How to Birding in Cat Tien National Park

Why birding in Cat Tien national Park

Cat Tien National Park supports a variety of habitat types, including primary and secondary lowland evergreen forests dominated by species in the Dipterocarpaceae; primary and secondary lowland semi-evergreen forests, dominated by Lagerstroemia spp; freshwater wetlands with open lakes and seasonally inundated grasslands, containing Saccharum spontaneum, S. arundinaceum and Neyraudia arundinacea; flooded forest, dominated by Hydnocarpus anthelmintica mixed with Ficus benjamina; and a range of secondary habitat types, including grassland and areas dominated by bamboo.

To date, 76 mammals, 320 bird, 74 reptiles, 35 amphibia, 99 fish, and 435 butterfly species have been confirmed to occur at the national park; and there are unconfirmed records of an additional 32 mammal, 19 bird, nine reptiles, four amphibia, 31 fish and four butterfly species. The species confirmed to occur include 16 mammals, 15 birds, and eight reptiles that are globally threatened.

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Cat Tien is one of the most important sites in Vietnam for the conservation of large mammals. Among the large mammal species that have been confirmed to occur at the national park are Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Lesser One-horned Rhinoceros (Extinct 🙁 ), Eurasian Wild Pig (Sus scrofa), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), and Gaur (Bos gaurus), of which the latter three species reportedly occur at high densities relative to other areas in Vietnam.

Of the large mammal populations at Cat Tien National Park, the most globally significant one is that of the Lesser One-horned Rhinoceros. This is the only known population of the species in mainland South-East Asia and the only known population of the sub-species R. s. annamiticus in the world. However, the population size and range of this species at the national park have declined over the last two decades, and current estimates put the population size at seven or eight individuals and the range at 6,500 ha.

Cat Tien National Park is also a nationally important site for primate conservation, supporting populations of several primates of conservation concern, including Black-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nigripes), Northern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca leonina) and Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon (Hylobates gabriellae).

What to see?

Bird fauna

Cat Tien national park is situated in the South Vietnamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and supports populations of all three bird species that characterized this EBA: Orange-necked Partridge (Arborophila davidi), Germain’s Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron germaini) and Grey-faced Tit Babbler (Macronous kelleyi).

Recently birds list Cat Tien Np.

Most highlights in Cat Tien National Park

Orange-necked Partridge, Germain’s Peacock Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Wreathed Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, Pale-headed and Black-and-buff Woodpeckers, Black-and-red, Banded, Dusky Broadbill, Blyth’s Frogmouth, Grey-faced Tit Babbler.

When is the best time for birding in Cat Tien national Park

Before focusing on birding we must know

Cat tien Climate

Cat Tien National Park enjoys a tropical savanna climate (with dry winter) in accordance with the Köppen-Geiger classification. The yearly average maximum temperature in Cat Tien National Park is 33°C (ranging from 31°C in September to 36°C in march). Annual rainfall is 3412mm, with a minimum of 18mm in February and a maximum of 578mm in august.

• In the month of January, the climate is perfect. The temperature rises to 33°C and you can expect to have 33mm of rainfall/month during this period.
• Between February and April, the climate is beautiful. the thermometer goes up to 35°C°C.
• Between the months of may and November the climate is passable, but still OK. The record temperature this month is 35°C.
• In the month of December, the climate is good. It is for example 32°C as the maximum temperature in December and you can expect to have 62mm of rainfall/per month during this period.

Monthly Averages

Historical monthly average weather conditions for Sapa

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“The best time for birding in Cat Tien is from Nov to Apr when it is not much rain and migratory time”

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Where birding in Cat Tien National Park

Birding routes

The Lagerstroemia and Ecological Trails, which begin near the park headquarters are good places to search for Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and pittas. The Dak Lua road may provide easier birding, especially early in the day when broadbills and Siamese Fireback can be seen.

Haven rapid trail is one of the good places for broadbills, woodpeckers, barbets.

Jeeps can be rented to the turn-off to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) and Bau Chim (Bird Lake). Green Peafowl and waterbirds can be seen around these lakes, as well as Siamese Crocodile and, for the fortunate visitor, large mammals such as Gaur. The 5 km trail from the Dak Lua road to Bau Sau is also a good place for Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and pitas.

Tips for birding in Cat Tien National Park

Transportation

Cat Tien is about 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on traffic) by car from Ho Chi Minh City (150 km) and 3.5 hours from Da Lat city. The site is situated off National Highway 20 between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.

Accommodations

A range of standard accommodation is available at the park headquarters, and it is also possible to stay at Bau Sau, a ranger station in the heart of the park.

Forest Floor Lodge is fancier, it locates at Ben Cu rapid where people can enjoy the view however for most birders they don’t need to stay here.