Rakhing (Arakan) Yoma Elephant Range
Myanmar

by Sai Thiha ( Mr )
(Yangon, Myanmar)

RAKHING (ARAKAN) YOMA ELEPHANT RANGE
The Range with the Largest Remaining Population of Wild
Asian Elephants in Myanmar!

The Elephants Range is located on the Arakan mountain range in the south west of Myanmar. Gwa, the closest town is next to the Arakan coastal which is 256 km from Yangon. The range is wide and extensive stretching to north and south with evergreen forest. Mountain ridges are towering from 150m to 1050m above sea level with steep and rough peaks. There are also steep creeps and streams, meandering the whole region. The three main rivers in the park area are flowing out to the Bay of Bangel.It is land locked with no transportation except by footpath.
Total park area is 1755.71 sq km 677.88 sq miles and that was originally declared as Protected Area by the Forest Department, dated on 13 rd, October 1997. The main object is to conserve wild elephants and various species of wildlife and their habitats as well as to serve as a fresh water resource for coastal ecosystem.
Tropical evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forest and tropical moist bamboo brakes occur in the reserve. About 75% of total park area is covered with luxuriant bamboo brakes. About 40 species of trees, 9 species of bamboos, 4 species of rattans, and 36 species of orchids are identified. One of the orchid species is endemic to the area.
The Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range has abundance in wildlife. At the moment, 36 species of mammal, 26 species of butterfly, 30 species of freshwater fish, 96 species of reptile and amphibian, 12 species of arthropod and 64 species of bird are listed. Arakan Forest turtle is endemic to the range and globally endangered. About 150 wild elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, bears, monkeys, civets, and other small mammals inhabit in the range. But the viability of remaining tiger population is doubtful.
In this site only 96 bird species have been recorded, but it is believed that others are yet to be discovered. Highlights would be Bamboo Woodpecker, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Green-billed Malkoha, Vernal Hanging Parrot and Green Iora.
Studying Arakan Forest Turtle (Myanmar endemic Turtle), butterfly watching, plant and orchid surveying, trekking and adventure in the natural forest at the Arakan Mountain Range, and observation of the traditional culture and system of living of local Rakhine and Chin tribes are possibilities. Recommend to visit all the year round but the best time to bird watching is during November to April.
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