Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary Explained

Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary
Iucn Category:	IV
Map:	Myanmar
Relief:	1
Location:	Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Coordinates:	21.4167°N 95.7833°W
Area:	22.56km2
Established:	2001
Governing Body:	Forest Department

Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Myanmar, covering 22.56km2. It was established in 2001.^[1] It ranges in elevation from 195mto375mm (640feetto1,230feetm) in the Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region.^[2]

As Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow of the Arakan Mountains, it harbours dry forest dominated by Acacia catechu, Acacia leucophloea, Acacia arabica, Tectona hamiltoniana and Terminalia oliveri. Grasses such as Diectomis fastigata and Apluda mutica grow in open areas. The sanctuary provides habitat to the Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota), which is endemic to Myanmar's dry zone.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: World Database on Protected Areas . 2019 . Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary . Protected Planet .
2. Book: Beffasti, L. . Gallanti, V. . Myanmar Protected Areas: Context, Current Status and Challenges . 2011 . Istituto Oikos, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association . Milano, Yangon . Minsontaung . 62–63.
3. Platt, S. G. . Ko, W. K. . Khaing, L. L. . Myo, K. M. . Swe, T. . Lwin, T. . Rainwater, T. R. . 2003 . Population status and conservation of the critically endangered Burmese star tortoise Geochelone platynota in central Myanmar . Oryx . 37 . 4 . 464–471 . 10.1017/S0030605303000838 . 86656784 .