Contributing

Are there crocodiles in the Mekong delta?

Are there crocodiles in the Mekong delta?

The Mekong, its floodplains and tributaries support huge collections of unique flora and fauna including, critically endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, the world’s largest freshwater fish – the Giant freshwater stingray – giant turtles, Mekong giant catfish, waterbirds, and Siamese crocodiles.

What is Mekong delta known for?

The Mekong Delta is also Vietnam’s most important fishing region. It has almost half of Vietnam’s capacity of offshore fishing vessels (mostly in Kien Gian with almost 1/4, Bến Tre, Cà Mau, Tiền Giang, Bạc Liêu).

Who lives on the Mekong river?

The river system is home to a great cultural diversity, with more than 95 different ethnic groups living in the Mekong basin. In the lower basin, Khmer, Lao, Thai and Vietnamese people have depended upon the Mekong’s resources for thousands of years and the river forms an integral part of local culture.

Is the Mekong river delta sinking?

“The Mekong delta is sinking and shrinking because countries have not factored the paramount role of natural sediment replenishment into their decisions on hydropower and sand mining,” said Marc Goichot, WWF Freshwater Lead in the Mekong.

Is Mekong Delta safe?

Basically, Mekong Delta is safe to travel alone or in a group, as long as you know how to book the right trip with the right tour providers. For those riding motorbikes, be careful when you are riding, take some notes above, and that would be enough for your next trip to the Mekong.

Are there crocodiles in Vietnam?

The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a medium-sized freshwater crocodile native to Indonesia (Borneo and possibly Java), Brunei, East Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The species is critically endangered and already extirpated from many regions.

How many days do you need in Mekong Delta?

Within four or more days, it is quite long enough to discover all the provinces of Mekong Delta and even Phu Quoc Island. Beside contemplating the striking beauty of natural landscapes in this wetland, you can also visit some traditional villages to discover the culture as well as the daily life of local people here.

What is a delta in geography?

Deltas are wetlands that form as rivers empty their water and sediment into another body of water. The Nile delta, created as it empties into the Mediterranean Sea, has a classic delta formation. Although very uncommon, deltas can also empty into land. A river moves more slowly as it nears its mouth, or end.

How many people rely on the Mekong River to make a living?

Sixty million people
Sixty million people depend directly upon this river for their livelihoods and perhaps as many as 300 million depend upon what is produced within the Mekong River basin.

Is the Mekong River polluted?

The Mekong is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, transporting an estimated 40 thousand tonnes of plastic into the world’s oceans each year. Understanding how plastic flows along the Mekong into the ocean is key to reducing its impact.

Why do deltas sink?

Even as the deltas are not being replenished with fresh soil, sediment in the delta is compacted or erodes away, naturally causing the delta to sink. The delta may sink farther if oil, gas, or water are pumped out of the delta.

What kind of animals live in the Mekong River?

At least 1,100 freshwater species swim the waters of this mighty river including the last remaining populations of the Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray which can weigh up to 1,300 pounds, and the Mekong giant catfish.

How big are the catfish in the Mekong River?

The Mekong giant catfish can weigh up to 770 pounds and is the third largest freshwater fish on the planet. The Greater Mekong has no fewer than 20,000 species of plants, 1,200 bird species, 800 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 430 mammal species.

Are there any tigers left in the Greater Mekong?

In the Greater Mekong region, only 350 Indochinese tigers remain, down from 1200 in 1998, and many remnant populations are small and isolated. For many Mekong fish species, essential migration routes are being disrupted by hydropower development.

Are there Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River?

The last remaining Irrawaddy dolphin populations are found in the Greater Mekong region. With three of the most pristine large rivers and some of the most extensive intact forest in the region, Myanmar is one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically productive nations on Earth.