The U Minh Ha cajuput forests in the southernmost province of Ca Mau were reopened on June 1 after being closed for nearly six months during the high fire-risk dry season, according to the provincial Forest Ranger.

A farmer harvests honey in U Minh Ha forests.

Recent 10-day rains have flooded the cajuput forests and fields in the districts of U Minh, Tran Van Thoi, and Thoi Binh.

Within June, the province aims to sow 30,000 hectares of rice, exploit 200 hectares of cajuput wood, and plant 50 hectares of new forests.

The 500-member volunteer team has been dismissed. Tourism and production activities in the forest have been resumed.

During the dry season, two fires occurred in the forests, damaging 10 hectares.

The U Minh Ha cajuput forests spread over more than 80,000 ha in Tran Van Thoi, U Minh, and Thoi Binh districts. It is home to the Vo Doi national forest, which covers an area of 8,000 ha.

The populations of birds and wild animals have surged in recent times in the forests in Ca Mau, according to the province Sub-department of Forest Protection.

There are storks, egrets, cormorants, night herons, and many other species.

To protect the birds, the sub-department has carried out several measures, including preventing people from coming into close contact with them and providing them with food and water.

Several rare animals, including wild boars, weasels, pythons and crocodiles, have also been spotted in increasing numbers.

Ca Mau has banned the hunting, transportation, and sale of rare wild animals since 2000.

VNA