Location
Located between 20° 12′ N and 94° 35′ E in Minbu, Setote-taya, Saku and Ngapeh Townships of Magwe Division.
Area
213.4 square miles.
Year of Establishment
Established as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940 and strengthened with more staff in 1985
Access
Yangon to Magwe, 331 miles by car and Magwe to Minbu, 2 miles by river-route and Minbu to Shwesettaw, 30 miles by car.
Objectives
- 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 / Vegetative Types
- Than-dahat Forest
- Low ‘Indaing’ (Dry Dipterocarp) Forest
- 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.
- 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.
- Accommodation for 20 persons at 2 guest houses.