The total area of Muong Nhe Natural Reserve is about 310.262 ha, including 10 communes in Muong Nhe border with some ethnic groups such as: Ha Nhi, Kho Mu, Mongolia,.. and near natural forests with 43% coverage- most of Dien Bien province.There are many primary forests such as lowland evergreen forest, evergreen high mountains and bamboo forests are being preserved. It was also the habitat for many rare animals.
Forest Fauna: According to current survey, Muong Nhe Natural reserve area includes 291 species: 55 species of endemic, rare, such as stone turtle, elephant, gaur, sun bears, tigers, leopards, red wolves, wild cats … and 45 species recorded in Vietnam Red Book. Besides, many previous studies document also reveals that: In the early 80s of last century, this area has about 200 elephants, 300 bulls, 35 reptiles, 59 mammals and 270 other bird species.
In addition, there is quite a mix diversity of forest flora here, there are about 740 species: 35 species of rare plants, 29 species of Vietnam’s Red Book and Red Book World, in which many species special value in terms of science, such as fokienia, incense, … Specially, having 112 species of timber trees, medicinal plants, there are 68 rare species.
With dense forest ecosystems, Muong Nhe is regarded as protected areas having a high biological diversity in Vietnam. Therefore, the preservation of the Muong Nhe Natural Reserve is very important, both in terms of ecosystem protection forest and river. In the near future, this place will become a tourist attraction and ecological research.