Critically endangered species, including golden deer (Cervus eldithamin), star tortoise, and other amphibians, have found a home in the Shwesettaw and Chatthin sanctuaries in central Myanmar. They have been conserved at the sanctuaries for more than 77 years.
The species are the pride of Myanmar as they cannot be found anywhere else on the globe.

The star tortoise, a critically endangered species endemic to the dry zone forests of Myanmar, is counted among the most beautiful species of tortoise in the world.

The golden deer is a rare species of deer found in Myanmar, and is seen mostly in the Shwesettaw and Chatthin wildlife sanctuaries.
The Shwesettaw sanctuary was established to conserve endangered species, raise awareness about protecting and conserving flora and fauna, and preserve the catchment areas of the Mann and Mone creeks in central Myanmar.

The sanctuary has allowed conservationists to carry out scientific research, and helped local authorities bring about regional development through ecotourism.

Myanmar has 43 conservation areas which have been set up for protecting and preserving the country’s ecosystem and biodiversity. The Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them.

It is home to 14 kinds of mammals, 146 species of birds, 43 species of amphibians, 39 species of butterfly, 22 species of freshwater fish, 89 tree species, three orchid species, and 26 kinds of herbal plants.

To disseminate information about wildlife conservation, which can ensure security of animals, especially the golden deer in the Shwesettaw and Chatthin sanctuaries, we need the cooperation of local residents. We need to improve their knowledge about wildlife.

Educational programs were conducted at villages near the sanctuary, and a census taken last year found deer hunting has decreased. There were three cases in which the relevant authorities took necessary action against poachers.
We must keep on this trajectory, with the cooperation of the local people.

The Government has also increased the number of public awareness campaigns and engagement on illegal wildlife trade issues through public campaigns.

On 3 March, the authorities destroyed 219 pieces of ivory, 527 fragments of tiger and leopard bones, 800 horns belonging todifferent animals, 134.72 kg of pangolin scales, 5.5 kg of turtle shells, and dried elephant trunks, valued at K1,700 million, or $1.1 million.

This is the second time the authorities have resorted to destroying animal parts seized during raids. This has been done to generate wider public awareness onthe rise in poaching and trafficking of animals, such as tigers, elephants, gaurs, pangolins, and golden deer, globally, and public involvement in wildlife protection and conservation efforts.

Ending wildlife trafficking is a shared responsibility, and we must all take concrete action towards it.

GNLM