Kon Ka Kinh, which covers 41,780 hectares overall, was first created as a National Park in 2002 and subsequently designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003. Situated within the administrative borders of Dak Roong, Kroong, and Kon Pne communes (Kbang rural district), Ha Dong commune (Dac Doa rural district), and Ayun commune (Mang Yang rural district), it is situated in the northeastern section of Gia Lai province.
Numerous major rivers that supply water for domestic consumption and irrigation to numerous districts in the provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum are protected by the ASEAN Heritage Park, which plays a significant role in upstream watershed management. The Yaly hydroelectric power station’s catchment includes the area west of the Park.
The Park crosses across into two catchments. While streams west of the Park are part of the Mekong River’s watershed, streams east of the Park feed the Ba River, which empties into the South China Sea. Owing to the Park’s high terrain, rivers and streams that flow from it are frequently swift, slender, and short, with numerous waterfalls.
The northeast of the park features tall, steep mountains, while the southwest features flatter terrain. At 1,748 meters above sea level (asl), Kon Ka Kinh Mountain is the highest peak, whereas the southwest region is below 700 meters asl.
The Park provides firewood, honey, and rattans to the local population. At least 110 plant species with well-established therapeutic benefits are also used by them. Locals frequently use plants in traditional medicine, although the majority of these species’ commercial potential is still unrealized.
Year of Declaration: 2003
Area (hectares): 33,565
Area and Location:
Kon Ka Kinh National Park covers 33,565 and is located in the northeastern region of Gia Lai province within the administrative boundaries of Dak Roong, Kroong and Kon Pne communes (Kbang rural district),Ha Dong commune (Dac Doa rural district) and Ayun commune (Mang Yang rural district).
Description:
The highest point in the park is Kon Ka Kinh Mountain at 1,748 meters above sea level while the southwest area is below 700 meters. Local people depend on the Park’s resources for their firewood, honey, rattans, and at least 110 medicinal plants.
Habitat Types:
Forest types include mountain evergreen forest, mixed coniferous forest and broadleaf forest.
Unique Flora:
The Park harbors the near-threatened po mu (Fokienia hodginsii) or Fujian cypress, and endemic species such Pinus dalatensis,Craibiodendron scleranthum, Afzelia xylocarpa, Calamus poilanei, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dialium cochinchinensis,Alchornea annamica, Baccaurea silvestris,Dendrobium ochraceum and Bulbophyllum hiepii.
Unique Fauna:
Threatened species include Indochina endemics such as buff-cheeked gibbon, douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus) and truong son muntjac (Muntiacus truongsonensis).
Ecotourism Destination and Activities:
Popular activities include trekking and bird watching, and attractions in the park include waterfalls, springs, and lakes, particularly Bien Ho (To Nung Lake), which is called the “Pearl of Pleiku”,since its waters are so clear that fish canoe seen swimming underwater.
Biological Richness:
• 652 species of vascular plants
• 42 species of mammals
• 160 species of birds
• 29 species of reptiles
• 22 species of amphibians
• 209 species of butterflies
