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Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary
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Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Magway Region of central Myanmar and covers an area of approximately 552 square kilometers (213 sq mi). Established in 1985, the sanctuary's primary objective is the conservation of the endangered Eld's deer (locally known as Thamin) and the Burmese star tortoise. The landscape consists of dry deciduous forests and rolling hills typical of Myanmar's central dry zone. The sanctuary takes its name from the nearby Shwesettaw Pagoda, a significant pilgrimage site that houses two sacred footprints of the Buddha. Beyond the deer population, the reserve provides a habitat for various bird species and smaller mammals such as wild boars and jackals. Conservation groups work closely with park management to combat poaching and maintain the ecological integrity of the forest. During the annual Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, thousands of pilgrims visit the area, necessitating careful management to protect the adjacent wildlife habitat. Ongoing scientific research in the sanctuary contributes significantly to the understanding of dry-forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: ေရႊစက္ေတာ္ဘုရား · ပါရမီတောင်တောရကျောင်း · Chin Su Pagoda
- Nearby: Thandwe (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 2 | 10 | 21 | 64 | 227 | 258 | 190 | 109 | 86 | 10 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The optimal visiting window generally falls between November and February, when the dry season brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures conducive to exploring the varied terrains of central Myanmar.
Best time of day
Early mornings and cooler late afternoons are the most highly recommended times for exploration, as the critically endangered tortoises and other native species are noticeably more active when temperatures drop.
Etiquette
Visitors must strictly follow the designated pathways to avoid stepping on hidden burrows, completely refrain from touching the highly protected tortoises, and respect the ongoing conservation efforts.
What to bring
Breathable, lightweight cotton clothing is strongly recommended for the regional heat, along with sturdy closed-toe walking shoes to protect against thorny brush, and an ample supply of fresh drinking water.
Getting there
The sanctuary is usually reached via a scenic road journey from the central city of Magway; hiring a reputable local driver who is deeply familiar with the region's specific terrain and routes is often necessary.
What to expect
Observing the notoriously slow-moving and well-camouflaged Burmese star tortoises requires slow, deliberate walking and careful scanning of the dense underbrush where they naturally tend to hide away.
Geography
Facts
- Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985
- Covers a total area of 552 square kilometers (213 sq mi)
- Primary refuge for the endangered Eld's deer (Thamin)
- Habitat for the critically endangered Burmese star tortoise
- Located in the dry zone of the Magway Region
- Named after the nearby historic Shwesettaw Pagoda
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the Shwesettaw-Wildreservat protect?
The reserve primarily protects the endangered Eld's deer and its natural habitat.
Can one visit the reserve as a tourist?
Visits are possible but usually require a permit and a local guide.
Which animals are seen there most often?
Besides deer, there is a variety of bird species and small mammals.
Are there accommodations nearby?
There are only simple accommodations; longer stays often require good planning.
Is hiking in the park difficult?
The trails are mostly flat, but the hot climate requires good physical condition.
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary: where is it located?
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include ေရႊစက္ေတာ္ဘုရား, ပါရမီတောင်တောရကျောင်း, Chin Su Pagoda.
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Magway Region of central Myanmar and covers an area of approximately 552 square kilometers (213 sq mi).
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