Conservation of biodiversity and improved management of protected areas in

Provisional working list of Myanmar wetlands potentially qualifying as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Davidson, N.C., McInnes, R.J. & Rodda, H.J.E.

March 2018

PRO68/HN3.2/V0 DRAFT

Quality Management

Report Title Conservation of biodiversity and improved

management of protected areas in Myanmar: Provisional working list of Myanmar wetlands potentially qualifying as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Client Myanmar Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC), Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division (NWCD) and Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) Project Reference PR068

Date March 2018

Status Draft / Final

Report/Revision HN3.2/V0/DRAFT

Authorised by Director Robert McInnes

Disclaimer

This Report has been prepared by RM Wetlands & Environment Ltd with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the contract of engagement with the Client and taking into account the resources devoted to it by agreement with the Client. The material in this report reflects best judgement in light of the information available at the time of preparation.

RM Wetlands & Environment Ltd disclaims any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. Any use which a third party makes of this report, or any reliance on or decisions made based on it, are the responsibilities of such third parties. RM Wetlands & Environment Ltd accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on this report.

It should be noted, that whilst RM Wetlands & Environment Ltd makes every effort is made to meet the client’s brief, no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment.

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Contents

1. Background ...... 1 2. Commentary ...... 3 2.1. All wetlands ...... 3 2.2. Inland natural wetlands ...... 4 2.3. Coastal and nearshore marine natural wetlands ...... 5 2.4. Human-made wetlands ...... 6 2.5. Recommended next steps ...... 7

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1. Background

1.1.1. Ramsar’s Strategic Framework and Vision for the List of Wetlands of International Importance [Ramsar Sites] (COP11 Resolution XI.8 Annex 1) concerning designation calls on each CP to designate a coherent and comprehensive national network of Ramsar Sites. The Strategic Framework calls on Parties to establish a strategy and priorities for Site designation. The document Guiding Principles for a systematic approach to Ramsar Site identification and prioritisation for designation prepared under task HN3.1 provides this strategy for Myanmar.

1.1.2. The Strategic Framework Framework advises to start its full application with information available now and to subsequently update any list of qualifying wetlands when new information (e.g. from the comprehensive national wetland inventory) becomes available.

1.1.3. There are a number of available sources/lists of important wetlands in Myanmar. From these, an initial list of important wetlands qualifying, or potentially qualifying, for designation as Ramsar Sites has been prepared. These sources include:

 Ramsar Sites already designated by Myanmar  1989 Directory of Important Wetlands in Asia1  2004 Inventory of Myanmar wetlands2  BirdLife International’s Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs)3  Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)4  East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) network sites5  Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) sites6  MONREC/NEA project identified important wetland protected areas  Site lists provided by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) (pers. comm. May 2016)  An assessment of the wintering population of Baer’s Pochard in central Myanmar7.

1 p805-846. Site descriptions based on the literature, principally the reports of the FAO/UNDP Nature Conservation and National Parks Project in Burma and the IUCN Directory of Indomalayan Protected Areas. 2 19 “sites of “global conservation significance” pp. xxxiv-xxvi 3 http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/userfiles/file/IBAs/AsiaCntryPDFs/Myanmar.pdf Twenty-nine IBAs (53% of Myanmar IBAs) contain wetland ecosystems; Outstanding IBAs for threatened waterbirds include Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (IBA 5), Indawgyi Lake and Indawgyi River (IBA 8), Inle Bird Sanctuary (IBA 26), Myittha Lakes (IBA 30), Moyingyi Bird Sanctuary (IBA 46) and the Ayeyarwaddy Delta (IBA 47). 4 KBA Partnership. List of Myanmar KBAs downloaded 3 Feb 2018: https://myanmarbiodiversity.org/portfolio- items/myanmar-key-biodiversity-areas/ 5 East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) network sites http://www.eaaflyway.net/about/the- flyway/flyway-site-network/ 6 Li, Z.W.D., Bloem, A., Delany S., Martakis G. and Quintero J. O. 2009. Status of Waterbirds in Asia - Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 1987-2007. Wetlands International, Kuala Lumpur, . Note that more up-to-date information is available from the Asian Waterbird Census continuing counts, coordinated in Myanmar by NWCD and BANCA 7 Aung, T.D, T.Z. Naing, S. Moses, L. Win, A.M. Tun, T.S. Zaw & S. Chan. 2016. An assessment of the wintering population of Baer’s Pochard in central Myanmar7. Unpublished report, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA).

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 Marine Conservation in Myanmar - The current knowledge of marine systems and recommendations for research and conservation8.

1.1.4. Of 36 protected areas in Myanmar, 10 are recognised by NWCD as important wetlands:

 Hkakaborazi National Park  Indawgyi Widlife Sanctuary  Inle Wildlife Sanctuary  Wethikan Bird Sanctuary  Moeyongyi Wildlife Sanctuary  Hlawga Wildlife Park  Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary  Thamihla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary  Wildlife Sanctuary  Lampi Marine National Park

1.1.5. The following table list wetlands under three broad wetland categories, in line with structure of the Ramsar Classification of Wetland Types:

A. Inland natural wetlands B. Coastal and nearshore marine natural wetlands C. Inland human-made wetlands

1.1.6. Since some sources of information are now a decade or more old, much of the information provided in the tables will need to be reviewed and updated, including in relation of the Ramsar designation Criteria which currently apply, when considering further wetlands for Ramsar designation.

1.1.7. Natural inland and natural coastal/marine wetlands have each been allocated to a MEOW/FEOW ecoregion. There are eight inland (FEOW) ecoregions which include Myanmar: 719 Chin Hills – Coast; 720 Sitang – Irawaddy; 721 Upper Salween; 722 Lower & Middle Salween; 723 Inle Lake; 726 Lower Lancang (Mekong); 734 Malay Peninsula Eastern Slope; and 768 Andaman Islands

1.1.8. There are two MEOW marine ecoregions covering Myanmar: Northern Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea Coral Coast.

8 Holmes, K.E., Tint Tun, Kyaw Thinn Latt, M. Subedee, S.V. Khadke, and A.E. Hostetler. 2014. Marine Conservation in Myanmar - The current knowledge of marine systems and recommendations for research and conservation8. Yangon, WCS and MSAM.

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2. Commentary

2.1. All wetlands

2.1.1. This provisional working list of potentially internationally important wetlands, identifies a total of 98 wetland localities (Figure 1). 54 are inland natural wetland localities, 33 marine/coastal natural wetland localities, and 11 human-made wetland localities. However, it should be noted that some of these localities are smaller wetland areas located with a much larger wetland system described by another source. For example, the 1989 Directory of Important Wetlands lists the whole of the Ayewaddy Delta as a single locality. Within this area, other sources (e.g. KBAs, IBAs, AWC count sites etc.) describe multiple smaller wetland areas as separate localities - each of which may qualify as internationally important. Similarly, the whole Myeik [Mergui] Archipelago is identified as a KBA, but within this large area are a number smaller separately identified KBAs and areas identified by other sources.

Figure 1. Locations of potential internationally important wetlands in Myanmar.

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2.2. Inland natural wetlands

2.2.1. For inland natural wetlands, almost all potentially internationally important localities identified from the sources examined are in the Sitang – Irawaddy FEOW ecoregion (Figure 2). This is not surprising as this FEOW ecoregion covers a large proportion of Myanmar. However, there is only one (vaguely identified) important wetland in the Lower & Middle Salween ecoregion. Given the large area of Myanmar this ecoregion covers, this is a major gap and needs further evaluation of potentially important wetlands in this region. Similarly, there is only one wetland identified within the Chin Hills - Arakan Coast FEOW, and none identified within four other FEOW ecoregions which partly include Myanmar. It may be that there are no potentially internationally important wetlands in these areas, but this needs further assessment.

Figure 2. Locations of potential internationally important inland natural wetlands in Myanmar.

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2.2.2. Note that, as is identified in the list below, it is not clear from the sources examined whether some wetland localities listed here as inland natural wetlands may actually be human-made reservoirs. This need to be checked.

2.3. Coastal and nearshore marine natural wetlands

2.3.1. Four regions of the Myanmar coast are particularly identified by multiple sources as having a number of actual and potential internationally important wetlands (Figure 3). From north to south these are a: the coast of (particularly the northern part); b. the Ayewaddy Delta; c. the Gulf of Mottama (all within the Northern Bay of Bengal MEOW ecoregion); and d. the Myeik [Mergui] Archipelago ( state), in the Andaman Sea and Coral Coast MEOW ecoregion.

Figure 3. Locations of potential internationally important marine/coastal natural wetlands in Myanmar.

2.3.2. It is notable that a considerable number of the marine/coastal natural wetland localities are identified as internationally important for their

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nesting beaches, all of which potentially qualify for designation under Ramsar Criterion 2.

2.4. Human-made wetlands

2.4.1. All of the 11 human-made wetlands identified from the sources examined are inland wetlands, and all but one locality is in the Ayeyarwaddy Basin catchment area (Figure 4). There is only one human-made wetland identified in Shan state (Mong Pal Lake). As for inland natural wetlands, there appears to be a knowledge-gap for human-made wetlands which potentially qualify as internationally important in the Salween River Basin catchment, and this needs reviewing, as does the existence of potentially qualifying human-made wetlands in other States for which none are yet identified.

Figure 4. Locations of potential internationally important human-made wetlands in Myanmar.

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2.5. Recommended next steps

2.5.1. This provisional working list of wetlands potentially qualifying for Ramsar designation provides a starting point for implementing the steps recommended for applying the Guiding Principles for a systematic approach to Ramsar Site identification and prioritisation for designation prepared under task HN3.1.

2.5.2. As set out in that document (Section 14), it is recommended that:

i. The provisional list should be reviewed, updated with any new available information, and for each wetland in the provisional list confirmation made that the wetland still qualifies as internationally important, under which designation Criteria it qualifies, and for what reasons; ii. The refined provisional list can then be used to undertake a gap analysis against each designation Criterion, of its coverage, and geo-spatially in relation to ecoregions for the application of Criterion 1 and aspects of Criteria 2, 3 and 7; and iii. The work of reviewing and gap analysis of the provisional list should start as soon as possible as a next step in implementation of the Strategy for future Ramsar Site designation. This is in line with the Strategic Framework’s advice to start its full application with information available now and to subsequently update any list of qualifying wetlands when new information (e.g. from the comprehensive national wetland inventory) becomes available.

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A. Inland natural wetlands

Wetland name [alternative FEOW State Geographic Approximate Broad wetland Designation Information Description name(s)] ecoregion coordinates area (ha) type classes criteria likely source(s) identifying present to apply wetland as [Note that descriptions need reviewing and updating, as (others may internationally many information sources date from the 1990s and also apply) important early 2000s] Pyaungbya River Chin Hills - Rakhine c. 20.561, 14,300 ?floodplain 2; [?5] KBA[#117] Important (KBA): Lesser Adjutant (VU) (CO), Arakan Coast 93.126 grasslands? Sarus Crane (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO)

Thanlwin River basin Lower & Middle Shan + ? Basin is large: Unknown Rivers; 7; 8 2004 Inventory Considered globally important for fish diversity & wetlands Salween relevant floodplains; endemism coordinates [?other unclear wetlands] Inle [Inlay] Wildlife Sanctuary Inle Lake Shan 20°27'- 15,811 Lake; marshes; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 Inle Lake lies in the steep-sided, flat-bottomed Balu 20°40'N, (IBA 64,232) rice paddy Inventory; IBA; Valley. It extends for some 23 km in a north-south 96°52'-96°57'E KBA[#24], direction and has a maximum width of about 6.5 km. MOECAF/NEA The lake is shallow, rarely exceeding 5m in depth, and project; AWC is studded with floating islands of vegetation. The northern part of the lake is fringed with extensive marshes backed by a large area of rice paddies. Large portions of the lake, particularly along the western shore, have been reclaimed by infilling for villages or converted into floating vegetable gardens. The lake is silting up rapidly with a consequent decrease in area of open water and a changing shoreline configuration. Seasonal fluctuations in water level are small. Much of the lake is covered by floating aquatic vegetation, including Eichhornia crassipes, and there are extensive fringing reed-beds of Phragmites and Typha, particularly to the north. In places, the vegetation mat is sufficiently stable to support willows (Salix sp). There is a small area of seasonally flooded fig (Ficus sp) to the north of Yaungshwe. Important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (SO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (SO), Yellow (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), White- rumped Vulture (CR) (?), Baer's Pochard (EN) (CO), Greater Spotted Eagle (VU) (CO), Indian Skimmer (VU) (AB), Sarus Crane (VU) (CO), fish: Channa harcourtbutleri (Endemic) (CO), Cyprinus intha

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(Endemic) (CO), Danio crythromicron (Endemic) (CO), Henicorhynchus lu (Endemic) (CO), Inlecypris auropurpurea (Endemic) (CO), Macrognathus cadiocellatus (Endemic) (CO), Microrasbora rubescens (Endemic). AWC: 5 waterbird species >1% population; >20,000 waterbirds. The lake dwelling Intha people cut strips off the vegetation mat and transport them to other parts of the lake to use as floating gardens. This activity has led to a mosaic of invasive species including water lilies. Most of the surrounding marshy plains have been converted to rice paddies. Indawgyi Widlife Sanctuary Sitang- Kachin 25°9'34"N 47,884 Lake; marsh; 1; 2; 5; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 Ramsar designated 2016. The largest natural Irawaddy 96°21'43"E rice paddy [may also Inventory; IBA; freshwater lake in Myanmar, approximately 24 km long, qualify under KBA[#84]; COP12 Nat and up to 8 km wide. The lake basin has extensive 7 for endemic Report; EAAFP flyway shallow areas but reaches up to 22 m depth. The fish] site; MOECAF/NEA immediate edges of the lake are gently sloping and project; AWC have mostly been converted to wet rice agriculture, which is also included within the Site boundary. Beyond the Site boundary are the surrounding ridges. The main outflow is the Indaw River to the north, which eventually drains into the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Indaw River flows through seasonally inundated herbaceous marsh and agricultural land, primarily wet rice paddy. Rice field in the lake basin appears to be maintaining habitat for Sarus Crane and several other key species. The whole Site supports at least 20,000 migratory and resident waterbirds on a regular basis including coot, purple swamphen, tufted and ferruginous ducks, lesser whistling ducks, and black-headed gulls as well as many other ducks, waders and gulls. The Site is also home to five species of globally threatened that are Asian brown tortoise ( ), Burmese peacock softshell turtle ( formosa), yellow tortoise ( elongata), Asian softshell turtle. Indawgyi, with 93 fish species recorded at it, has a very high diversity of fish species with 7 species recently discovered to be new to science and endemic to the Indawgyi wetlands. Other important species (KBA): fish: Aquilaria malacensis ( VU) (CO). Indaw River: Schetaung - Sitang- Kachin 24o05’N; 97 ? River, 6 AWC AWC: 2 waterbird species with >1% population Chaungwa Irawaddy o05’E ?floodplain Upper Irrawaddy and Sitang - Sagain 25°45'N, 300 km + 90 km River; 1; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 Large meandering rivers with many islands and sand

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Mogawng Chaung Irawaddy 96°40'E to 20,000 ha (IBA) floodplain Inventory; IBA; banks, and the adjacent floodplains with numerous (IBA: Upper Moguang 23°30'N, wetlands; KBA[#74]; AWC small lakes, marshes, seasonally flooded grassland and Chaung basin; 2004 96°00'E swamp forest swamp forest. The rivers rise in the Kumon and Mangin inventory: Mogawng Chaung; Range and are mostly slow-flowing in broad valleys with KBA: Ayeyarwady River extensive grassy marshes (lwins). The Mogawng (Bhamo); AWC Irawaddy Chaung passes through a gorge west of Myitkyina, and River: Kyat Ta – Tagaung – the Irrawaddy passes through a gorge north of Bhamo. Tha Beik Kyin) The most extensive marshes are on the west bank of the Mogawng Chaung 40 km southwest of Myitkyina, on the west bank of the Irrawaddy opposite Bhamo, on both banks of the Shweli near its confluence with the Irrawaddy, and on the east bank of the Irrawaddy near Tonhon. The numerous lakes and ponds are mainly of the oxbow type, with a maximum area of 500 ha. The main Irrawaddy splits into several channels between Tonbon and Tagaung, creating a complex of large islands and sand banks. Other important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO). AWC: 1 waterbird species >1% population Irrawaddy (Bagan-Singu) Sitang - Mandalay 21°10.876'N; 10,500 (IBA); River; 2; 5; 6 2004 Inventory; IBA, Large river in middle stages, with braided channels Irawaddy 94° 49.756'E to 31,800 (KBA) floodplain KBA[#2]; AWC running among numerous extensive sand, silt and clay 21°18.082'N; 25 km length wetlands banks. The major habitats are the main river and the 95° 00.889'E numerous cut-off channels, which as they dry, leave extensive moist areas of sand, silt and clay. Regularly supports >20,000 waterbirds, and breeding Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis (VU). Other important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Greater Spotted Eagle (VU) (CO), Indian Skimmer (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO), Nga Htway Rita rita (?) (CO), Nga Myin Silonia silondia (?) (CO). An important area for Irrawaddy Dolphins. Fishing is medium intensity and very important. This is done by beach seine, cast net, fish corrals in cut-off channels and small tributaries, large lift nets, fish attraction devices using brush or grasses encircled by stakes and by hook and line. Navigation and transport are very important, as is tourism, with the Bagan plain on the east bank. Irrawaddy (Myitkyina- Sitang- Kachin 25°23.019'N; 135,000 (IBA), River; lakes; 2; 3; 5; 6 2004 Inventory; IBA; The first floodplain stage of the Ayeyarwaddy begins in Simbo) [AWC: Irrawaddy R.: Irawaddy 97°23.838'E 53,700 (KBA) floodplain KBA[#5]; AWC the vicinity of Myitkyina and stretches for c.115 km to

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Myitkyina-Pammate-Sinbo] to c. 115 km wetlands c.20 km downstream of Simbo, at which point the first 24°44.691'N; length gorge of the river begins. The river is 700-800 m wide 97°03.208'E along this stretch with extensive sand, silt and gravel banks. There are some rocky outcrops along the western shores and many river-associated wetlands such as oxbow lakes. The river contains within its channel numerous sand and silt banks and there are numerous flow patterns within the channel areas of slack water, turbulent flow and eddies. In addition, erosion of outer banks in some places has led to many trees falling into the river, providing additional habitat heterogeneity. Important for non-breeding waterbird populations: total count of 20,029 of 58 species on 30 January 2003. Important waterbird populations: Great Cormorants (974; about 1% of the regional population), Oriental Darters (65; more than 1% of the regional population), Bar-headed Geese (3,230; about 6% of the global population), Ruddy Shelducks (5,423; more than 7% of the regional population), Gadwalls (2,367; more than 1% of the regional population), Eurasian Cranes (at least 1,385; more than 18% of the regional population), Small Pratincoles (7,785; about 8% of the global population). Supports resident Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (VU). Other important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow- headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Slender-billed Vulture (CR) (?), Green Peafowl (EN) (?), Eastern Imperial Eagle (VU) (?), Greater Spotted Eagle (VU) (?),Nga Htway Rita rita (?) (CO),Nga Myin Silonia silondia (?) (CO). AWC: 9 waterbird populations >1%; >20,000 waterbirds Ayeyarwaddy River (Bhamo Sitang - Kachin 24 o 10' 0" N 97 23,300 (IBA), River; 2; 6 IBA, KBA[#3] Supports resident globally threatened Lesser Adjutant Section) Irawaddy o 10' 0" E 20,000 (KBA) floodplain Leptoptilos javanicus (VU) and White-bellied Heron wetlands Ardea insignis (CR); and >1% biogeographic population of wintering Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea. Other important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO). Ayeyarwaddy River (Shegwu Sitang - Kachin 24 o 19' 0"N 96 37,300 (IBA), River; 2; 6 IBA, KBA[#75] Supports >1% of biogeographic populations of Ruddy Section) Irawaddy o 31' 0" E 34,700 (KBA) floodplain Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea and Cotton Pygmy-goose

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wetlands Nettapus coromandelianus. Other important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO) : Bhamo – Sitang - Kachin 24 o 05’N; 97 o ? River; 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population Lake near Shegwu Irawaddy 05’E floodplain wetlands

Irrawaddy River:Shwe Gu – Sitang - Kachin 24 o 17’N; 96 o ? River; 6 AWC 2 waterbird species >1% population Kyat Ta Kaung Irawaddy 46’E floodplain wetlands

Ayeyarwaddy River Sitang - Magway 20o 22' 0" N; 94 14,240 (IBA), River; 6 IBA, KBA[#6]; AWC Supports >1% of biogeographic populations of wintering (Sinbyugyun-Minbu Section) Irawaddy o 46' 59"E 50,200 (KBA) floodplain Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus and Ruddy Shelduck (central wetlands Tadorna ferruginea. Other important species (KBA): coordinates) Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Nga Htway Rita rita (?) (CO), Nga Myin Silonia silondia (?) (CO) Pidaung Game Sanctuary Sitang - Sagain 25°l5'-25°35'N, 70,502 Floodplain ? 1989 Directory Rolling hills and valleys, and includes part of the riverine wetlands Irawaddy 97°04'-97°20'E (Sanctuary); wetlands plains along the Irrawaddy to the east. The sanctuary is wetland area situated in an amphitheatre of hills rising to some unknown 2,400m. The original vegetation cover of the plains included extensive areas of short grass, known as lwins. Chattin [Kyatthin] Wildlife Sitang - Sagain 23o 31' 59" N; 26,820 Wet 1, 2; [6] 1989 Directory; IBA Lying between the Mu and Irrawaddy rivers, and has flat Sanctuary Irawaddy 95 o 39' 0" E (Sanctuary); grasslands; to undulating topography with a limited area of gullies IBA: 26,936. permanent and ridges in the west. Relatively straight and narrow wetland area ponds/lakes; streams drain the sanctuary and flow into the Mu River, unknown forested a tributary of the Irrawaddy. Isolated pools remain in the wetlands drainage courses throughout the dry season, and a number of large, permanent ponds in the centre of the sanctuary, linked with seasonally flooded grassy depressions known as Iwins, ensure a year-round water supply. About 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Mandalay, forested systems support leopards, wild dogs, banteng, hog deer, Indian muntjacs and macaques, possibly also rare white-winged wood ducks. Largely forested area with some lakes (?and other wetlands). Globally threatened species present: White- winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata (EN). Also Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (NT) present. >1% of biogeographic population of Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica (5,466 individuals) present in

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1990. But WPE4 has 1% as 10,000 individuals, so may not qualify under Criterion 6. Wethtigan Wildlife Sanctuary Sitang - Magwe 20°34'N, 440 Lake; marshes 1 1989 Directory An oval lake of approximately 200 ha, featuring minor Irawaddy 94°38'E bays and indentations, and surrounded by marshes. It lies some 16 km west of the Irrawaddy River and two km east of the Salin River. The catchment area of the lake is limited, and there are no perennial inflowing or out flowing streams. Water depth varies from less than 0.5m to 2.0m, depending on the season. The basement sediment comprises unconsolidated, anaerobic organic material, and the lake is highly eutrophic. Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sitang - Kachin 26 o 10' 59" N 615,000 ??? 2; 6 2004 Inventory; IBA Supports resident globally threatened Lesser Adjutant Sanctuary Irawaddy 96 o 0' 0" E (Sanctuary); Leptoptilos javanicus (VU); White-winged Duck area of Asarcornis scutulata (EN), Masked Finfoot Heliopais wetlands personatus (EN) and White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis unknown (CR); and >1% biogeographic population of Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, White-winged Duck and White-bellied Heron. Mehon (Doke-hta Wady Sitang - Mandalay 22 o 0' 0" N 96 o 103,600 (IBA), River 2 IBA, KBA[#39] Contains wetlands (rivers), but qualifies as IBA only for River) Irawaddy 40' 0" E 81,800 (KBA) the forest-dwelling Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (EN). Other important species (KBA): Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Burmese Roofed Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO) Tanai River {AWC: Rivers Sitang - Kachin 26 o 22' 59" N 63,000 (IBA), River 2; 6 IBA, KBA[#65]; AWC IBA overlaps with Nam Lang protected area, and is areound Tanai (Tanai Hka, Irawaddy 96 o 40' 0" E 58,700 (KBA). adjacent to Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Chindwin, Tabyi] area of Supports resident globally threatened White-winged wetlands Duck Asarcornis scutulata (EN), Masked Finfoot unknown. Heliopais personatus (EN); and >1% biogeographic populations of White-winged Duck and Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster. Other important species (KBA): Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), fish: Nga Kyaung Sperata seenghala (?) (CO). AWC: 1 waterbird species >1% population. Uyu River Sitang - Sagain 25 o 0' 0" N 95 o 200,000 (IBA), River; 2 IBA, KBA[#71] Although IBA listing includes Spot-billed Pelican Irawaddy 40' 0" E 78,400 (KBA) [?forest] Pelecanus philippensis as qualifying under Ramsar Criterion 2 as globally threatened, this species is IUCN- listed as NT. Other species listed in IBA qualification are not wetland-dependent. Other important species (KBA): Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO). Myittha Lakes (Yit Kan, Sitang - Mandalay 21 o 23.00'N 10,000 (IBA), Lakes 2; 6 IBA, KBA[#46]; AWC Bayer’s Pochard Aythya baeri (CR) present in 2004. Yewei Kan, Yathar Kan, Myin Irawaddy 95o58.00'E 3,500 (KBA) AWC: supports 5 waterbird species >1% population Sin Kan and Taungkangyi)

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Hkakaborazi National Park Sitang - Kachin 28 o 11' 59" N 381,248 Rivers; [forest] 2; 6 MOECAF/NEA Supports resident globally threatened White-bellied Irawaddy 97 o 45' 0" E project; IBA Heron Ardea insignis (CR); and >1% its biogeographic population. Other qualifying species for IBA are forest, not wetland –dependent. Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sitang - Kachin 27 o 31' 59" N 270,396 Rivers; 2; 6 IBA Supports resident globally threatened White-bellied Sanctuary Irawaddy 97 o 7' 0" E floodplains Heron Ardea insignis (CR); and >1% its biogeographic [forest] population. Other qualifying species for IBA are forest, not wetland –dependent. Bumhpabum Wildlife Sitang - Kachin 26 o 19' 0" N 175,000 Rivers; 2 IBA Supports resident globally threatened White-winged Sanctuary Irawaddy 97 o 19' 0"E floodplains; Duck Asarcornis scutulata (EN). [?forest] Pyu Kan Sitang - Mandalay 21.7707°N 1,897 Lake 2; 6 BANCA 2016 Near Mandalay. Area is maximum inundation. 12 Baer’s Irawaddy 95.897°E Pochard (2016 – BANCA survey). 1% population = 5 Yemyet In Sitang - Sagain 22o 1' 0" N 95 o 5,180 (IBA), Saline lake; 3; 6 2004 inventory; IBA, The lake is natural saline lake (unusual in inland Irawaddy 52' 59" E 3,900 (KBA) seasonally KBA[#72]; AWC Myanmar) and contained within a very large shallow flooded saline depression north west of Sagaing town. However, there wetlands. are bunds being constructed [2004] which will alter the Artificial: size and shape of the lake. Particularly, a bund has fishponds been constructed from west to east cutting off the top third of the lake basin during the dry season except for one culvert linking the two sides. Local fishermen say the maximum depth is around 2 m. As the lake shrinks, pools of saline water are left, which then evaporate to form extensive areas of saline mud, which in turn dries to cracked mud with clumps of grasses. In the wet season, the whole basin is probably filled with water. The lake shrinks in area markedly during the dry season with a complex of habitats remaining, including a large expanse of bare mud, some artificial channels dug in the basin to facilitate boat movement, isolated pools of water, stands of Typha, scattered Acacia/Mimosa shrubs, some channels of water flowing to the east and some fishponds newly constructed around the east end of the bisecting bund. The water quality data indicates that the salinity varies markedly between the wet and dry seasons, with pools of water probably increasingly saline towards the end of the dry season. Diverse waterbird assemblage. Supports >1% of biogeographic population of Common Crane Grus grus. Other important species (KBA): Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO). AWC: 1 waterbird species >1% population. Threatened by conversion to agriculture and fishponds, drainage and hunting.

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Khule In Sitang - Mandalay 200 35.151' N; c. 100 Lake; marshes 1; 3 2004 inventory An ovoid shaped lake (c. 3 km. from east bank of Irawaddy 940 58.833' E (sedge beds); Ayeyarwaddy River upstream of Singu), with good water rice paddy quality in a valley where two streams have expanded to form the lake. Fairly shallow with a probable maximum depth of 2 -2.5 m. Two streams feed the lake and the two streams then flow out in to the Ayeyarwaddy River. A high species richness of macrophytes, with twelve species recorded so far: Spirudela (giant duckweed), Trapa sp., Nymphoides sp., Vallisneria spiralis, Blyxa sp., Najas sp., Potamogeton cf. crispus, P. cf. nodosus, Ceratophyllum sp., Hydrilla, Myriophyllum sp. and a sedge. The macrophytes cover the entire bottom of the lake with Najas sp. being the dominant. Total count of 886 waterbirds of 21 species on 11 February 2001. Largest number of Little Cormorant (601 birds) outside Indawgyi lake in the north. One of three sites where Pied Avocet was recorded in Myanmar.

There is a high intensity of fishing. The fishery department gives contracts for fishing in the lake. Three introduced species are bought from the fishery department and stocked regularly during the wet season. Gill nets, large fish traps and fish corrals are used. Drying lake edges were observed being enclosed and used for growing rice. Taung Kan at Sedwagyi Sitang - Mandalay 22o 11' 59" N; 50 Freshwater 2; 5 2004 inventory; IBA The lake is mostly shallow with a maximum depth of c 3 Irawaddy 96 o 13' 0" E lake; freshwater m in the wet season. The water level varies by only c. marshes 50 cm. from the dry to the wet season. Two major (sedge beds) inflows - one is a canal carrying water from Sedawgyi Reservoir and the other a natural inflow from the hills to the south east. Water inflow from Sedawgyi should be of very good quality. The lake is probably originally natural, but a bund has been raised running north-south to raise the water level and to retain water during the dry season. Water quality is good and the macrophytes flora is diverse. Floating mats cover c. 30% of the surface of the lake. These consist of sedges and grasses, Nelumbo nucifera, Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphoides, Ipomea aquatica and Ludwigia adscendens. The bottom of the lake is covered with Hydrilla and was observed growing at a depth of 2.6 m. Diverse wintering waterbird assemblage: 24 species in 2001. Globally threatened Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri

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(CR) present in 2004; supports >20,000 waterbirds (2004). Fish species include: Catla catla, Labeo rohita, two Puntius spp., Anabas testudineus, Trichogaster sp., Notopterus sp., Mastacembelus, catfish cf. Heteropneustes, Ambassis sp., Xenentodon sp., Channa striata, cyprinid cf. Chela and two species of Rasbora. Labeo rohita has been introduced. Catla catla may also have been introduced. The lake is important for fishing. Labeo rohita and possibly Catla catla, have been introduced by the military, which seems to issue licences for fishing. Gill nets are mainly used. There is also some spear fishing. Labeo rohita is very common and is artificially fed from a platform on the bund. The lake is part of the canal system from Sedawgyi Reservoir and is used for irrigation. Mahananda(r) Kan Sitang - Sagain 22o 36' 0" N; 95 425 Lake; 6 2004 inventory; IBA; Supports >1% (1.6%) of biogeographic population of Irawaddy o 42' 0" E freshwater AWC Common Crane Grus grus. grasslands? Kamaing Sitang - Sagain 25o 30' 0" N; 96 15,000 ?Floodplain [2] IBA Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (Near Irawaddy o 45' 0" E Threatened NT) recorded as present in 2004. Other IBA trigger species are not wetland dependent. [Note. This wetland unlikely to qualify for Ramsar designation on this basis, since Red List NT species are not a qualifier for Ramsar Criterion 2] Nan Sam Chaung Sitang - Kachin 24o 55' 0" N; 97 500 ?floodplain 2; 6 IBA Adjacent to Ayeyarwady River: ?floodplain and forest? Irawaddy o 15' 0" E Globally threatened species White-winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata (EN) and White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis (CR) present, with >1% of White-bellied Heron occurring. Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary Sitang - Sagain 25o 25' 59" N; 215,074 River; 2; 6 IBA; AWC Globally threatened White-winged Duck Asarcornis Irawaddy 95 o 37' 0" E floodplain scutulata (EN) present. Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (NT) also present. AWC: 1 waterbird species >1% population. Nadi Kan Sitang - Shan? 20o 41' 59" N; 1,550 (IBA), ? 2 IBA, KBA[#47] Globally threatened species Sarus Crane Antigone Irawaddy 96 o 55' 59" E 3,500 (KBA) antigone (VU) present in 2004. Pressures include: agriculture and fishery development, sedimentation, and human (tourism) disturbance Irrawaddy Dolphin protected Sitang - Sagain 22°03′N 96°01′ 30,300 (KBA) River 2 KBA[#85] Irrawaddy Dolphin (EN). Other important species (KBA): area Irawaddy E Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), to Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic 22°35′0″N 95° Soft Shell Turtle (VU) (CO) 57′0″E

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Melotto In Sitang - Ayeyarwady c. 17.015; 35,900 (KBA) ?Marshes, 2; [5] KBA[#94] KBA: Sarus Crane (VU) (CO), Yellow-breasted Bunting Irawaddy 95.669 ?lake/ reservoir (CR) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO) Man Chaung Sitang - Magway 21.30077 ° N 3,000 River/stream;? 2 KBA[#96] Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (SO), Irawaddy 94.29432 ° E marshes Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Or Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), fish: Nga Htway Rita rita (?) 20.22376 ° N (CO) 94.87617 ° E [2 localities with this name – check which is correct] Twintaung Sitang - Sagain 22.283333 700 Volcanic crater ?1 KBA[#128] Blue-green algae Spirulina spp. (?) (CO). It is Irawaddy 94.983333 lake harvested, dried and sold as medicine.

Upper Chindwin (Kaunghein- Sitang - Sagain c. 4,100 River 2 KBA[#130] Burmese Narrow Headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Padumone) Irawaddy 25°41′N 95°26′ Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Burmese E Roofed Turtle (EN) (CO), Yellow (EN) (CO), (Kaunghein) Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), White-winged Duck (EN) (CO). Irrawaddy River: Paya Sinte Sitang - Bago 18 o30’N; 95 o ? river 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population Padaung Kuithe Tonbo Irawaddy 10’E Mogaung R.: Mogaung (N & Sitang - Kachin 25 o 15’N; 96 o ? river 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population S) - Samo Irawaddy 55’E Nam Lah, Nam Yah Rivers Sitang - Kachin 27 o 17’N; 97 o ? river 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population (aroubd Putao) Irawaddy 34’E Sahmaw Sitang - Kachin 25 o15’N; 96 o ? ? 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 49’E Yaimaw (Waimaw) Sitang - Kachin 25 o 21’N; 97 o ? ? 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 27’E Shweyaungtaw Lake Sitang - Magway 20 o 00’N; 95 o ? Lake 6 AWC 2 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 30’E Irawaddy River: Singu - Sitang - Mandalay 22 o 10’N; 96 o ? River 6 AWC 2 waterbird species >1% population Mandalay irawaddy 00’E Ket Ku In Sitang - Mandalay 21 o 00’N; 94 o ? ?lake /reservoir 6 AWC 2 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 50’E Taung Pyone Sitang - Mandalay 22 o 12’N; 96 o ? ? 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 06’E Taung Taman Lake Sitang - Mandalay 21 o 53’N; 96 o ? Lake 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 03’E

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Chindwin River: Kalewa – Sitang - Sagain 24 o 35’N; 95 o ? River 6 AWC 5 waterbird species >1% population Hkamti and the North irawaddy 05’E Irawaddy River: Tha Beik Sitang - Sagain 22 o 34’N; 95 o ? River 6 AWC 2 waterbird species >1% population Kyin to Singu irawaddy 58’E Motar Lay Sitang - Sagain 24 o 19’N; 96 o ? ? 6 AWC 4 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 30’E Naung Maw Lake Sitang - Sagain 25 o 40’N; 95 o ? Lake 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 25’E Nga Yant In Lake Sitang - Sagain 25 o 42’N; 95 o ? ?Lake / 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 33’E ?reservoir Pa Du Inn (Badu Inn) Sitang - Sagain 21 o 56’N; 95 o ? ?Lake / 6 AWC 1 waterbird species >1% population irawaddy 00’E ?reservoir

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B. Coastal and nearshore marine natural wetlands Wetland name [alternative MEOW State Geographic Approximate Broad wetland Designation Information Description name(s)] ecoregion coordinates area (ha) type classes criteria likely source(s) identifying present to apply wetland as [Note that descriptions need reviewing and updating, as (others may internationally many information sources date from the 1990s and early also apply) important 2000s] Irrawaddy Delta Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 16°55'-l8°15'N, 3.5 M Mangroves; 1; 2; 3; [?7] 1989 Directory; IBA The delta system of the Irrawaddy River extends in a of Bengal 94°15'-96°20'E (IBA: 1.1 M) lakes; marshes; great alluvial fan from the limit of tidal influence near Note. Includes Meinhmahla sand beaches; Myanaung (18°15'N) to the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Kyun Ramsar Site, Kadonlay Central: 6.1514 shallow marine Sea, 290 km to the south. This alluvial plain is bounded to Kyun, Gayetgyi Island, 94.9438 waters; rice the west by the southern Arakan Yoma range and to the Kadonkani, Khaing Thaung paddy east by the Pegu Yoma. The city of Rangoon, situated on Island, Pyin-ah-lan, and the southermost spur of the Pegu Yoma, lies at the Pyindaye sites listed southeastern edge of the delta. The entire area is overlain separately below by a thick layer of recent alluvium brought down by the Irrawaddy. The flow in the Irrawaddy is at its lowest in February and March; there is a sharp rise in level in April- May as a result of melting snow in the upper catchment, and a further steep rise in May-June with the onset of the monsoon. The maximum flow occurs in July or August. Most waterways are natural watercourses, and there is no extensive system of dredged canals, the only major canal being the Twante canal which links Rangoon with the western part of the delta.

The upper and central portions of the delta are almost entirely under cultivation, principally for rice. Until about 1850, much of this region comprised a complex of permanent and seasonal lakes, swamps and marshes, and vast areas of seasonally inundated plains and swamp forest. However, following the rush of settlers from Upper to Lower Burma in the late 19th Century, the construction of embankments and reclamation of land for agriculture has kept pace with the increase in population. Dyke building was initiated by the Government as early as 1861, and many embankments were constructed around 1880 and 1920. At present, there are some 1,300 km of major embankments in the delta, protecting over 600,000 ha of rice paddy. The system of embankments provides a unique example of partial flood protection. The major dykes form horseshoes around the areas between the

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main rivers, with the downstream ends left open. In the event of extreme flooding, the lower parts act as flood basins, thus slightly reducing the flood peak. The old embankments have been maintained, and projects are contemplated to extend the system even further. Despite these reclamation schemes, there still remain large tracts of land that are deeply flooded during the monsoon and retain water even during the dry season. In addition, there are numerous permanent oxbow lakes and associated marshes, particularly along the Irrawaddy between Myanaung and Henzada, along the Myitmaka, and along the upper Bassein and Daga rivers.

The lower, seaward third of the delta, stretching 130 km from east to west, is completely flat with no local relief. About 520,000 ha of land are below high spring tide level and subject to tidal inundation. Much of this area is covered by mangrove forest, and cultivation is limited to the higher patches of ground. Sandy ridges, such as old beaches and sand banks, provide refuges for wildlife during the highest tides. Although the mangrove vegetation has been exploited for a very long time, there are some relatively intact stands remaining. The area is dissected into a number of islands and peninsulas by a series of large, southerly flowing rivers and a complex of smaller, interconnecting watercourses, all of which are at least intermittently saline due to tidal intrusion. Drainage is directly into the Bay of Bengal through nine major river mouths, the Bassein, Thetkethaung, Ywe, Pyamalaw, Irrawaddy, Bogale, Pyapon, China Bakir and Rangoon. These rivers carry a heavy silt load, and their waters are very turbid. The delta is actively accreting seawards, and as a result the sea is very shallow for some distance out to sea. Water depths are less than 5.5m across the whole coastline fronting the delta and up to 28 km offshore in the east. The present rate of advance of the delta is estimated at 5-6 km per 100 years, equivalent to about 1,000 ha per year. Several small islands, some of which are visible only at low tide, have developed offshore. These include Kain Thaung Kyun off the mouth of the Irrawaddy River, and Kadonlay Kyun and Gayedgyi Kyun off the mouth of the Bogale River. Sea dykes have been constructed in some areas to prevent tidal inundation, and the Government has

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carried out several polderization schemes in the outer delta.

One of the major commercial fish species in Burma, Hilsa ilisha, is abundant in the delta. The delta is still of great importance for a wide variety of both resident and migratory waterfowl. Sea turtles nest on beaches along the seaward edges of Kyagan Kwinbauk Reserved Forest, Pyinzalu Kyun, Pyinalan Reserved Forest and Kadonkani Reserved Forest, and on the offshore islands of Kaingthaung, Kadonlay and Gayedgyi Kyun. Five species are known to occur: Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Lepidochelys olivacea, Eretmochelys imbricata and Dermochelys coriacea. Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15°50'42"N 50,000 Mangrove; tidal 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 2004 Inventory; Ramsar designated January 2017. The Irrawaddy (or Sanctuary of Bengal 95°15'57"E flats; sandy [9] COP12 Nat Report; Ayeyarwady) Delta is one of Myanmar’s key areas of beaches MOECAF/NEA conservation concern. The delta population exceeds 7.7 project; KBA[#37]; million people, 13.7% of Myanmar’s population, and AWC Meinmahla Kyun has been termed one of the most degraded mangrove habitats in the world. Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (MKWS) is the last vestige of green space, along what was once the largest tract of mangroves in Myanmar. An aerial view of the Delta today clearly illustrates the significance of MKWS. However, this greenery is deceptive as recent drone mapping assessments determined that ~85% of MKWS is Phoenix paludosa, not mangrove. Resource exploitation within and surrounding Meinmahla Kyun island has led to a severe decline in mangrove cover. However, despite this severe lack of mangrove habitat, conservation value remains, and MKWS hosts the world’s largest population of Sonneratia griffithii (IUCN Red List species), and more than 30 species of IUCN listed fauna including the Ayeyarwady dolphin Orcaella brevirostris, estuarine crocodile Crocodylus porosus, mangrove terrapin baska, wild dog Cuon alpinus, Lesser Adjutant Stork Leptoptils javanicus, as well as migratory bird species such as the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmea and the endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank and Great Knot. Additionally, the flora of MKWS represent a substantial capacity for carbon sequestration, which is an important component of global climate change mitigation. Other important species (KBA):

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Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Burmese Eyed Turtle (VU) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Salt Water Crocodile (?) (CO), Indian Spotted Eagle (VU) (CO), Lesser Adjutant (VU) (CO), Nordman's Greenshank (?), Congregatory waterbirds (CO), Mangrove spp.: La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka- na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Kadonlay Kyun [Kadogalay Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15°35'N, 260 Sand beaches; 1; 2; 4 1989 Directory; A low, flat island in the Irrawaddy Delta, formed Island (KBA)] of Bengal 95°16'E tidal flats; KBA[#86] exclusively of silt deposits from the Bogale River. The mangrove; island is ringed by broad sandy beaches and mudflats Check if within Meinmahla shallow marine with some mangrove forest, and there are grassy areas Kyun Ramsar Site waters and sand dunes in the interior. The surrounding sea is very shallow. The island is an important nesting site for sea turtles, which lay in approximately 1,000 nests each year [1989]. Important species (KBA): Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Mangrove spp.: La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Gayetgyi Island Northern Bay Ayeyarwady c. 15.684; 1,200 Mangroves, 2 KBA[78] One of five sandy islands c. 10 km south of Meinmahla of Bengal 95.297 sand beaches, Kyun, important for turtle nesting beaches. Important Within Meinmahla Kyun RS ?tidal flats species (KBA): Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead boundary Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Mangrove species: La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Kadonkani Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15° 49' 0" 60,100 Mangroves, ? 2; [?5], 6 KBA[#87]; AWC Mangroves just south of Meinmahla Kyun island in of Bengal North, 95° 13' Irrawaddy Delta. Important species (KBA): Burmese Eyed Adjacent to Meinmahla Kyun 0" East Turtle (VU) (CO), Lesser Adjutant (VU) (CO), RS Congregatory waterbirds (CO), Mangrove spp. (?) Khaing Thaung Island Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15.729; 95.043 1,300 Sand beaches, 2; [?5]; 6 KBA[#91]; AWC Important species (KBA): Olive Ridley Turtle(VU) (CO), of Bengal tidal flats, Spotted Greenshank (EN) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds Irawaddy Delta, close to mangroves (CO), Mangrove spp. (?) Meinmahla Kyun RS Pyin-ah-lan Northern Bay Ayeyarwady c. 15.761; 27,400 Sand beaches, 2; [?5]; 6 KBA[#118]; AWC Outer part of Irawaddy Delta, west of Meinmahla Khan. of Bengal 94.916 tidal flats, ?? Important species (KBA): Olive Ridley Turtle(VU) (CO), In Irrawaddy Delta, west of Spotted Greenshank (EN) (CO), Lesser Adjutant (VU) Meinhmahla Khan (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO) Pyindaye Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15.7955; 122,900 Mangroves, 2; [?5]; 6 KBA[#119]; AWC Eastern part of outer Irawaddy Delta, east of Meinhmakla of Bengal 95.273 ?sand beaches Khan. Important species (KBA): Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) In Irrawaddy Delta, east of (CO), Salt water Crocodiles (?) (CO), Greater Spotted Meinhmahla Khan Eagle (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO),

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Mangrove spp.: La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka- na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Ngwe Saung Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 16°51′30″N 94 38,200 Sand beaches, 2 KBA[#107] Sand beaches. Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle of Bengal °23′30″E mangroves (CR) (CO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Mangrove spp. (?)

Thamihla Kyun (Diamond Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 15° 51'N, 94° 0.88 Sand & rocky 1; 2; 4 1989 Directory; A small, offshore island to the west of the Irrawaddy Delta, Island) Wildlife Sanctuary of Bengal l7'E shores MOECAF/NEA measuring about 1,100m by 730m. The topography is project; KBA{#126 & undulating, with low cliffs to the south and west dropping 127] to narrow, sandy beaches. Much of the island in pock- marked with bomb craters. With the exception of the north, the island is surrounded by a rocky reef, about 270m in width, comprising sandstone and shale. There are three small freshwater reservoirs on the island, the largest covering approximately 0.6 ha. The island is a very important nesting site for sea turtles. The Green Turtle Chelonia mydas (EN) is much the most abundant species. Other important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle(EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO) Letkokkon Islands Northern Bay Ayeyarwady 16°17'N, 388 Tidal flats; 1; 3; [?2]; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 A group of small islands and mudflats formed by the of Bengal 95°57'E estuarine inventory; IBA; AWC deposition of silt from the China Bakir River. The area is waters; shallow separated from the mainland by a long shallow inlet, marine waters; which dries out at low tide. The sea throughout the entire reedbeds area is highly turbid and very shallow, being no more than 5.5m deep up to 28 km offshore. An important area for a wide variety of resident and migratory waterfowl. Possible turtle nesting beaches. AWC: 4 waterbird species >1% population. Great Coco Island Northern Bay Ayeyarwady? 14°07′00″N 93 1,500 Coral reefs, 2; [?5] KBA[#79] One of the northernmost of the Andaman and Nicobar of Bengal °22′03″E sand beaches, Islands in the Indian Ocean. Important for turtle nesting ? beaches. Important species (KBA): Leatherback (CR) (CO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO), spp. (?) Gulf of Mottama [Matarban] Northern Bay Bago/Mon 17̊ 13'N; 97̊ 01' Total area: ??; Estuary; tidal 1; 2; 5; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 Ramsar designated (part) May 2017. The site is a bell- (incl. Sittang Estuary) of Bengal E 195,056 flats; saltmarsh; inventory; IBA; COP12 shaped estuary ecosystem and from October to mid-April (Ramsar Site mangroves; Nat Report; EAAFP hosting about 200,000 migratory waterbirds. These area); rice paddy flyway site; KBA[#80] include the globally threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus), Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer), Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) and Lesser Adjutant Stock (Leptoptilos javanicus). The tide range is 4- 7m (depending on estimates) exposing areas of tidal flats

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whose extent and undisturbed character are increasingly rare and important in the region. The tides and currents constantly redistribute sediments on a large scale, producing shifting channels and a mix of erosion and accretion, and making Gulf of Mottama one of the most dynamic estuaries in the world. The main habitats are estuarine waters, intertidal mudflats, sandbars, muddy and sandy shorelines and salt marsh. The local communities use the site for fishing, grazing, duck-rearing and paddy farming. Other important species (KBA): Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Yellow-breasted Bunting (VU) (CO). Kaladan Estuary, Hunter's Northern Bay Rakhine 18°40'- c. 500,000 Estuaries; tidal 1; 2; 3 1989 Directory A vast complex of shallow sea bays and estuarine Bay and Combermere Bay of Bengal 20°30'N, flats; systems, with numerous islands, tidals channels and 92°40'-94°10'E mangroves; creeks, extensive mangrove swamps and alluvial plains. Note. Includes coral reefs; rice Several of the larger islands are hilly, rising to over 300m. (Wunbike) and Kaladan River Kaladan paddy The site extends for some 250 km from northwest to KBA sites listed separately estuary: 20°06′ southeast, and is up to 60 km wide. It includes the below 00″N 92°54′09″ estuarine systems of the Mayu River, Kaladan River, Mm E Chaung, Kun Chaung, Amyek An Chaung, Lamu Chaung, Kaleindaung, Tanlwe Chaung, Tauagup Chaung and Hunters Bay: many smaller rivers, all draining the Arakan Yoma hills 19.9500000, which rise abruptly to the east. Some of the most 93.3166700 extensive mangrove swamps are situated between Island and the mainland coast in the south. Large areas of the coastal plain and mangrove swamps have been converted to rice paddies, particularly in the floodplains and estuaries of the Mayu and Kaladan rivers in the north. There are extensive intertidal mudflats along the northern edge of Hunter's Bay, around parts of Combermere Bay and in the Kaleindaung estuary. Coral reefs fringe the outer coasts of some of the larger islands. Mangrove forest. Some of the larger islands support tropical evergreen forest. The Arakan Yoma to the east are covered in dense tropical evergreen forest and pure stands of bamboo. A population of the Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus still survives [1989 – check if still present] in the extensive mangrove swamps to the east of , although numbers have decreased greatly since the early 1960s, when the species was considered to be common. Marine turtles are known to nest widely along the Arakan coast, but no details are available.

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Kyaukphyu (Wunbike) Northern Bay Rakhine 19°26′0″N 93° 24,070 Sand beaches, 2 KBA[#30] Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), of Bengal 33′0″E mangroves Mangrove Terrapin (CR) (AB), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), [part of Combermere Bay] Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Mangrove spp. La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Kaladan River Northern Bay Rakhine 20°06′00″N 92 18,500 Mangroves, ? 2 KBA[#89] Important species (KBA): Burmese Narrow-headed of Bengal °54′09″E Softshell Turtle (CR) (CO), Mangrove Terrapin (CR) (SO), Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Sarus Crane (VU) (CO), Indian Skimmer (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO), Mangrove spp. La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka- na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Nantha Island Northern Bay Rakhine 20o 14' 35" N 1,107 Tidal flats; 2; [?5]; 6 IBA; FFI list; Tidal flats are important for supporting globally threatened of Bengal 92 o 44' 3" E shallow KBA[#106] waterbird species: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris nearshore pygmaea (EN) (22-35 individuals winter 2008-2012); marine; ?sand Spotted Greenshank Tringa guttifer (EN) (3-5 individuals beaches winter 2008-2012). Supports >1% of biogeographic populations of Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus. Other important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (SO), Green Turtle (EN) (SO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (SO), Great Knot (VU) (CO), Congregatory waterbirds (CO) Manaung Kyun (Marine) Northern Bay Rakhine 18°51′N 93°44 71,200 Sand beaches 2 KBA[#97] Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), of Bengal ′E Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (CO)

Maw She Northern Bay Rakhine c. 18.271; 20,600 Sand beaches 2 KBA[#98] Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), of Bengal 94.373 Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Loggerhead Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO) May Yu Northern Bay Rakhine c. 20.365; 28,900 mangroves 2 KBA[#100] Important species (KBA): Mangrove spp. (?) of Bengal 92.791

Myebon Northern Bay Rakhine 20° 02' 60.00" 73,100 Sand beaches, 2 KBA[#104] Important species (KBA): Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive of Bengal N 93° 21' ?? Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Skimmer (VU) (CO) 59.99" E Oyster Island Northern Bay Rakhine 20.2000, ? Sand beaches 2 KBA[#110] Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), of Bengal 92.53333 Green Turtle (EN) (CO) Moscos Islands Wildlife Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 13°47'- 4,924 (wildlife Sand beaches; 1; 2; 4 1989 Directory; Three groups of small islands off the Tenasserim coast, Sanctuary [KBA: Moscos Coral Coast 14°28'N, Sanctuary mangroves; MOECAF/NEA lying on a north-south axis and stretching over some 70 Kyun W.S.] 97°46'-97°56'E only); KBA coral reefs; project; KBA[#102] km of sea. The islands comprise North Moscos (or Heinze 5,300. area of shallow marine Islands), Middle Moscos (or Maungmagan Islands) and wetlands waters South Moscos (or Launglon Bok Islands). The islands unknown generally rise steeply from rocky shorelines to a north-

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south oriented watershed. Altitudes range from sea level to about 300m on most islands. The largest island is Auk Bok, in the South Moscos group, measuring about 10 km by 2.4 km, and which, in common with a number of the other larger islands, features sandy bays and sheltered anchorages. Coral reefs are found around the South Moscos islands, and probably exist elsewhere in the sanctuary. Turtle nesting beaches. Important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Leatherback (CR) (CO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Olive Ridley Turtle (VU) (CO), Mangrove spp. La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO) Myeik [Mergui] Archipelago Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 9o35-13 o 15 N; 4,046,600 Coral reefs, 1; 2; 3; 4 KBA[#105] More than 800 largely forested islands, varying in size Coral Coast 97 o 30-98 o 45 mangroves, from very small to hundreds of square kilometres, Note: includes Lampi Island; E shallow marine surrounded by shallow marine waters, with mangroves Whale Bay; Auckland Bay; waters, marine and extensive coral reefs. Very important for bay of Bokpyin township; and karst and caves endangered megafaunas such as whale parts of Central Tenasserim sharks and dugongs and cetaceans, including: a resident Coast and northern Mergul population of Bryde's whales, Omura's whales, Archipelago, and Shark occasional blue whales, longman's beaked whales, strap- Protected areas sites listed toothed whales, and killer whales,[6] dolphins, finless separately below porpoises, and Irrawaddy dolphins. Other important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Leatherback (CR) (CO), Mangrove Terrapin (CR) (SO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), (EN) (CO), Asian (VU) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), (VU) (CO), Burmese Eyed Turtle (VU), Plain- pouched Hornbill (VU) (CO); Coral reef spp. Mangroves spp. La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO) Lampi Marine National Park Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 10°37'- 388,500 (Park); Karst & caves 1; 2; 3 1989 Directory; The Marine National Park comprises Lampi Island (16,800 Coral Coast 10°59'N, area of (marine); sand MOECAF/NEA ha), the associated islands (areas unknown) and the 98°00'-98°22'E wetlands beaches; project; KBA[#32] intervening sea (about 370,000 ha). Lampi Island, which is unknown mangroves; oriented in a north-south direction, is about 48 km long marshes and has a maximum width of some 6 km. The northern part of the island curves strongly to the west, forming a large bay in which Kubo Island is situated. Associated islands, which are all considerably smaller than Lampi, include Wa-Ale Kyun and Kanzagyi to the northwest, Pub Nala to the south and the Gregory group to the southeast. The topography of Lampi is generally hilly and rises steeply from sea level to 150-270m, exceeding 350m in

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places. Much of the coast is rocky, although there are a number of sandy beaches, bays and inlets. The sea between Lampi and the mainland is nowhere deeper than 24m and is generally about half that. Lampi, in common with the 900 or so islands of the , was formed by a combination of tectonic movement and volcanic activity. Many of the islands consist of Moulmein series limestones which have weathered to form large caves. The supply of fresh water is relatively plentiful; whilst many small streams are seasonal, the Zon Chaung and the Sungai Alun are perennial. Major coral formations are found around the smaller islands, especially in the Gregory group, whilst formations around the main island of Lampi are relatively poor. Sandy beaches support beach forest, some with pure stands of Casuarina equisetifolia, as well as species of Dillenia and Calophyllum. Estuaries on the west coast of the island support apparently untouched mangrove formations. There are also some swampy areas. Dolphins (Delphinidae) are common, and the Dugong Dugong dugon may still occur in the area. Despite the presence of a number of suitable nesting beaches for sea-turtles, only small numbers of turtles use the islands. Other important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Leather back (CR) (CO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Anisoptera curtisii (CR) (CO), Bombax insigne (CR) (CO), Dipterocarpus dyeri (CR) (CO), Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (CR) (CO), Dipterocarpus turbinatus (CR) (CO), Hope helferi (CR) (CO), Hopea sangal (CR) (CO), Parashorea stellata (CR) (CO), Shorea farino Wela-nga Pinle-aw (Whale Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 11.61667°N ? Mangroves; 1; 2; 3; 4 FFI list (F. Momberg Mangroves, peat forest, mudflats. Important for shorebirds Bay) Coral Coast 98.63333°E tidal flats; pers. comm.) and crocodiles peatswamp forest Auckland Bay Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 12.133333 N; ? Mangroves; [?1] FFI list (F. Momberg Mangrove/ mudflats for waders, peat forest, waterbirds Coral Coast 98.516667 E tidal flats; pers. comm.) peatswamp forest The whole bay of Bokpyin Andaman Sea Tanintharyi c. 11.2500°N ? Mangroves [?1] FFI list (F. Momberg ?biggest mangrove area in Myanmar township in Kawthung District Coral Coast 98.7500°E pers. comm.) which lies east of Lampi

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Central Tenasserim Coast Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 11°25'- c. 1.1 Million Estuaries; tidal 1; 2; 3; [5] 1989 Directory; A vast complex of shallow bays, tidal channels and and northern Mergul Coral Coast 12°45'N, (Directory); flats; KBA[#11] creeks, intertidal mudflats and mangrove swamps Archipelago (1989 Directory); 98°20'-98°50'E 308,300 (KBA) mangroves; between the narrow coastal plain of central Tenasserim Central Tanintharyi Coast coral reefs; and a chain of large islands in the northeastern part of the (KBA) sand beaches Mergui Archipelago. The site includes the estuaries of the Kyaukpya River, , Lenya River and many smaller rivers rising in the forested hills of the southern Bilauktaung range to the east, and also the nearby offshore islands. The larger islands, notably Kadan Kyun, Saganthit Kyun and Kanmaw Kyun, are hilly, rising to over 750m. The extensive mangrove swamps on the eastern side of the main islands are separated from those of the mainland coast by channels up to 5 km wide. There are sandy beaches on some of the islands, and coral reefs along the west coasts of Saganthit Kyun and Kanmaw Kyun. The Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus still occurs in the extensive tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, although now in greatly reduced numbers. Sea turtles nest on many islands in the Mergui Archipelago, and presumably occur in this area. Other important species (KBA): Hawksbill Turtle (CR) (CO), Mangrove Terrapin (CR) (SO), Green Turtle (EN) (CO), Leather back (EN)(CO), Spiny Turtle (EN) (CO), (VU) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), Black Marsh Turtle (VU) (CO), Burmese Eyed Turtle (VU), Congregatory waterbirds (CO), Mangrove species La-ba Sonneratia griffithii (CR) (CO), Ka-na-so Heritiera fomes (EN) (CO), Moluccan Ironwood Intsia bijuga (VU) (CO). Shark [Marine] Protected Andaman Sea Tanintharyi c. 10°37'- 158,500 Shallow marine [?2] KBA[#120] Surrounds Lampi Island. Little is known about what key Area - A Coral Coast l0°59'N, waters conservation species are found in these waters or the 98°00'-98°22'E effectiveness of these reserves (Holmes, K.E., Tint Tun, Kyaw Thinn Latt, M. Subedee, S.V. Khadke, and A.E. Hostetler. 2014. Marine Conservation in Myanmar - The current knowledge of marine systems and recommendations for research and conservation. Yangon, WCS and MSAM.) Shark [Marine] Protected Andaman Sea Tanintharyi c. 12.125; 1,090,100 Shallow marine [?2] KBA[#121] Little is known about what key conservation species are Area - B Coral Coast 97.251 waters found in these waters or the effectiveness of these reserves. (Holmes, K.E., Tint Tun, Kyaw Thinn Latt, M. Subedee, S.V. Khadke, and A.E. Hostetler. 2014. Marine Conservation in Myanmar - The current knowledge of marine systems and recommendations for research and conservation. Yangon, WCS and MSAM.)

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Pakchan [proposed] Nature Andaman Sea Tanintharyi 10°35'- 25,920; area of Mangroves; 1 1989 Directory A coastal strip of low-lying islands, tidal mangrove Reserve Coral Coast 10°55'N, wetlands swamp forests; swamps and freshwater swamp forests, together with the 98°30'-98°40'E unknown rivers forested hill ranges rising steeply to the east. Almost all the watercourses are perennial and flow either west, becoming brackish in their lower, tidal reaches, or east to the Pakchan River, which defines the Burma- border. The coastal strip supports a diverse mangrove vegetation. The mangrove forest merges into freshwater swamp forest with an abundance of orchids and ferns. A proposed Nature Reserve [in 1989]. Burmabank Andaman Sea Tanintharyi c. 9 o 30’N; 97 o ? Coral reefs 2 KBA[#77] Offshore islands to the west of the Myeik Archipelago. Coral Coast 35’E Coral reefs form close to the edge of islands with steeply pitched walls, in between small chains of islands and on submerged pinnacles. Important species (KBA): Leopard shark (VU)

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C. Inland human-made wetlands. Note: FEOW/MEOW ecoregions are not listed for human-made wetlands since such wetlands cannot be designated under Ramsar Criterion 1.

Wetland name [alternative State Geographic Approximate Broad wetland Designation Information Description name(s)] coordinates area (ha) type classes criteria likely source(s) identifying present to apply wetland as [Note that descriptions need reviewing and updating, as many information (others may internationally sources date from the 1990s and early 2000s] also apply) important Moeyongyi Wildlife Sanctuary Bago 17 o 32′ N 96 o 10,359 Reservoir; rice 2; 5; 6 1989 Directory; 2004 Ramsar designated 2004. A shallow rectangular human-made reservoir 36′ E (IBA: 10,360) paddy Inventory; IBA; EAAFP bounded on three sides by embankments. It floods in the wet season (May - flyway site; October), and from October to March hosts over 20,000migratory waterbirds. MOECAF/NEA These include the globally threatened Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri, Sarus project; AWC Crane Grus antigone and Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, as well as >1% of the regional population of the Northern Pintail Anas acuta. The site is also important for supporting the vulnerable Burmese Eyed Turtle ocellata. The water at the site is drawn down through sluice-gates to irrigate rice-fields downstream, and the site becomes progressively drier through the dry season leaving flat areas of mud, grassland, marsh and some permanent open water to a maximum depth of 2m. The local communities use the site for fishing, grazing, duck-rearing and some rice-growing; and there is a small tourist facility for visiting birdwatchers. Myitkyina-Nandebad- Kachin 25o 10' 0"N 97 o 40,000 ?? 6 IBA Supports >1% of populations of Black Stork Ciconia nigra and Common Talawagyi 25' 0"E [IBA lists Crane Grus grus habitat as IUCN “Artificial – terrestrial”] Mone Chaung Magway c. 20.450; 1,400 ?reservoir 2 KBA[#101] Burmese Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (CR) (SO), Burmese Peacock 94.600 Softshell Turtle (EN) (CO), Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO), fish: Nga Htway Rita rita (LC) (CO), Nga Myin Silonia silondia (LC) (CO)

Chaungmagyi Mandalay 20 o 36' 0"N; 95 350 (IBA); 850 Reservoir 5 2004 inventory; IBA Dendritic, with many narrow arms, and main axis fairly narrow. Maximum (IBA: Chaungmagyi o 52' 59"E (2004 depth c.26 m., but arms relatively shallow. Has relatively high species Reservoir) inventory) richness of submerged and floating-leaved forms, mainly due to extensive growths in shallow bays: The shallow arms have very abundant growth of including Najas, Nitella, hara,Potamogeton cf. pectinatus and P. cf. nodosus are common, with P. cf. pectinatus being found in slightly deeper water than P. cf. nodosus.. Supports >20,000 waterbirds (2004 data). Low intensity subsistence fishing using gill nets and hook and line. The reservoir is important for bathing and laundering and watering of livestock in an otherwise arid environment during the dry season. Areas of the shallow arms

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which have recently dried are important for growing crops such as beans, onion, sunflower and maize.

Kye Ni Tank Mandalay 20o 25' 0"N 96 o 617 Reservoir 2, 6 2004 inventory; IBA, Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri (CR) recorded as present in winter 2004. (IBA, KBA: Kyee-ni Inn) 9' 0"E KBA[#31] Although information is provided in 2004 Inventory indicating high macrophyte diversity and waterbird occurrence, there appears to be no inventory entry for this site. Nyaung Yan & Mandalay 200 51.237' N; 2,033 Reservoir; 5; 6 2004 inventory; IBA; Both lakes are human-made, formed by bunding on three or more sides and Min Hla Tanks 960 1.345' E Surrounding AWC connected by a sluiced culvert. They are roughly rectangular and shallow, rice paddy maximum depth c. 2.5 m. In Min Hla there are large areas of Nymphoides at northern end. Najas grows around the edge of the northern end, with large growth of periphyton. There are also areas of floating algal scum. In Nyaung Yan, Nitella (common), Chara, Nymphoides and Najas are present and the filamentous alga Cladophora seems to grow on the bottom over a wide area of the lake, at least at the southern end. The lakes are surrounded by farmlands, which are inundated during periods of flooding. In the winter, the gradual drying out of these farmlands, in combination with large expanses of submerged and emergent macrophytes, provide a rich habitat for waterbirds. Supports >1% of biogeographic population of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca; and >20,000 waterbirds. AWC: supports 6 waterbird species >1% population.

The tanks are used for irrigating surrounding rice fields during the dry season. Medium intensity of fishing using gill nets and cast nets. Push nets are used to catch shrimps. i is gathered for fodder. There is also duck-raising in Min Hla lake. Paleik In Mandalay 21o 49' 59" N; 50 ?Reservoir or 2; 5 2004 inventory; IBA, A small lake inside a meander of the Myitnge River. Supports >20,000 96 o 2' 59" E ?natural lake KBA[#60] waterbirds. Other important species (KBA): Asiatic Softshell Turtle (VU) (CO) Mong Pal Lake [Proposed] Shan 19°47'- 62,208 Reservoir; 3; 4; [?5; ?6] 1989 Directory A large hydro-electric and irrigation reservoir in the steep-sided, flat-bottomed Wildlife Sanctuary 20°12'N, lakes; marshes Balu Valley. The lake was created in 1971-72 after the construction of a dam 96°45'-97°06'E on the Balu River at Mong Pai, 65 km downstream from the outlet of Inle Lake. The reservoir is 56 km long and mostly between five and 16 km wide. It contains a number of islands including Loi Pan Sone (1,236 ha), Ho Tein (1,198 ha) and Lonka (1,175 ha). At the end of the dry season and for much of the monsoon period, the water level is low; extensive mudflats are exposed and some of the islands become connected to the shore. The Balu valley to the north contains a mosaic of small lakes and marshes, and may sometimes be inundated. A very important wintering area for migratory waterfowl, supporting a higher diversity and density of species than Inle Lake. Mobye Dam (Monpai Lake) Shan 19 o 55’N; 97 o ?Reservoir or 5; 6 AWC AWC: 2 waterbird species >1% population; >20,000 waterbirds 00’E ?natural lake

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Hlawga Wildlife Park Yangon 17°00'N, c. 1,200 Reservoir; 3 1989 Directory; A shallow water storage reservoir in undulating terrain to the east of the 96°07'E swamp forest; MOECAF/NEA project Rangoon River. The lake has a deeply indented shoreline with many lake; rice paddy sheltered bays and many small wooded islands. The shore is gently shelving, and at low water levels large areas of mud are exposed. The lake is surrounded by sandy hills with dense scrub and secondary forest, and there is a large area of rice paddies on the plains to the north and east. Hlawga Wildlife and Zoo Park, to the southeast of the reservoir, consist of a fenced enclosure of 356 ha with dense scrub, a small freshwater lake (Zokanok Lake) and eleven small dams. Gyobyu Reservoir Yangon 17°21'- 518 Reservoir 3 1989 Directory A small water storage reservoir with a catchment basin of 3,344 ha, 17°26'N, surrounded by the Hlaing Yoma and Paunglin Reserved Forests. The 96°02'-96°05'E reservoir was created in 1940 by damming the Gyobyu Chaung. It has a highly convoluted shoreline, numerous islands and a maximum depth of 30m. Although the surface area remains fairly constant, the water depth fluctuates by up to 9m between wet and dry seasons. The catchment area consists of slopes, ridges and valleys with a network of streams draining off the southwestern spur of the Pegu Yoma hills. Some of the streams are perennial. Steeply sloping hills surround the reservoir, resulting in an absence of a foreshore even at low water levels.

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