Thailand flora and fauna

Thailand sustains a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The country’s long north-south extent permits an extraordinary range of habitats and climatic zones, from the equatorial to the rear-temperate.

If no longer as flourishing as they were, the plant and animal kingdoms are still enormously rich and varied. Estimates recon that 6% of the worlds known species of vascular plants, 10% of worlds fishes, 10% of the birds, 5% of the reptiles and 3% of the amphibians are found in Thailand. Vegetation includes mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests and pine-clad mountain slopes, while the costal waters boast a wealth of coral reefs full of marine life.

Although 282 of the worlds 4000 mamma species are found in Thailand, creatures of particular note are declining in numbers at the alarming rate. The elephant is most symbolic of the nation, honored in the past as work animal, war machine and ceremonial figure, though its latter-day fate, too, is sadly representative. The wild elephant population is currently believed to be between 2000 and 3000, and domesticated pachyderms number only slightly more. A century ago there were 20,000 work elephants in Northern Thailand alone.

Other noteworthy indigenous mammals found in varying though again mostly declining number include: tigers, leopards, Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear, and sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gibbons, macaques and various members of the wild cattle family. Reptiles also have their endangered species, especially the river turtle and the fresh water crocodile, which have all but disappeared. Snakes, on the other hand, are well represented in number and species, the latter including six highly venomous varieties. Deadly snakebites are, however, extremely rare.

Thailands costal waters provide a rich habitat for marine flora and fauna characteristic of both the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific regions. Game fish include blue marlin, sailfish, barracuda and various types of shark. Coral reefs are also abundant in both Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, although the impact of tourism, anchor damage and most of all the practice of dynamite fishing have all taken their toll.

National Parks and Conservation

Wonder at the variety of Thailands flora and fauna must be countered by near despair over environmental deterioration and dwindling wildlife. The situation is most dramatically illustrated by the rate of deforestation. Some 50 years ago about 70% of the country was forested; today official estimates put forest cover at 25-28%, while most independent observers believe the figure to be less than 20% . The problem has mostly been caused by logging and agriculture. A logging ban was belatedly introduced in 1989, and the only after disastrous mudslides on deforested hills in the south had cause tragic loss of life. But the problem continues:: the ban is by no means 100% effective, and commercial reforestation schemes have in many cases done more harm than good.

Wildlife has inevitably suffered from the destruction of natural habitats and widespread poaching and trade in endangered animals and animal products have made matters worse. All in not gloom, however: although national parks are a comparatively recent development in Thailand ( the first, Khao Yai, being established in 1962), the country now boasts 81 parks and 36 wildlife sanctuaries which together cover 11% of the total land area a higher than average proportion.

To what degrees these areas are protected is a moot points: poaching and land encroachment are persistent problems. On a positive note, the public apathy and ignorance of just over decade ago is giving way to ever greater concern and more importantly, action regarding environmental issues.

National Park Highlights

Khao Yai – Some of the richest remaining rainforest in Asia lies within the boundary of Thailands oldest and most visited national park, roughly midway between Bangkok and Khorat. The park covers an area of 2172 sq km (840 sq miles) and is crossed by over 50 km (31 miles) of hiking trails.

Erawan Set in the valley of the Kwai Yai 72 km north of Kanchanaburi town , this attractive park has forest trails and beautiful waterfalls.

Doi Inthanon – Some 80 km southwest of Chiang Mai, Thailands highest peak is situated in an area designated as a national park. Typical northern countryside, picturesque waterfalls and hilltrive villages are the principal attractions.

Phu Kradung Situated 80 km south of Loei town, this picturesque plateau at the average elevation of 1300m has an area of 60 sq km covered in savanna and lofty pines.

Koh Samet – This island retreat some off the coast from Ban Phe in Rayong province is officially designated as a national park. Its main attractions are its secluded covers, fine sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Khao Sam Roy Yot – South of Hua Hin, the Mountain of 300 peaks national park covers an area of 100 sq km and is composed of a series of monumental limestone outcrops forming the habitat of numerous species of shore birds. There are stunning panoramic views of the southern coastline.

Thailand fauna variety is amazing with 300 mammal species, 313 reptiles, 107 amphibians, more than 1000 bird species (10% of the world total known species), insects an estimated 6000. Thailand is one of the tropical countries teeming with diverse flora and vegetation. The diverse vascular plants of Thailand with estimated number of no less than 10,000 species, have been recorded and published in continuation in the Flora of Thailand since 1970