Huyen Tran Princess Lake, Hue, Thua Thien, Vietnam

Environment

Environment

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Surrounding area

The pond located at coordinates 16.4165575, 107.6093177 lies in An Tay Ward, Hue City. It is a small natural pond situated on the outskirts of a residential area, primarily surrounded by Acacia auriculiformis (commonly known in Vietnam as “tràm bông vàng”) – a fast-growing tree widely planted on poor soils – along with a few native plant species.

The terrain gently slopes and consists of sandy loam soils, with small footpaths created by local residents. Fallen leaves from the Acacia trees accumulate year-round, decompose, and contribute to a rich organic layer, giving the pond its characteristic dark-colored water. The surrounding environment remains relatively natural and is only mildly affected by urban development

Underwater landscape

The pond features a typical blackwater environment, rich in tannins, with a soft organic mud bottom and low water clarity. Aquatic vegetation includes species such as Azolla ferns, small water lilies (Nymphaea spp.), filamentous algae, submerged grasses, and various bottom-dwelling mosses and algae.

The pond supports small fish species like climbing perch and rice fish (Oryzias spp.), as well as invertebrates such as snails, freshwater shrimp, and aquatic insect larvae. Its shallow, plant-covered banks provide ideal shelter and breeding grounds for amphibians and waterbirds.

Fish list:

• Oryzias pectoralis (Adrianichthyidae)
• Rhodeus rheinardti (Acheilognathidae)
• Macropodus spechti (Osphoronemidae)

Crustacean list:

• Macrobrachium lanchesteri (Palaemonidae)

Aquatic plant list:

• Commelinaceae
• Nymphaeaceae

Terrastrial vegetation list:

• Urochloa distachyos (Poaceae)
• Acacia auriculiformis (Fabaceae)
• Sporobolus maritimus (Poaceae)

Threats to ecology

At present, the pond remains largely unaffected by human activities and shows no signs of pollution from litter or wastewater.

However, extended dry and sunny periods during the dry season can cause a noticeable drop in water levels, temporarily reducing shallow habitat areas for aquatic species. Despite this, the decline has not reached critical levels, and the ecosystem continues to function within its natural seasonal cycles.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many -

Bibliography

• 1998 by Tyson Royal Roberts
  
• 1911 by De Man
  

Sitography

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