Myanmar inhabited by around 100 endangered wildlife species

Yangon November 11

Around 100 endangered species of wildlife inhabit in Myanmar and their survival depends on sustainability of natural habitats, said Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Myanmar has 14 eco regions inhabited by 37 critically endangered species and more than 60 endangered species of wildlife, according to WCS.

Myanmar has established 36 sanctuaries, which cover 5.6 percent of the country’s land territory, for conservation of biodiversity. The government is taking steps to expand the wildlife conservation area up to 10 percent of the country’s land territory.

WCS has been helping Myanmar with establishing and governing of natural parks and sanctuaries and is at present engaging in conservation of endangered species in Myanmar such as tiger and Ayeyarwady dolphins.

Myanmar however has financial constraints to effectively manage the wildlife conservation areas and EU has funded a project to make research on how permanent financial assistance can be established for conservation of Myanmar’s sanctuaries.

“Myanmar is on the list of prioritized countries for biodiversity conservation. The research is critically important to conserve the sanctuaries and their ecosystems in Myanmar,” said WCS Myanmar resident officer U Than Myint. (447)

The Myawady Daily, Page (19)