Popa Mountain Park

Location
Located between 20° 53′ N and 95° 15′ E in Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Division.

Area
49.63 square miles.

Year of Establishment
Established in 1983 and opened as park in 1989.

Access

  • Yangon via Pyay and Kyaukpadaung to Popa, 412 miles by car.
  • Yangon via Meikhtila and Kyaukpadaung to Popa, 400 miles by car.
  • Yangon via Nyaung-U, 320 miles by air and 37 miles by car.

Objectives

  • To preserve the forest area of popa Mountain and to conserve the unique dry zone ecosystem and biodiversity with various plants and wildlife species.
  • To conserve the watersheds of near by reservoirs and dams including Kyetmauktaung Dam.
  • To ensure continuous flow of water supply to Kyaukpadaung and nearby villages from natural springs.
  • To conserve medicinal plants and climbers.
  • To preserve unique geological features and to conserve cultural and religious heritages.
  • To promote ecotourism.

Forest / Vegetative Types

  • Than-Dahat Forests
  • Low Indaing Forests
  • Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests
  • Hill Evergreen Forests
  • Pine Forests
  • Hill Grassland

Wildlife
Monkey, barking deer, wild pig, jungle cat, wild dog and about 140 avifauna species inhabit the Popa area. The dusky leaf monkey is a scare animal and about 150 minkeys live in the Popa Mountain Park.

Medicinal Plants and Climbers
In accordance with the collected data, about 40 medicinal plants and some climbers are growing in the Popa Mountain Park. These plants and climbers are being explored through field research works.

Conservation, Development and Research Programmes

  • Conservation of natural forest
  • Enrichment planting with indigenous tree species.
  • Establishment of Popa Mountain Resorts, construction of mountain circuits and maintainance of golf course to facilitate recreation and promote ecotourism.
  • Conducting of research works on the conservation of flora and fauna.
  • Establishment of watershed Plantations.
  • Conservation and planting of medicinal plants and climbers.
  • Promoting, public awarness of environmental conservation.
  • Conducting of Socio-ecimomic surveys in nearby villages.
  • Implementation of buffer zone management.

Opportunities for Study and Recreation

  • Observing dry zone ecosystem, avifauna species and other wild animals.
  • Enjoyment of the natural beauty of Popa, Oasis of the Dry Zone.
  • Studying the naturally regenerated of sandalwood species.
  • Studying geological features and minerals from and extinct volcano which erupted 25,000 years ago.
  • Studying the natural forests by trekking on foot or on horseback along the forest paths.
  • Observing the medicinal plants and climbers and conducting field research works.
  • Enjoyment of natural beauty by car, horse or on foot and playing golf.
  • Lodging with meals at the Popa Mountain Resorts of the Forest Department.
  • Studying at the environemental education centre.
  • Accommodation for about 16 persons at the Popa Guest House and about 6 persons at the ”Yenge” Guest House.