry.
In addition, research into the development of precious plant species also takes a lot of time,
money and effort so it may also face the existence and development of natural plants.
Following Clause 14, Article 3 of the Forest Protection and Development Law, rare
and precious plants are of special economic, scientific and environmental value, of small
numbers in nature or in danger of extinction. A list of rare forest plant species regulated by
the government on management and protection.
Investigating, identifying plant species and valuable plant communities for
conservation is an important task for plant researchers. All species in the Asarum L. family

2


are grass for many years, grow in small clumps in moist places, near the ravine, roadside,
under evergreen forest closed. Their distribution is only in mountainous areas in Lao Cai, Ha
Giang, Cao Bang, Vinh Phuc, Ha Noi, Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh. In recent years, Asarum
species have been fully exploited for medicine and sold to China. In addition, the primary
forest is also devastated, the habitat of the species is also shrinking so the diversity of the
species has been seriously threatened.
Conservation biology is a scientific principle designed to protect species, establish
new protected areas, and strengthen national parks. It is also important to identify which
species on the earth need conservation. Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science
that brings together a great many people and knowledge in various fields to overcome the
current biodiversity crisis. In many ways it can be said that conservation biology is an
essential science. Conservation decisions are made daily and often with very limited
information due to time constraints. Biology tries to propose the right solutions to solve.

The reasons for plant conservation:
- Serving the current and future use of the elements of biodiversity as well as
biological resources
- Serving for the maintenance of the biosphere in a state that can support human life
- Serving for the sake of preserving biology itself for no other reason, especially all the
rare plants that are living today.
Research situation in the world:
Genus Asarum L. is a herbaceous plant in the Aristolochiaceae Juss. family, preferring
wet areas, shade and rich humus. The leaves are usually heart shaped, usually warm flowers,
growing in the axillary, in the spring. This species is widely distributed in Africa, Europe and
Asia, with about 70 species. Species in Asarum L. usually have very high medical value, used
to treat cough, cold, numbness, indigestion, abdominal pain, intestinal diseases,..

3


Research situation in Vietnam:
Vietnam has a total area of 239,600 km2 of which up to three quarters are hilly.
Vietnam's forests have the highest biodiversity in the world. Scientists estimate that tropical
forests in Vietnam contain about 12,000 species of higher plants, of which over 9,000 have
been discovered and 23.6% are known to be endemic (Ban, 2003; Chan, 1999). . The majority
of endemic species are concentrated in four main areas: Hoang Lien Son mountain area, Ngoc
Linh mountain area, Lam Vien plateau in the south and rainforest area in the north of the
Central. Many local endemic species are found only in very narrow areas with very low
numbers. In recent years, the risk to biodiversity has increased as natural forests have been
destroyed. Biological communities that have undergone millions of years of development are
being threatened by human activities. Many species are rapidly declining, even some of which
are at the threshold of extinction that are primarily caused by over-hunting, habitat destruction
and the onset and competition of wildlife. Alien creatures. The natural forest vegetation in our
country is severely degraded and cut. The remaining patches are the result of fragmentation

and are usually limited in size. These populations are often vulnerable and less adaptable
when habitats are altered, especially under the influence of climate change. Plant populations
are declining in size. Many species are threatened with extinction. List of 448 plant species
that are subject to red alert (Ministry of Science and Technology 2007, IUCN 2007). Many of
these species have high scientific, medical and commercial value. Although some species are
protected in the nature reserve and the park is still under threat of extinction. So far, we have
only done research on classification and classification. This is very limited in the planning of
species conservation strategies, especially rare species. The government has had some
conservation measures in place and displacement. However, due to the lack of understanding
of the mechanisms and causes leading to species extinction, these measures are only
temporary and ineffective. Endangered species are very large. We currently lack information

4


on genetic diversity at both species and population levels. The biological and ecological basis
of species diversity, the potential for evolution, is considered as the key to the survival of
species in the present and in the future. But research on this area is limited and scattered.
Some results have shown that, although small populations of high genetic diversity in some
species may be involved in reproductive and environmental diversity, fertility. However, the
results show that adaptation to habitat will be impaired in the near future if we do not have
more effective measures to protect and restore species. Thus, these research results will be an
important scientific basis for the conservation of genetic resources and maintain the evolution
of rare species in our country. In order to have a more effective species conservation strategy,
it is necessary to understand the human impacts on species, communities and ecosystems and
to develop approaches to limit the eradication of species and rescuing threatened species by
integrating them into ecosystems that are suitable for them.
Moc huong nam (Scientific name: Aristolochiaceae), is a family of flowering plants
with 5-7 branches and about 400-480 species, according to the latest classification belongs to
the Piperales. Their typical family is Aristolochia (L.). In some documents on botany in

Vietnam, they are called Moc Huong.
Asarum L. - belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae. In the world, this genus contains about
90 species, distributed mainly in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the
majority of East Asian species, running from Himalayan to mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea.
National and Sakhalin Islands; in North America and a species in Europe (Asarum europaeum).
According to Pham Hoang Ho (1999) , Nguyen Tien Ban (2003) and Vo Van Chi
(2003), Asarum L. consists of seven species (A. balansae Franch; blumei Duch in A. DC, A.
caudigerum Hance, A. glabrum Merr .; A. petelotii OC Schmidt; A. reticulatum Merr. and A.
wulingense Liang), distributed mainly in northern Vietnam, There are three species listed in the

5


Vietnam Red Book 2007, A. balansae Franch; A. caudigerum Hance and A. glabrum Merr..
Nguyen Anh Tuan and others. (2012) added Asarum cordifolium to the flora of Vietnam.
(Asarum glabrum Merr.) of the Aristolochiaceae family. In Vietnam, the Asarum L.
has seven species, of which three species are listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam (2007).
Asarum is a species of rare genetic origin, listed in the Vietnam Red Book 2007
(Classification: VU A1c, d) and listed in the List of Endangered, No. 32/2006 / ND-CP of the
Government on restrictions on exploitation and use for commercial purposes.
In some mountainous areas of Vietnam, Asarum glabrum species are used as cough,
fever and bronchitis remedies; people use roots and rhizomes to cough and cure sore throats;
flowers make tonic.
Nature and geographic conditions have made Ba Vi National Park a rich ecosystem of
forest and herbs. This place is very suitable for the development of herbs of high economic
value and familiar with the life of local people. In addition to the value of medicine, they are
also spices food for local people from many generations now on. With the above advantages,
the development of herbs is considered a promising way to generate income and improve the
quality of life for people associated with sustainable forest protection.
Ba Vi National Park is located in 5 districts of Ba Vi, Thach That, Quoc Oai - Hanoi,

Luong Son district, Ky Son- Hoa Binh province, far away 60km from the capital Hanoi under
Highway 21A, 87. Ba Vi National Park is divided into three functional zones:
- Strict Conservation Zone
- Ecological rehabilitation sub-zone
- Administrative service subdivision.
Ba Vi is a mountainous area with low mountains, hills and mountains adjacent to the semimountainous region, which looks like a mountain range rising up between the delta and the
confluence of the Da River and Red River 20km south. In Ba Vi National Park has several peaks

6


with an altitude of over 1000m as Dinh Vua (1296m), Tan Vien peak (1227m), Ngoc Hoa peak
(1131m), Vien Nam peak (1081m) and a lower peak as Hang Hum (776m), Gia De peak (714m) ...
The Ba Vi mountain range consists of two main stripes. The first thunderstorm runs
east-west from the Oi stream to the Lat bridge through Tan Vien and Hang Hum peak 9km
long. The second thunderstorm runs in the direction of West - North - East - South from Yen
Son through Tan Vien peak to Quyt Mountain 11km long, then this run continues to Vien Nam
to the Kem slope (Hoa Binh). Ba vi is a mountainous area with high slope, the western slope
falls into the Da River, steeper than the northwest and southeast slopes,the average slope area is
250m, the higher the rise the higher the slope , from the the height of 400m and above, the
average slope is 350, and there is rocky cliff, so traveling in the park is not favorable
Asarum glabrum is distributed according to the climate belt at a single elevation zone
of the low montane subtropical wet evergreen forest type. They are concentrated on the top of
some high peaks of Ba Vi National Park which are Vua peak, Tan Vien peak and Ngoc Hoa
peak. Asarum glabrum has the lowest elevation at 950 m in the Ngoc Hoa Peak and the
highest is 1283m at Vua peak. The distribution area of Asarum glabrum at Vua peak, Tan
Vien and Ngoc Hoa peak, from 950 m or higher. Distribution center of the Asarum glabrum at
the top of Ngoc Hoa from a height of 1100m or more; at the top of Tan Vien from 1150
meters above and the top of Vua peak from 1200 meters or higher.
It possesses many important characteristics for science as well as human life and is a

high value species because it can develop research and applicate in medicine: roots, rhizomes
for cough medicine, cure sore throat; flowers are a tonic, gene sources are relatively rare in
Vietnam. However, this species has not been extensively investigated for its endemism,
ecology, reproduction, as well as conservation research to develop this rare medicinal plant.
From practices listed above, I chose the topic FUNDAMENTAL OF CONSERVATION
BIOLOGY OF ASARUM GLABRUM IN BA VI NATIONAL PARK, HA NOI to
improve knowledge, propose the direction of conservation and development of species this
promising plant in Ba Vi National Park as well as Vietnam.

7


II. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
2.1. Goal
To provide basic information about the biological and ecological characteristics of
Asarum glabrum - valuable species in Ba Vi National Park, Hanoi as a basis for proposing
solutions to preserve and develop this species in Ba Vi as well as Vietnam in general.
2.2. Objectives
- Identifying the basic characteristics of the morphology and phenology of Asarum
glabrum.
- Identifying some ecological features and distribution of Asarum glabrum in Ba Vi
National Park.
- Finding out some activities on propagation, growing and development of Asarum
glabrum.
- Proposals for preservation and development of Asarum glabrum in Ba Vi National
Park as well as in Vietnam.

8



III. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Study area

Figure 1. Map of Ba Vi National Park, Ba Vi Commune

Figure 2. Ba Vi National Park tourist map

Figure 3. Gate of Ba Vi National Park
(Source:Google picture)

Natural and social conditions in the study area
9


3.1.1. Natural condition of Ba Vi National Park
3.1.1.1. Geographical location
Ba Vi national park is located 50km from capital along the Cau Giay – National
Highway 32 – Son Tay – Provincial Highway 414 – Ba Vi National Park and 60 km along
Lang – Thang Long – Hoa Lac- Cultural village – Ba Vi National Park.
Currently, the administrative boundaries of the park are located in 16 communes of 05
districts of Ha Noi and Hoa Binh provinces: Ba Vi, Thach That, Quoc Oai in Hanoi and
Luong Son and Ky Son districts in Hoa Binh province.
Ba Vi National Park is located in the geographical coordinates:
From 20055 'to 21007' North.
From 105018 'to 105030' East.
The North is Ba Trai, Ba Vi and Tan Linh communes of Ba Vi district - Hanoi.
In the South, there are Phuc Tien and Dan Hoa communes in Ky Son district; Lam
Son Commune, Luong Son District, Hoa Binh Province.
East of Van Hoa, Yen Bai, Ba Vi district; Yen Trung, Yen Binh, Tien Xuan district,
Thach Loi district; Dong Xuan Commune, Quoc Oai District, Ha Noi City and Yen Quang

Commune, Ky Son District, Hoa Binh Province.
To the west are Minh Quang, Khanh Thuong, Ba Vi district, Hanoi and Phu Minh
commune, Ky Son district, Hoa Binh province.
3.1.1.2. Topographic
Ba Vi is a mountainous area with low mountains, hills and mountains adjacent to the
semi-mountainous region, which can be considered as a mountainous region in the middle of
the plain, just 30 km from the confluence of Da and Hong rivers Southwards.

10


The highest peaks are Vua peak (1,296 m), Tuyen Vien peak (1,227 m), Ngoc Hoa
peak (1,131 m), Vien Nam peak (1,012 m). There are also peaks such as Hang Hum Peak
(776 m), Gia De Peak (714 m).
The Ba Vi massif consists of two main stripes:
- The east-west thunderstorm from Oi stream to Cau Lat through Tan Vien and Hang
Hum 9 km long.
- The north-south thunderstorm from Yen Son through Tan Vien to Quyt Mountain is
11 km long and then proceeds to Vien Nam Mountain on the Kem slope.
Ba Vi is generally a steep mountain region, with the western slopes dipping into the
Da River, steeply sloping over the northwest and southeast slopes, the average slope of the
area is 250, the steepest slope rising, the height of 400 m and above, the average slope is 35 0
and the cliff faces. Transportation in park is not convenient.
3.1.1.3. Land type
Ba Vi national park area was formed from the founding of the Indoxini movement 150
million years ago.
Geologically the area has the oldest stratigraphic unit in the metamorphic rocks of
Proterozoic age.
- The composition of parent rock distributed in the area of Ba Vi National Park is very
diverse, including the following major rocks: metamorphic rock, limestone, sedimentary rock

- eruption, sedimentary rock, loose rock :
Alkaline and neutral metamorphic rocks (diorite, poocphyrite);
+ Sedimentary rocks, sedimentary rocks - eruptions (sandstone, conglomerate,
claystone) distributed scattered, there are at the top of Tan Vien, Dinh Vua ...;
+ Metamorphic rocks (crystalline shale, gypsum, gnai, quartzite) are distributed into
the strip in Da Chong, Ngoi Lat, eastern flank, Dong Vong area, Sang village ...;

11


+ Limestone (limestone, dolomite) is distributed in Che Mountain, Mit village, Ma
stream, Quyt village ...;
- Regarding soil, the main soil of the Ba Vi mountain range is sandstone and
sandstone with main types of soil: yellow Feralit; Yellowish-brown feralite grows on clay,
sandstone; Red-yellowed feralite grows on clay, sandstone, mica and sedimentary rocks;
Alluvial soil.
+ Yellowish humus feralit soil is distributed on the alkaline and neutral magma, light
yellow, humus is thick, medium to medium layer suitable for coniferous forest.
+ Yellowish brown feralite: distributed in elevation below 700m, developed on
alkaline and neutral magma with different mother rocks, yellow red, brownish yellow, reddish
brown ..., humus layer, floor The soil is thin to thick, suitable for many forest species.
+ The combination of valleys consists of alluvium, old alluvium, flats, floods ...
suitable for agricultural crops.
3.1.1.4. Climate characteristics
The hydrographical climate of the Ba Vi mountain area is determined by the factors of
latitude, monsoon and terrain.
The Ba Vi area, located at the 210 th parallel of the North, is influenced by the
monsoonal mechanism and is coordinated by the latitudes and monsoons that form the humid
tropical climate with a cold and dry winter, 400m or more without dry season. The high
elevation of wind from many sides, the rainfall is quite rich and unevenly distributed on the

area. This is also a condition for plants in general and medicinal plants in particular grow.
a. Heat regime
The average annual temperature is 23.40 C (from Ba Vi, Luong Son and Ky Son
stations), the coldest month is January, the hottest month is July. The lowest temperature can
be down to 0.20 C, the maximum temperature can be up to 42.00 C.

12


The hot season is from April to November, the average temperature is 26.00 C. The
cold season from December to March next year, the average temperature in the cold season is
17.90 C.
b. Moisture regime
Ba Vi has two distinct seasons: the hot and humid season (mid-March to midNovember), the dry season (mid-November to mid-March next year). At 400 m altitude above
there is almost no dry season.
Based on the classification of thermal moisture (Thai Van Trung) Ba Vi National Park
is classified as moisture to moisture.
c. Rain regime
Annual rainfall is relatively large, unevenly distributed across regions. The high
mountains and eastern slopes rains a lot 2,500 mm / year. The area around the foot of the
mountain has moderate rainfall of 1,731.4 mm / yr. The eastern part of the country is more
rainfed than the western one. The number of rainy days at the foot of Ba Vi mountain is
relatively high from 130 to 150 days / year. At cost 400 m, the number of rain days is quite
large from 169 to 201 days / year on average 189 days / year.
Seasonal rainfall distribution in the year, occurring unevenly. Every year the rotation
of a large rainy season and a period of little rain. During the rainy season monthly rainfall is
greater than 1,000 mm. The rainy season lasts 6 months from May to October at the foot of
the mountain and 8 months from March to October from coste 400 meters or more. This
rainfall accounts for more than 90% at the foot of the mountain and 89% at the 400 m annual
rainfall of the year. Heavy rains from 300-400 mm / month are concentrated in June, July,

August at the foot of the mountain and in June, July, August, September at 400 m. Low
rainfall lasts from November to April next year at the foot of the mountain and from
November to February next year at coste 400 m.

13


3.1.1.5. Hydrological regime
Ba Vi Mountain has Da River flowing along the western side from Ky Son district to
Ba Vi district. The highest annual river water level is less than 20 m and the lowest is 7.7 m
(1971) compared to sea level.
Ba Vi National Park almost no large stream, most of the streams are small and steep.
The streams of the streams originate from Ba Vi Mountain and Vien Nam Mountain. In the
rainy season, large amounts of water flow to fill rocky land and fill many fields near the foot
of the mountain, breaking down many dams of small hydroelectric stations. Dry season, very
few streams, often dry. The main streams include: Cai stream, Mit stream, Ninh stream, Trai
Khoai stream, Yen Cu stream, Bom stream, Ngoi Lat,…
In the area there are many natural lakes and artificial lakes such as Dong Mo - Ngai
Son, Hooc Cua, Suoi Hai, Suoi Oi, Xuan Khanh, Da Chong, Minh Quang, Suoi Mit lake, Che
lake and Phu Minh lake, Dong Bai lake ...
3.1.1.6. Other factors
a. Air humidity
Air humidity increases with elevation. Especially, at altitude of 1,000 m, humidity is
almost humid all year round (92.0%), highest in spring and spring (January - April). This is a
good condition for plants to grow well.
b. Hot and dry west wind
Every year in May, June and July, there are often dry and hot dry winters with
sunshine. This wind has a great influence on crops, and is a time of fire forest. These three
months averaged between 15 and 18 days of hot dry temperatures with temperatures above
350 C and relative humidity below 50%.


14


c. Rime
In winter, the Ba Vi air temperature can drop to as low as 00 C. Very low temperatures
and high humidity produce a frost that reduces the vitality of plants, and plants can die.
The saltiness in the Ba Vi area is considered to be mild compared with the northern
mountainous and midland areas.
3.1.2. Forest resources
3.1.2.1. Forest vegetation
The vegetation cover in Ba Vi National Park consists of three main types:
- Type of evergreen broad-leaved forest, low humid tropical low mountain (distributed
mainly on Vua peak, Tan Vien peak).
- Tropical evergreen tropical rainforest type (distributed mainly at the height of 700900m around Ba Vi mountain slope).
- Low mountainous humid tropical rain forest (scattered throughout Ba Vi Mountain
and Vien Nam Mountain) consists of secondary forest, mixed secondary forest, bamboo forest
and planted forest.
Ba Vi and Vien Nam moutain have tropical and subtropical climate belts at altitudes
from 100-1.296m, so they have quite rich forest vegetation, both tropical and subtropical
plants tropic.
3.1.2.2. Flora of the forest
According to documents from the "Indochinese flora" of the French botanist Lecomte
(1886 - 1891), according to the list of many botanists in and outside the country collected
samples, study the flora of Ba Vi area Along with the initial survey of the flora of the
University of Forestry, there are about 812 species of woody plants belonging to 472 genera
and 99 families.

15



According to the list of plants collected and supplemented in 2008, up to now, there
are 1,209 species, 649 genera, 160 families,
Composition of the flora: There are 34 species listed in the Red List:
Bach xanh, Thong tre, Phi ba mui, Sam bong ... and 49 species are endemic: Ca lo Ba
Vi, Mua Ba Vi, Boi loi, Xuong ca, Thu hai duong ..., 185 species are used for wood and 668
species used as medicine.
3.1.2.3. Vertebrate system
In 1962, the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute reported that there were 44
species of mammals, 115 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, of
which 24 species were rare.
In 1993, the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources conducted a survey of 35
species of mammals, 113 species of birds, 49 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians and
87 species of insects.
In 2002, there were 44 species of mammals, 115 species of birds, 49 species of reptiles
and 27 species of amphibians in the area of extension of the park (belonging to Hoa Binh
province) of Vietnam National University of Forestry.
In 2008, the latest data show 63 species of mammals, 191 species of birds, 61 species
of reptiles and 27 species of amphibians.
There are 66 rare species such as: Leopard, Son Duong, Cu li lon, Cay van, Ga loi, Du
di phuong dong,…
3.1.2.4. Insect system
According to the survey, 552 species of insects belonging to 65 families of 14 families
were identified. There are seven species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam: Buom phuong,
Buom duoi kiem, Ca cuong...

16


3.1.3. Social and economic conditions

Ba Vi National Park is located on the administrative territory of 16 communes in 5
districts of Hanoi and Hoa Binh provinces. Hanoi has Ba Vi district (Tan Linh, Ba Trai, Yen
Bai, Van Hoa, Minh Quang, Khanh Thuong); Thach That district (Yen Binh, Yen Trung, Tien
Xuan) and Quoc Oai district (Dong Xuan commune). Hoa Binh district includes Ky Son (Yen
Quang, Dan Hoa, Phuc Tien, Phu Minh) and Luong Son district (Lam Son commune).
The total area of 16 communes in the buffer zone is about 35,000 ha. The population
is about 90,000 people. The main ethnic groups are Kinh, Muong, Dao and Thai.
- The Dao community has a population of nearly 2,000 people, distributed in 3
villages: Hop Nhat, So and Yen Son in Ba Vi commune. Dao people in the area have
traditionally collected and sold drugs from long time. More than 90% of households are able
to use medicinal plants for treatment and for sale. Approximately 40% of the population in the
commune live on medicinal plants with primary source of medicinal plants collected from Ba
Vi National Park.
At present, Yen Son village in Ba Vi commune has been certified as a medicinal
cooperative village. Therefore, the exploitation of medicinal plants in Ba Vi mountain and
surrounding areas has been strengthened.
- The Muong community has a population of about 25,600 people and communes in
the buffer zone. Muong people have lived in this area for a long time. However, those who are
able to use medicinal plants are not much, mainly for family use and healing for their
acquaintances. Families living in medicine do not much as the Dao.
In general, socio-economic conditions in the area have not developed yet, life is still
difficult, farming is the main. The educational level in the area is still low. Backward farming
practices, shifting cultivation to live. Local people have a great influence on the management
and protection of Ba Vi NP in general and medicinal plants in particular.

17