Halong Bay may be best remembered for its many caves and karst formations, but there are actually several different aspects of the bay that make it popular. Not only does it contain a unique combination of islands, beautiful water and grottoes, but it also has a unique blend of wildlife, plants and habitats. There are two different ecosystems in the region, and they each have their own plants and animals that rely on the bay.
Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Ecosystem
The tropical evergreen rainforest ecosystem of Halong Bay is part of what makes the area so beautiful. It can be found in four different types of locations: the moist limestone mountains, mangroves, plants found inside of caves, and bushes on dry mountains. The unique makeup of the limestone islands has caused over 400 types of plants to adapt to the environment, including ferns that have evolved so that they thrive in the limestone rocks. Most of the tropical evergreen rainforests are found on the larger islands of Halong Bay, such as Cat Ba Island and Ba Mun. Smaller or steeper islands are less likely to have the tropical rainforest ecosystems.
The animals that live in the rainforests of Halong Bay are very interesting to watch. They include deer, squirrels, macaque, weasels and iguanas. Many monkeys also live in the forests, including Rhesus monkeys and golden langurs.
Marine and Coastal Ecosystem
The marine and coastal ecosystem is the primary ecosystem of the bay. It is divided into six categories to better classify the types of flora and fauna that live in each area. One of these categories includes the coral reefs, which lie just off of the coast. The coral reefs are home to many types of fish and sea life, but they are being damaged by heavy tourism. Mangrove areas, which make up another category of the marine and coastal ecosystem, are also in danger from the increase in population and tourism. The mangrove system acts as both a shelter and a nursery for many types of plants and animals, including birds, sea worm, algae, reptiles and fish.
The waters of Halong Bay have been a source of food for residents and tourists for centuries. The Japanese pearl industry uses the bay to grow and harvest pearls, while local fishermen provide fresh seafood for the area restaurants. Squid, fish, shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs and other seafood are just a few of the creatures that live in the marine and coastal ecosystem of Halong Bay.
While visitors may come to see the islands and the caves, they will be equally impressed with the diversity of plants and animals in Halong Bay. The wide assortment of creatures is one of the reasons that Halong Bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.