While it is good to know that the Binh Thuan government wishes to set a better example for local citizens by following national laws concerning wildlife, questions remain concerning how the animals were acquired originally--and what their present fate actually is.
The collection of endangered animals sat in plain view of the provincial police station on Ton Duc Thang Street—much like the wildlife restaurant across the Street, Trang Gold, still does. The restaurant lists on its menu: wild deer, porcupine, crocodile, python, bamboo rat, civet, mouse-deer, turtle, and cobra, among other creatures. Of course Trang Gold is not alone—2 other restaurants in the same alley (walking distance from the police station) offer similar menus—and well-known restaurants at Doi Duong Beach also offer civet, porcupine and wild deer—and on occasion, sea turtle.
A sign for Trang Gold Wildlife Restaurant, as seen from the provincial Police Office
Fortunately some elements of law enforcement are paying attention. The Police recently arrested the director and two other staff of the Ta Cu Mountain Nature Reserve for illegally leasing land in the park and pocketing the money. A forth staff member is part of a nation-wide man-hunt. However, rumors persist, although unproven, that some government officials have used local nature reserves for private hunting safaris, and reserve staff in the province (much like other provinces) poach animals to sell to local restaurants.
Bear Claws for sale in Da Lat, Summer 2008
Vietnam has an abysmal environmental record. Bear claws are opening for sale in souvenir shops in the Da Lat markets, while lacquered sea turtle carcasses are openly for sale in Saigon, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Hanoi and elsewhere. The renowned reefs in Nha Trang are on the decline, according to local dive operators, because officials charged with monitoring the reefs are instead allowing fishermen to drop dynamite and cyanide on the reefs. If Vietnam does not quickly take steps to aggressively address its wildlife issues, there may be no wildlife left for future generations to see. (Pictured left: lacquered sea turtles for sale in Vung Tau, Summer 2008).
Mui Ne Resort Manager Ransoms Sea Turtle
29.08.06 Le Ngoc Them, owner of Hoang Ngoc Resort in Mui Ne, yesterday released a sea turtle into the sea from the beach. He purchased the turtle from a local fisherman for 2,000,000 VND (about $135 US) in order to prevent it's sale to a restaurant. Despite being illegal, sea turtles are poached and served openly at seafood restaurants throughout the country. The turtle spent a week recuperating before it was released. We applaud the efforts and good intentions of Mr. Le Ngoc Them and hope that his excellent example will be recognized by his peers and local residents.
Two Injured in Land Dispute
10.07.06 Two men, age 31 and 24, were shot in the leg while reportedly attacking forest wardens who were in the process of confiscating 2 ha of forest they said was illegally appropriated, in La Gi town, on Friday. The altercation reportedly began after the two, and about 40 others, used knives and sticks to attack the rangers.
La Gi lies on the coast, Southwest of Mui Ne, adjacent to the Ta Kou Mountain Nature Reserve. It is unclear however, if the land in question is connected with the reserve.
05.02.06 Rolling Dunes, rocky mountains, vast canyons and minimal rainfall... is this what first comes to mind when you think of Vietnam? If not, then may be it's time to visit Mui Ne. Spend a holiday at the driest place in SE Asia and the place with the best weather in Vietnam. Welcome to the Binh Thuan Desert. Click here to read more.
30.11.05 Takou Mountain is a site not to be missed, but most people don't realise it is also a nature reserve. It is about 1 hour away from Mui Ne Beach and offers something completely different. Hike up the mountain for free or take the gondola through a beautiful tropical rainforest full of birds and exotic wildlife to the pagoda at the top of the peak. Visit the largest reclining Buddha in Vietnam. Click here to read more about the reserve.
10.05 Wildlife, wildlife, wildlife... that is what Kalon-Song Mao Nature Reserve is all about. In the north of Binh Thuan province, this forest area is home to some of the most amazing animals in the world.
-READ MORE-
The Nature Reserves of Binh Thuan Province
10.05 So you though Mui Ne was just a spectacular beach with world-class resorts and great kiteboarding? Then it's time for you to make another visit. In this first of a series of articles, we will blow the lid off your preconceptions and show you some of the best kept secrets of Binh Thuan province. Our first feature is Nui Ong Nature Preserve. Hidden away in the north of Binh Thuan, this mountain-top nature preserve hides monkeys and gibbons and stories of wild elephants. -READ MORE-
