Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
Named after Buddha’s saintly disciple, the park covers an area of 1,598 sq km in the Mingin and Kani townships of Sagaing Division in Myanmar.
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
With photo contributions from the management of Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park and Kyaw Naing Lin.
Rocky creek (2000) by Park Management, AKNPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Shrine of Alaungdaw Shinmahar Kathap (2005) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Many local citizens join pilgrimages to pay their respects to the Shrine of Alaungdaw Shinmahar Kathapa. Alaungdaw Kathapa was said to be the third person to follow the Buddha, undertaking jobs for him while receiving his teaching. His remains are believed to lie in the shrine.
Mini falls (2013) by Park Management, AKNPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Apart from pilgrimages, other activities include trekking in several types of natural forests; bird watching; and observing wildlife, butterflies, spectacular plants, and orchids.
Dipterocarps in AKNP (2013) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Ecological research
The park is ideal for conducting research on forest conservation and management, and studying tiger protection methods. This is also a good site for observing birds and other wildlife. Students can use the area to study the indaing and pine forests.
Elephant (2012) by Park Management, AKNPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
A biologically rich wildlife sanctuary
Alaungdaw Kathapa harbors a wealth of large mammals such as elephant, leopard, clouded leopard, black bear, gaur, and primates.
Yellow-naped Woodpecker (2012) by Park Management, Hkakaborazi National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Wildlife Observation
The park draws many bird watchers and nature lovers.
Wildlife Observation
Birds recorded in the park include the great hornbill, oriental pied hornbill, redheaded trogon, the endemic hooded treepie, and woodpeckers.
Wildlife in Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
• 370 species of birds
• 297 species of trees
• 240 species of butterflies
• 106 species of orchids
• 80 species of reptiles and amphibians
• 60 species of migratory birds
• 39 species of mammals
ASEAN Heritage Parks
ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.
With photo contributions from the management of Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park and Kyaw Naing Lin.
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