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What future now for Thailand’s wildlife?
In September 1962, almost exactly five decades ago, Thailand opened its first national park for the conservation of native forests anad biodiversity. The opening of Khao Yai National Park, as it has become known, signified the birth of conservation in Thailand. Prior to that no one worried about the country’s wealth of natural resources; they seemed to be limitless. Yet since Khao Yai National Park opened we have done a pretty good job of clearing the forests and destroying forever the country’s natural heritage – its biodiversity. Since the early 1960s, Thailand’s total forest cover has been whittled away, from more than half the area of the nation in 1962 to around a third today. Put another way, an area of forest roughly double the size of Khao Yai has been destroyed every year for the past 50 years. This concerted effort to eliminate the country’s natural environment in the name of ‘development’ is the single most important reason for the dramatic decline in Thailand’s native wildlife. Unknown numbers of plant and animal species have been lost forever and many more are now on the brink of extinction. Are we at a turning point yet? Can we reverse this downward spiral of destruction and degradation, which, let’s face it, is the primary reason for all the natural disasters and catastrophes that blight us every year? Certainly, we have a legal framework designed to protect our forests and wildlife, with more public awareness and support than we ever had five decades ago. Yet, the thirst for ‘development’ still seems to be embedded deeply within our psyches. We can see this clearly right now with the opening of neighbouring Burma. Already, plans are underway for a new road to cut through Thailand’s western forests to link up with the proposed developments on the Andaman Sea. With the road will come the gas stations, houses, shops and so on, with new pressures for land and resources, and the attendant evils of pollution and environmental degradation. What will this mean for the remaining plants and animals? Is this kind of ‘development’ – the kind we’ve all become accustomed to – what we really want? Perhaps we all need to step back and take a long look at what it is we really want in life. Only a major change in the way we all think and live will be enough to ensure the survival and sustainability of what remains of our natural heritage. The past 50 years have taught us that much.
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS President, Nation News Network Pana Janviroj Editor, Special Publications Lawrence Neal Contributors Douglas Ian Matthew Kwandao Haruensat Pairin Kanisan Creative Supervisor Jidlada Stapanguen Photos Nation Photographers Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Seub Nakhasathien Foundation Vice President – Sales Ratchanee Kaewyai Tel. 0 2338 3563 Fax. 0 2338 3971 E-mail: ratchanee@nationgroup.com Publisher Nation News Network Co., Ltd. 1854 Bangna-Trat Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 Printing WPS (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 167/5 Moo 4, Bangna-Trat Road Km. 29, Bang Bo, Samut Prakarn 10560 Tel. 0 2313 4404-6 FaX. 0 2313 4445
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10 Reforestation: A mission to save the country
Contents 12-14
Khao Yai National Park: The birthplace of conservation in Thailand
16-19 Up close with nature in Thailand’s National Parks
20-22 Artificial Coral Reefs for the Rehabilitation of Marine Life ..................... Seub Nakhasathien: The great protector of Thailand’s natural resources.................................................................. Thailand’s Forests: 22 years after the death of Seub Nakhasathien ............................................................................... His Majesty the King’s way to sustainable forests ................................. Zoo’s efforts help save wildlife from extinction ..................................... 39
Top 40
Thailand’s Rarest Animals
Top 40 Thailand’s Rarest Animals
Five decades ago, Thailand was a richly forested land with seemingly limitless and untapped natural resources and a wealth of biodiversity. Today the country can hardly be considered the same place. Systematic clearing of forests, wetlands and other natural environments, to make way for developments and in the pursuit of wealth for a few, have emptied the country of much of its original natural treasures. Much of the biodiversity has gone for good and even now, with conservation and protection measures in place, much of the remaining wildlife is dwindling towards extinction. For this issue, The Nation’s editors have compiled a list of 40 of the country’s rarest animals. Some of these are iconic species that are well known to everyone, such as the Asian Elephant and Gurney’s Pitta. Others are obscure and little known, or even unknown to science. The thing they all have in common is that they are all inexorably slipping towards extinction as a result of habitat loss, poaching for the wildlife trade, environmental degradation, and even accidental death as a result of human ‘development’. Many of the pictures on the following pages may be the last records of many of these species.
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Reforestation:
A mission to save the country Following His Majesty the King’s guidelines to solve the problems of flooding and landslides, forest rehabilitation is put at the top of the national agenda. The devastating floods last year, which caused damage to many parts of the country, served as a timely lesson for the Thai people. Some pointed the finger at ineffective water resource management as a main cause of the disaster and this may indeed have had some bearing in events. But there seems little doubt that the primary root of the problem lies with the continuing degradation of the country’s forests. In the aftermath of the disaster, His Majesty the King gave his advice to the Prime Minister, members of the Strategic Formulation Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development (SCRF) and the Strategic Formulation Committee for Water Resource Management (SFCWRM) during an audience at Siriraj Hospital on February 25, 2012.
13 He informed members of the administration that the South and the North of the country have different problems. The South has a number of fast-growing tree species but these have rapidly been destroyed. The North, on the other hand, is more at risk of catastrophic landslides around highland areas. Both of these problems need to be solved through reforestation. This may be difficult to achieve, however, as certain corrupt government officers allow illegal logging to persist. The illegal loggers generally target high-quality trees or hardwood trees which are slow-growing. One principle in reforestation is that slow-growing trees and fast-growing trees should be planted in the same area. As hardwood trees are necessary in preventing flooding and as they are difficult to re-introduce in degraded areas, stiffer penalties against encroachers are needed. Subsequently, in a meeting on flooding prevention chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, reforestation was raised as a key measure for protecting the country from natural disasters, especially flooding and landslides. The issue has been included on the national agenda. Within the next five years, the government
aims to reforest 7 million rai of land and a budget of Bt3 billion has been allocated to two agencies - the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Royal Forest Department.
Over 3.78 million rai of additional watershed forests
Mr. Damrong Pidet, Director-General, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that his organization is responsible for rehabilitating watershed areas. With an aim to increase the area of forest by over 3.78 million rai within five years, the department plans to accomplish four primary missions in the near future. First, it will reforest areas previously deforested or damaged by fire, by planting 25 trees per rai. Also, it will develop additional forest areas around watersheds by planting 200 trees per rai. The second mission is to prepare seedlings of slow-growing, hardwood trees which grow well along mountain ridges at more than 1,000 m. above sea level. Before planting in degraded areas, these hardwood trees need to be grown in nurseries for around 3 – 5 years until they are 80 – 100 cm tall. Third, the department will plant rattan, which is resistant to fire and helps protect the soil surface, as well as vetiver grass which helps stabilize the soil and prevents landslides. Theses two species were recommended by His Majesty the King as good plants to preserve the soil. The last mission is called “Na Laek Pa”, or providing rice fields in exchange for forest areas. The department will offer land for rice farming to locals who have previously cultivated land within forests, in order to encourage them to relocate outside of the forests.
14 rehabilitating forest, preserving soil and building check dams, involving locals to ensure their sustainable co-existence with forests.
The Director-General said that in growing forests on highlands, rainfall is an important factor for success, as the young trees rely on natural rain. For this reason, reforestation projects need to be completed at least two months before the end of the rainy season, or before September of this year. As of today, total forest area in eight river basins in Thailand, comprising the Ping, Wang, Yom, Nan, Chao Phraya, Sakaerang, Pa Sak and Tha Chin Rivers, amounts to 24.1 million rai, 2.57 million rai of which has deteriorated as a result of forest fires and encroachment.
Public involvement in water retention and forest protection Mr. Suwit Rattanamanee, Chief of the Royal Forest Department, said the budget allocated the department will be used to rehabilitate forest ecological systems, create 11,000 man-made water retention areas and 19,000 dykes, and also to develop forest preservation and protection training programmes.
project for forest and soil rehabilitation and preservation. The project aims to enhance the living quality of people who cultivate land within forests by encouraging them to adopt the rice terracing method which helps increase yields but also helps retain water during the rainy season. Then trees will be planted in the remaining land to restore the rich forests.
The department is organizing activities to promote sustainable forest growing and protection within communities, as part of the
The “Agro Forestry” concept, derived from the royal initiatives of “Forests, Four Benefits” and “Community Forests” will be applied in
According to Mr. Suwit, the Royal Forest Department has been assigned by SFCWRM to undertake a project, in which four activities will be organized – cultivating young plants, building check dams, planting vetiver grass, and encouraging communities to participate in sustainable afforestation and conservation. In the fiscal year 2012, the project will get started in areas of six river basins, including 900 rai in the Ping River Basin, 300 rai in the Wang River Basin, 900 rai in the Yom River Basin, 600 rai in the Nan River Basin, 300 rai in the Sakaerang River Basin, and 300 rai in the Pa Sak River Basin.
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What is a national park? A national park is an area of outstanding natural beauty which is owned by the government. It must be located away from communities and originally untouched by humans. With forests and mountains within its area of over 10 sq. km., a national park is conserved to retain the natural balance, as well as act as a source of knowledge about nature and a destination for people to visit for recreation and educational purposes. To date, Thailand has 148 national parks nationwide, including both inland and marine parks. Well-known national parks include, for example, Khao Yai, Doi Inthanon, Phu Kradueng, etc.
From a cultivated area about a century ago, Khao Yai is today Thailand’s first national park with some of the country’s richest forests.
Khao Yai National Park:
The birthplace of conservation in Thailand
Over 50 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine how Thailand’s forests could ever have been destroyed and reduced to the extent that they are today. Back then, the country was covered in huge swathes of forests and many regions of the country were still completely wild and inaccessible. The forests seemed to be virtually limitless. But in 1959, when Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat, the Prime Minister at that time, went on a tour of inspection to the North and saw the declining condition of forests along the way there, he realized the need to conserve the country’s natural resources. Through his initiative and with the cooperation of related authorities, the country’s first national parks were established to serve this purpose.
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It is five decades this year, since September 18, 1962, that Khao Yai was officially announced as Thailand’s first national park. The name “Khao Yai” is derived from the name of a sub-district where people from Ban Tha Din and Ban Tha Chai Villages in Nakhon Nayok built a settlement within a forest in the area around 100 years ago. The sub-district was later discontinued after it became a criminal refuge, due to its remoteness from the authorities. The only traces of the settlement nowadays are a few areas of grasslands scattered amidst the rich forest. However, the name “Khao Yai” lives on as Thailand’s second largest national park, with an area of around 2,166 sq. km. covering parts of four provinces – Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. It is recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. According to Mr. Damrong Pidet, Director-General, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the park encompasses several major rivers, 24 waterfalls and almost all the indigenous wildlife species in Thailand. “Khao Yai is the nearest national park to the city. It has the best management and care, and the richest forest in the country,” he said. Situated only 200 km. from Bangkok and with its plentiful forests and nature, Khao Yai National Park is a prime destination for tourists throughout the year. Inevitably, the heavy tourist traffic poses a number of impacts on the ecosystem and resident wildlife. Yet in spite of the problems created by tourists, the director-general said that a more serious problem is the abundance of jackals, a predator in the forests. “Lately Khao Yai has too many jackals. They are gluttonous predators. These days a number of deer have come out from the deep forest to the area around the national park office and the reason is because they are being chased there. There have also been reports of jackals attacking our rangers. So, we are afraid that tourists might be in danger of the animals.” The department is keeping a close watch on the number of jackals in the park. If the population of the animals becomes too great and affects the balance of the ecosystem in Khao Yai, some of the animals may be captured and transferred to other habitats or other forests with relatively low populations of jackals.
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Another serious problem in Khao Yai nowadays is the illegal logging of eaglewood or agarwood, an endangered species of tree prized for its fragrant wood and essential oils. Mr. Damrong said that in some instances the smugglers were foreigners who had their owned armed personnel that could be used to confront the Khao Yai rangers. “Their weapons are far more sophisticated than ours. Our rangers have only shotguns. So, they risk injury and even death whenever they try to apprehend the eaglewood smugglers who can hide anywhere within the vast confines of the park,” added the director-general.
The operation for wildlife Although intruders have sometimes been reported entering Khao Yai for poaching and logging, the national parks official insisted that wildlife in the park is very safe as patrol teams are operating at all times. “Khao Yai has over 400 staff and seven government officers,” said the director-general. “Among these are rangers who regularly patrol the forests. They are divided into teams and rotate around the 21 ranger stations. All of the rangers have been thoroughly trained, so they
fully understand how to navigate their way around the forest. Everyday they have to walk from one station to another. If they are unable to reach their destination within the daytime, they have to put up tents and stay in the forest overnight.” In the severe flooding last year, as well as during annual festivals like New Year and Songkran, cars and trucks are allowed to use the road that passes through the park. Ranger motorcycle teams help escort the vehicles to ensure that encounters with wild animals like elephants are avoided. Another factor that helps keep the wildlife and forests of Khao Yai safe from destruction is the strict law governing national parks. “Forests in Thailand will have more chances of survival if they are declared national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. The law for national parks is the most effective for conservation because the director-general has the authority to order any encroachers to remove any constructions from the park immediately. Wildlife sanctuaries and forest parks are protected under the national reserved forest act. Chief District Officers and Provincial Governors are supposed to enforce the related laws and regulations. But sometimes there can be interference from influential persons, such as politicians,” he said. According to Mr. Damrong Pidet, about ten additional forest areas are now being prepared for declaration as national parks.
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Up close with nature in Thailand’s National Parks National parks are places set aside for the conservation of nature as well as for the education and enjoyment of people from all walks of life, including members of the general public, students doing a school project or academics conducting research into wildlife, ecology and biodiversity. National parks are also great places to escape from the pressures of everyday city life, to enjoy life amid lush forests, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Today, Thailand has 148 national parks covering both land and sea, with 59 parks located in the north; 20 in the central, east and west of the country; 25 in the northeast; and 44 in the south.
Getting ready for your nature tour Before any trip, especially a trip to a natural park, visitors should prepare themselves by: • • • • •
Booking in advance: Visitors can ask for details or reserve rooms and accommodation in advance from the staff of any national park office or directly to the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant conservation at www.dnp.go.th or Tel. 0 2562 0760. Be informed: Find out about the location and pertinent information such as the weather (some parks close during the rainy season), journey conditions, etc. On arrival: Visitors should pick up more information at the visitor center or from staff of the center. Certain footpaths may be off limits at certain times, for example. For trekkers: For long-distance treks requiring overnight stops, visitors must inform the national park staff of their intentions in advance. Be a good protector: Learn and practice good environmental management in line with the regulations and guidelines of the national parks.
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Enjoying the great outdoors The national parks have activities available for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy from a gentle stroll in the woods to multi-day hikes with friends, enjoying the slow life with a few days’ bird watching or exploring the underwater world with a scuba set. Some of the major activities available include:
Bird Watching Watching birds in the country’s national parks is a popular activity for local and foreign ornithologists visiting the country. Khao Yai National Park is one of the top bird watching sites for birders from around the world with iconic species such as the hornbill resident there. The other recommended sites for bird watching are Doi Inthanon National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park, for example.
Trekking
Camping
Trekking is perhaps the best way to get up close and personal with nature. Each natural park has both short- and long-distance trekking routes for visitors, some with overnight stops. Some of interesting trekking routes are in Doi Inthanon, Khao Yai, Thung Salaeng Luang, Phu Hin Rong Kla and Phu Soi Dao national parks. Trekkers need to check in advance what gear they need to take along and should be aware that insects and leeches can be a serious distraction at some parks and at certain times of the year.
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity available in most national parks that can get you very close to nature. It can give campers a relaxing time amid nature in an atmosphere totally different from what they can experience at home. Wouldbe campers must set up their tents in the areas specified by the national park office and can not just pitch their tents anywhere. Visitors can also rent tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear from most national park offices.
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Snorkeling/Scuba Diving At marine natural parks and even at some inland freshwater lakes, visitors can explore the underwater world by snorkeling or scuba diving to see the corals, fish and other aquatic life. It would certainly be a memorable experience for park visitors but may require specialized training or guidance. Mu Koh Similan, Mu Koh Chang and Khao Lak – Lam Ru are recommended national parks for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
Wildlife Watching
Kayaking / Canoeing
Rafting
Wildlife watching is one of the most exciting activities for budding naturalists and families on a visit to the country. National parks with areas of grassland and deciduous dipterocarp forest are great for observing wildlife, such as Khao Yai and Pang Sida national parks.
Kayaking and canoeing are outdoor activities that keep you fit and present a great way to explore mangrove-fringed shorelines, lakes and shallow bay waters. Visitors can hire canoes or kayaks in several marine national parks such as Ao Phang-nga, Hat Chao Mai and Mu Koh Ang Thong.
This kind of adventure activity requires a vehicle, equipment, including safety equipment, and guidance from specialists, and is only available in some natural parks with rivers and torrents. Popular locations for rafting include Khao Yai, Mae Charim and Ob Luang national parks.
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Artificial Coral Reefs
for the Rehabilitation of Marine Life In the past, Thailand had plentiful natural resources and the sea was full of marine life. This was due to a large area of mangrove forests, seagrass and various coral reefs, all of which afforded refuge and abundant nursery grounds for juvenile fish species, crabs, shrimps and a wide variety of mollusks. The richness of marine resources is a fundamental need of the country’s development to generate income for its people, especially its coastal fishermen. The use of natural resources without awareness has witnessed many of Thailand’s marine resources gradually dwindling, assisted by illegal fishing and non-regulation of scuba diving, which have damaged many coral reefs and the coast, resulting in unsustainable
development. Indeed, not only coral reefs, but seagrass and mangrove forests have also been lost in the same way, which has resulted in a decrease of aquatic resources and the fishermen’s way of life and income have all been adversely affected, as has the sustainable development of Thailand. In the annual birthday speech of HM the Queen on August 12, 2009, her Majesty addressed the success of coastline rehabilitation by the presence of artificial coral reefs as a refuge and nursery ground for Thailand’s aquatic resources, which would help increase the income of local fishermen. HM the Queen also wished to see cooperation between involved organizations by joining together to rehabilitate marine life along the entire coastline. As Prime Minister at that time, Abhisit Vejjajiva responded to HM the Queen’s words by signing a Prime Minister’s mandate on November 2009 to appoint a committee to oversee the project for the rehabilitation of coastline resources with artificial coral reefs. The artificial coral reefs would help to rehabilitate coastline resources speedily and efficiently with the objective of encouraging Thailand’s marine life to become abundant and sustainable again, as in previous times, for the benefit of coastal fishermen and the nation as a whole. The project was implemented in honor of HM the Queen’s 78th birthday anniversary in 2010.
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Artificial coral reefs made of man-made materials to help change the circumstances of a barren sea bottom would be positioned, by using strong materials offering current resistance that would adhere to the sea bottom and gradually attract marine life as a refuge and eventually as a food source and haven for species reproduction. The artificial coral reefs will benefit the environment by increasing the abundance of marine animals that will help support the aquatic resources management sustainability. Since 1978, there have been many researches carried out concerning the benefits of artificial coral reefs, including research into using artificial coral reefs for fishery, rehabilitation of coral reefs and for coastal protection purposes. The principle of coastal rehabilitation by using artificial coral reefs has come about
through an awareness that artificial coral reefs are simply an instrument that operates in accordance with scientific principles, by setting clear objectives and goals for continuing management, with regular follow-ups and evaluations, as well as research on what must be done to obtain the best results from this new innovation. The integrated plans to rehabilitate the coastline with artificial coral reefs, consists of four strategies, including providing all knowledge concerning artificial coral reefs; producing artificial coral reefs for the conservation of marine and coastal resources; producing artificial coral reefs for fishery sustainability; and developing the permission for artificial coral reefs production. Under the budget plan, 64 projects for the period 2011-2016, worth 10,043.95 million baht, were approved.
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Value of Water: The Issue that Matters
If water is Earth’s most valuable resource and essential to life, why are water utilities underfunded? The answers seem to be explicit. Utilities customers turn on the tap and expect a reliable supply of clean water but don’t expect to pay much for it. Presently, people and all walks of lives do embrace novel technologies and entertainment leisure and are willing to pay for them. People even pay a high price for bottle of water but not for tap water. Given such instance, it clearly shows that people don’t understand the cost of providing water services. The cost of water treatment is far from free but costing behemoth amount of money. The building, tools and technologies for water services are the repercussion of investment of money. They are supposed to be changed for improvement in every 150-200 years. The total replacement
value of water and wastewater assets is about $ 1.5 trillion. Assuming for the timeframe of replacement cycle, the annual increase in deferred investment is about $ 5 billion. (source: Journal of American Water Association, March Issue 2012, P. 8-9) It is partially true that water is quintessential for life but water utilities and assets would metaphorically be regarded as the way to distribute water to life. So why are people still recalcitrantly reluctant to pay more, just for the better quality of life? In Thailand, due to the incessant growth of demand of water for industrial sites and residential use in Thailand Eastern Seaboard, The Eastern Water Resources Development and Management Public Company Limited or East Water was set up in 1992 with the purpose to manage and supply raw water to fulfill growing demand in this region. Over 20 years as the expert of water resources management in Eastern region, East Water has been distributing raw water through the water grid network; over 340 km tap lines. East Water then takes the privilege pride as being a part for developing country and add value of water utilities to Thai society. East Water Manages Water for Life, Economic and Community
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Seub Nakhasathien:
The Great Protector of Thailand's Natural Resources Seub Nakhasathien was a man who worked and died for the cause of conservation. The Chief of Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, who took his own life on September 1, 1990, devoted and ultimately sacrificed his life for the preservation of Thailand’s forests and animals. Described in his own words as “a representative of the animals,” Seub was the linchpin of Thailand’s conservation movement. His death came as a tremendous loss to those who loved and respected him, and who worked with him in the fight to protect the last remnants of Thailand’s natural heritage. No one can ever be certain why Seub elected to kill himself. Many feel, however, that it was the terrible frustration and disillusionment that accompanied his job which drove him to the last desperate act. A lifetime fighting in vain for the rights of wildlife in Thailand’s forests seemed to be dwindling to an end, just like the animals themselves. Seub’s efforts to get the Huay Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Naresuan sanctuaries accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to give the animals in the forests some real protection were continually thwarted. Lack of resources, the insidious tactics of poachers and the illicit activities of certain influential figures all massed to make the work of the foresters a hopeless task. Whatever his reasons for suicide, Seub’s great dream to establish a fund for the forest and its inhabitants has succeeded. His memory and work now live on in the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation Under Royal Patronage.
"I sympathize with those who have no chances in the society; they are pressured and taken advantage of in every way. Thailand will be much better if the lucky ones would sacrifice some of their opportunities, so that the unfortunate souls can be saved. I would like to see a better society". Seub Nakhasathien
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Thailand’s Forests: 22 years after the death of Seub Nakhasathien
In 1989, one year before the death of Seub Nakhasathien, statistics showed that Thailand’s forested area covered around 27.95% of the country. After his death, in the space of only one year, the figure fell to 26.64 % with the loss of an additional 1.31% or around 6,721.8 sq. km. The extent of the forest destruction was equivalent to 2.4 times the area of Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, 3.1 times the area of Khao Yai National Park or 4.3 times the area of Bangkok! During the past 50 years, the change in forest coverage can be divided into six periods: • 1961-1973 – forest area decreased by 10.12% • 1973-1982 – forest area decreased by 12.96% • 1982-1991 – forest area decreased by 3.61% (covering the period immediately before and after the cancellation of logging concessions) • 1991-1998 – forest area decreased by 1.36% • 2000-2006 – forest area decreased by 2.23% • 2006-2009 – forest area increased by 2.52% The latest survey in 2009 showed that forests in Thailand cover an area of 171,585.65 sq. km. representing a 33.44% decrease from 1961, the first year that records were kept. In 1961, Thailand’s forests covered around 273,629 sq. km. or 53.33% of the country’s total land area. In the past 50 years, we have destroyed some 102,043.35 sq. km. of forests, an area equivalent to 88 Khao Yai National Parks, or roughly double
Thailand'sForest Area (%) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Decreased Forest Area (%) 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 -12 -14
2.52
1961-1973
1973-1982
1982-1991
1991-1998 -1.30
2000-2006
2006-2009
-2.23
-3.61
-10.12 -12.96
the area of Khao Yai National Park every Ten years after the death of Seub, deforestation was on the rise once again. year. Thailand’s forest cover in 2006-2009 For seven years following the death of Seub Nakhasathien, forest area decreased increased by 2.52% or 0.84% per year by 1.36%, representing that the rate of showing a promising trend. But, this statistic was recorded before the introduction of deforestation fell by around 70%. policies to encourage the development of However, during the period 2000 to rubber and oil palm plantations, which 2006, deforestation in Thailand rose once continue to pose serious threats to the again to 2.23% in the space of only six years. remaining forests to the present day.
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Thailand’s regional forests In 1961, forest areas by region comprised the north with 116,275 sq. km. or 68.54% of the land area; northeast with 70,904 sq. km. or 41.99%; east 21,163 sq. km. or 57.98%; central region with 35,661 sq. km. or 52.91%; and the south with 29,626 sq. km. or 41.33%. The statistics show that every region of Thailand had a forest coverage of between 40-70% with the northern region of Thailand possessing the greatest area of forest followed by the eastern and central regions, while the northeastern and southern regions had the least forest coverage. It’s worth noting that 51 years ago the northeast of Thailand had a much greater area of forests than the south.
decrease of 36.97%; the central region had 20,089.04 sq. km. or 29.81%, a fall of 23.1%; and the south had 20,832 sq. km. or 27.03%, a decrease of 14.3%. The northern region of the country still had forests covering more than 50% of the total area of the region while the central, southern and eastern regions had forested areas of over 20% of the total area of each region. Forests in the northeast of Thailand had dwindled to less than 20% of the area of the region.
Five decades on, the situation had changed considerably. In 2009, northern Thailand had a forest area of 95,074.70 sq. km. or 56.04% of the region’s area, representing a decrease of 12.5% from 1961; the northeast had 27,555.5 sq. km. or 16.32% of land area representing a decline of 36.97%; the east had 8,033.4 sq. km. of forests remaining or 21.01%, a
Survey data in 2009 showed that Thailand’s total forest coverage of 33.44% was comprised of 18.54% in the north, 5.37% in the northeast, 3.83% in the central region, 3.73% in the south and 1.50% in the east. The statistics indicate that over half of the remaining forests in Thailand are in the north of the country.
During the period 1961-2009, over 63.76% of forests in the east were destroyed, 61.13% in the northeast 43.65% in the central region, 34.59% in the south and 18.83% in the north.
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Thailand’s protected areas country (24 in the north, 12 in the northeast, 11 in the central region, 3 in the east and 8 in the south).
• 113 Forest Parks with an area of 1,239 sq. km. or 0.24% of the total area of the country (63 in the north, 28 in the northeast, 11 in the central region, 3 in the east and 8 in the south). • 60 Non-hunting Areas with an area of 5,233.04 sq. km. or 1.02% of the total area of the country (13 in the north, 10 in the northeast, 15 in the central region, 3 in the east and 19 in the south). • 56 Flora Gardens with an area of 43.02 sq. km. or 0.008% of the total area of the country (23 in the north, 17 in the northeast, 8 in the central region, 4 in the east and 4 in the south).
Areas set aside for the conservation of biodiversity in Thailand are split into six categories - National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Forest Parks, Non-hunting Areas, Flora Gardens and Botanic Gardens. In 2010, Thailand had 41 conservation areas covering 103,809.92 sq. km or 20.19% of total area of the country and covering 25.54% in the north (43,327 sq. km.), 10.16% in the northeast (17,156 sq. km.), 25.75% in the central region (17,355 sq. km.), 14.15% in the east (5,165 sq. km.) and 18.06% in south (12,711 sq. km.) compared to the total area of each region. In 2010, the official protected areas in Thailand were:
• 123 National Parks with an area of 60,320.11 sq. km. or 11.73% of the total area of the country (43 in the north, 23 in the northeast, 14 in the central region, 9 in the east and 34 in the south). • 58 Wildlife Sanctuaries with an area of 36,929.37 sq. km. or 7.18% of the total area of the
• 17 Botanic Gardens with an area of 46.28 sq. km. or 0.009% of the total area of the country (2 in the north, 3 in the northeast, 4 in the central region, 2 in the east and 6 in the south) The greatest proportion of conservation areas in Thailand are national parks and wildlife sanctuaries covering some 93% of the total while the others such as non-hunting areas, forest parks, flora gardens and botanic gardens constitute a relatively small proportion of the total area. Most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are in the range of 100-1,500 sq. km. (500 sq. km on average). A total of 10
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are either bigger than 1,500 sq. km. or smaller than 100 sq. km. The survey data shows that over the period
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Amount of Thailand's Protected Area
National Park Wildlife Sanctuary Forest Park Non-Hunting Flora Garden Botanic Garden
National Forest and Protected Area 70 60 50 40
National Forest Protected Area
20 10
Although 44 forest parks had been announced these were all relatively small areas. In 20062009, forest areas were increased by 2.52% or 0.84% per year on average while 3 new wildlife sanctuaries were announced. In 2010, it was found that several conservation areas had been encroached upon for residential and various other types
South
East
Central
0 Northeast
During the period 1993-1998, forest cover decreased by 0.75% in total or 0.15% per year while protected areas increased by 1.68% or 0.56% per year. Some 20 new national parks were created including 10 national parks and 10 wildlife sanctuaries. In 2000-2006, the new survey system showed that forest areas had decreased by 2.23% or 0.37% per year while conservation areas had increased by only 0.51% or 0.09% per year with only one national park and two wildlife sanctuaries announced.
Forest Area (%)
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North
of 18 years from 1992-2010, the area of protected forests increased by 6.18% (a rate of 0.34% or 1,744.59 sq. km. per year on average) with the establishment of 46 national parks, 23 wildlife sanctuaries, 69 forest parks, 11 non-hunting areas, 12 flora parks and 11 botanic parks. The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries comprised the largest protected areas with 3.8 new locations established annually on average.
of developments. Some 11.36% of the country’s total forest area or 58,290 sq. km. had been encroached upon, consisting of 9.9% of the total area of the region in the north or 16,795 sq. km.; 13.88% in the northeast or 22,508 sq. km.; 6.83% in the central region or 4,603 sq. km.; 17.57% in the east or 6,414 sq. km.; 12.8% in the south or 9,051 sq. km. Source: Seub Nakhasathien Foundation
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His Majesty the King’s way to sustainable forests For decades, His Majesty the King has been closely attentive to the deterioration of forests in the country, believing that the loss of forests can lead to further problems of society, economy, politics, morality and ecology, not only soil and water. He has searched for sustainable, simple and cost-saving methods to retain the ecological balance, rehabilitate forests and involve communities in their harmonious co-existence with forests. His insightful vision on the problem is reflected through his guidelines, given on differing occasions, all of which are just as important today as ever before:
“Trees should be planted first in the hearts of the people. Then the people will plant trees on the land and nurture them.� His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
1. Reforestation without planting: Fertile forest will grow by itself if the area is left undisturbed. 2. Growing forests at high elevations: Spermatophytes should be planted on the highest locations, as their seeds will float down and germinate in lower areas when they became mature. The trees will propagate naturally over time.
3. Reforestation: Reforestation should be conducted according to the geographical and environmental conditions. Locations that need reforestation include hilltops, as degraded forests at higher altitudes affect basins
downstream and natural regeneration of trees with seed pods can occur downhill through to the bottom of the hill. In areas around or above reservoirs where periods of humidity are too short, forests should be grown to help improve
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water retention. Additionally, forests should be grown to develop watersheds and water sources to ensure clean and lasting water. Finally, as forests can help increase the income of villagers in the area, local people should be included in the process of planting and tending the trees, so that they would develop an awareness of the importance of reforestation. 4. Three forests, four benefits: To combine agro-forestry and socio-economic considerations into a comprehensive approach to afforestation, mixed forests should be grown. In other words, forests should comprise three parts for growing timber, fruits and firewood. These three forests
offer three great benefits to the people. At the same time, the fourth benefit, which is the by-product of the Three Forests, is the conservation of soil and watersheds. “For afforestation to yield benefits allowing the people to stay on the lands, three-type forests should be grown for four uses: lumber, edible products, and commercial timber; and by supporting irrigation, promoting water absorption, filling bare patches on the banks of water channels and receiving rainwater, the fourth benefit is soil and water conservation.� His Majesty speaking on his concept of Three Forests, Four Benefits 5. Wet forest: A systematic and long-term approach to forest fire prevention can be attained by developing wet forests with the following actions. - Set up a forest-fire prevention system using irrigation canals along which are grown various types of vegetation. - Set up a forest-fire control system through wet firebreaks using irrigation water and rainwater. - Plant fast-growing trees over water channels so that moisture can spread out on both sides, allowing trees to flourish and
preventing forest fires, which occur easily in the absence of moisture. - Build check dams across water channels or steams at intervals to retain some water and silt. When water seeps into the earth and spreads out, both banks are turned into a Wet Forest. Water should be pumped up to the highest possible level and, then, released in a trickle so that it seeps into the earth, helping forest growth at high altitudes. This helps turn a Forest Mountain into a Wet Forest, which can prevent forest fires. - Grow banana trees in the two-metre wide strips designated as areas to be kept clear of trees. When a forest fire encounters the banana trees, which contain more moisture than other plants, water loss will be reduced. The idea of a wet firebreak is a simple method based on the provision of humidity to promote a wet forest, which deters forest fires. It is a very effective method of forest conservation and rehabilitation. 6. Check dams: A Check Dam is an obstruction built across a water course to block small streams in watershed or steeply sloping areas. Check dams can reduce the velocity of water flow and collect silt, preventing it from flowing downstream. In all, they are effective soil and water conservation instruments.
34 Check dams recommended by His Majesty the King - Basic Local-Style Check Dam: This simple type of dam is built with natural readily available materials, such as the branches and trunks of fallen trees held in place by rocks of various sizes from the stream. It should be built in the upper reaches of the stream, so that it can effectively trap silt, slow down water flow, and increase moisture in the surrounding area. - Semi-permanent Rock Check Dams: Rocks are laid in rows to form a wall in the middle or lower area of the stream or channel to trap silt and store some water during the dry season.
- Permanent Ferro-Concrete Check Dams: This structure is mostly constructed towards the end of the water channel or stream. It is very effective in trapping silt and storing water during the dry season. 7. Mangrove forest conservation and development theory: As mangrove forests have a number of ecological benefits, His Majesty sought ways to protect, conserve and expand them, as well as requested that experimental studies on the propagation of mangrove species be conducted. Then came the project to develop and rehabilitate mangrove forests with target areas in Songkhla and Pattani provinces, as the outcome of His Majesty’s and Her Royal Highness the late Princess Mother’s joint initiative. Aiming to rehabilitate the environment and to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, the two royals jointly initiated a reforestation project as a gift to the people on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. With cooperation between the ChaipattanaMae Fah Luang Royal Gift of Forests Project in Songkhla and Pattani provinces and the Total Foundation and the Coastal Resources Institute, Prince of Songkhla University, the mangrove reforestation involves both public and private sectors. It is divided into three sub-projects, including the Community Mangrove-Forest Development Project in Songkhla province, the Yaring Mangrove-Forest Nature Study Centre Project in Yaring district of Pattani province, and the Mangrove-Forest Rehabilitation Feasibility Study Project in Nong Chik district of Pattani province. Source: The Chaipattana Foundation
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Zoo’s efforts help save wildlife from extinction Safari World has adopted a captive breeding program to help increase the populations of endangered species. Apart from creating locations for recreation and education with nature-like landscapes and diverse collections of animals, many zoos worldwide have also established programs to help conserve and multiply the numbers of certain species. Efforts have been made for sometime to help increase the population of endangered species, using “captive breeding” programs in which the breeding of animals is achieved under controlled conditions. Captive breeding programs can help conserve biodiversity and in some instances can save a species from extinction. In Thailand, one of the most successful cases, though
not widely publicized, is a breeding program for polar bears at Safari World, an open zoo well known among Thai people for the past 25 years. According to Mr. Litti Kewkacha, Executive Vice President–Marketing a n d B u s i n e s s Mr. Litti Kewkacha Development, Safari World Pcl., throughout the past eight years Safari World has welcomed four polar bear cubs into the world. It is reported that only one renowned zoo in Germany has also succeeded in breeding this iconic animal. “Our success in breeding the polar bear is based on several factors. Among these are
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a suitable habitat and the availability of the right food. The bears live in a nature-realistic, spacious habitat under controlled temperatures and our feeding program is generous. So, they are healthy, physically and mentally, and this results in a higher reproductive rate than in nature,” said the executive. The zoo has conducted several other captive breeding programs. The zoo’s population of Eld’s Deer, for example, an endangered regional species, has produced about 20 – 30 young annually. As of today the zoo has a herd of about 160 Eld’s Deer. Another species bred at Safari World is the Malayan Tapir, which has become endangered in its natural environment because of a low reproductive rate. In Thailand, the last known photograph of the animal in its natural environment was taken two years ago. Safari World currently has 14 Malayan Tapirs, nine of which were born at the zoo, according to Mr. Litti.
whole operation certainly incurs high costs. So is it necessary for Safari World, which is publicly listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, to bear these expenses?
Besides the effective breeding of animals, their survival under healthy conditions seems to be another crucial issue in conservation. In achieving this, the
“I accept that our conservation efforts can seem conflicting with short-term profit maximization goals,” said the executive vice president. “But we can keep a balance. We have a financial responsibility for shareholders and, at the same time, social responsibility towards the public, animals and nature. We have always rejected internal projects which involve reducing the numbers of trees or the space available
for the animals. More than a third of our 900 employees are dedicated to solely taking care of the animals. It is our long-term vision to offer an 'urban jungle' for children to remain in touch with nature so that they can develop a close-affection towards animals and thereby raising an awareness in animals and nature conservation.” Other rare species with improved reproductive rates at Safari World include the painted stork, the orangutan, the white rhino, dolphin species and the Mekong giant catfish.
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E
designed to open the world of science at the mobile museum include, for example, wildlife, enjoyment of science, miracle of science, mobile lab with balance, chemicals in the home, etc. In 2012, the science caravan will bring the enjoyment of science to young people in over 30 provinces nationwide. Esso also joined with the TV “Smart Thinking” program of the National Science Museum to organize the “Knowledge is Light with Esso” youth camp at the Science Square, 4th floor, Cham Churi Square, recently. The objective of this science summer camp was to enhance thinking and learning among youngsters, particularly in the field of science. The program launch ceremony was joined by Mr. Sakorn Chanapaithoon, Vice President of the National Science Museum and Ms. Kitiyavadee Nilavan, Communications Manager, Esso.
Esso joins National Science Museum to launch science caravan and youth camp
sso has joined hands with the National Science Museum to organize a “Science Caravan” to encourage learning outside the classroom for youth and members of the general public. The science exhibitions and activities have been set in the format of a mobile science classroom aimed at expanding knowledge and providing students in the provinces with the skills and experience to find answers to science questions by themselves. On this occasion, Mr. Mongkolnimit Auacherdkul, Director and Manager of Public and Government Affairs, Esso, donated funds of Bt.500,000 to support the science caravan to Dr. Pichai Sonjaeng, President of the National Science Museum. Some of the activities
Activities at the youth camp to foster learning skills were divided into two categories, “Good Memory Techniques” for junior high school students and “Brain Based Learning” for high school students. “Good Memory Techniques” presented the miracle of memory, fundamentals of memory, connections, specifications, etc., while, “Speed Reading” taught techniques of rapid and comprehensive reading. The “Brain Based Learning” game encouraged students to try solving problems with mathematics skills through planning and teamwork. Many parents and students took part in activities with many more interested to join the program.
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Top 40
Thailand’s Rarest Animals Five decades ago, Thailand was a richly forested land with seemingly limitless and untapped natural resources and a wealth of biodiversity. Today the country can hardly be considered the same place. Systematic clearing of forests, wetlands and other natural environments, to make way for developments and in the pursuit of wealth for a few, have emptied the country of much of its original natural treasures. Much of the biodiversity has gone for good and even now, with conservation and protection measures in place, much of the remaining wildlife is dwindling towards extinction. For this issue, The Nation’s editors have compiled a list of 40 of the country’s rarest animals. Some of these are iconic species that are well known to everyone, such as the Asian Elephant and Gurney’s Pitta. Others are obscure and little known, or even unknown to science. The thing they all have in common is that they are all inexorably slipping towards extinction as a result of habitat loss, poaching for the wildlife trade, environmental degradation, and even accidental death as a result of human ‘development’. The pictures on the following pages may be the last records of many of these species.
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White-eyed River Martin (Princess Sirindhorn Bird) Eurochelidon sirintarae or Pseudochelidon sirintarae Named for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the White-eyed River Martin is only known from Borraphet Marsh in Nakhon Sawan, where it was once sighted from November to March each year. Discovered in 1968 by Thai ornithologist Kitti
Thonglongya, the bird has not been sighted since 1980 and is in all likelihood extinct. The species is classified by the IUCN as “Critically Endangered”, the highest risk category assigned for a wild species. The Princess Sirindhorn Bird is a medium-sized swallow with greenish-black plumage, a white patch on the rump and a tail with two elongated slender tail feathers. The iris and eyelid are white, giving the bird its common name. It is known to feed on insects caught in flight and roosts in reed beds during winter. The species’ breeding grounds are unknown, but based on observations of similar species, they may be forested river valleys, possibly in northern Thailand or southwestern China. Threat factors: It’s likely that the original population of Whiteeyed River Martins was very small and driven to extinction by human interference. Reasons for the bird’s decline could include trapping, disturbance to riverine sand bars, dam construction, deforestation and the draining of swamps for agricultural purposes.
Javan Rhino
Rhinoceros sondaicus The Javan Rhinoceros, also known as the Lesser One-horned Rhinoceros, was originally one of the most widely distributed rhino species, extending from the islands of Java and Sumatra throughout Southeast Asia and into China and India. Similar to the related Indian Rhinoceros, the Javan Rhino typically inhabits lowland rain forests, wet grasslands and large floodplains, leading solitary lifestyles except during times of courtship and rearing of offspring. This species is considered to be the rarest large mammal on earth, with as few as 40 individuals living in a national park on Java and none in captivity anywhere. A second population in Vietnam was declared extinct as recently as 2011 and it is also considered extinct in Thailand. Threat factors: As with other rhinoceros species, the decline of the Javan Rhino is mainly attributed to poaching for the horn, which is used in traditional Chinese medicines and to make dagger hilts in some Middle Eastern countries, and also as a result of habitat loss, particularly during the Vietnam War. Although the remaining animals are present in a protected zone, they are still at risk from poachers, disease and inbreeding as a result of loss of genetic diversity. The IUCN red list categorizes the Javan Rhino as “Critically Endangered”.
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Kouprey or Grey Ox Bos sauveli
Sumatran Rhino Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
The Kouprey or Grey Ox is a large forestdwelling ox that once roamed across Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Eastern Thailand. The Kouprey is similar in size to the water buffalo standing up to 1.9 metres at the shoulder, but with a narrower body and long legs. They can be grey, dark brown or black.
The Sumatran Rhino is the only extant member of the genus Dicerorhinus and the smallest of the five living species of rhinoceros. An animal similar to the Javan Rhino, most remaining specimens of the Sumatran Rhino are present on Sumatra Island, with smaller, possibly extinct, populations on the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. It has been sighted around the Budo mountain range on the Thai-Malaysian border. The Sumatran Rhino faces a greater risk of extinction from the expansion of farming areas, as its habitat lies primarily in hilly densely forested areas, compared to the Javan Rhino which lives in lowland regions. Although relatively well studied, captive breeding programs have largely failed and very few Sumatran Rhinos have ever been born in captivity.
This bovine animal, which lives in low, partially forested hills, feeds mainly on grasses, eating out in the open at night and under cover of forest during the daytime. The species is almost certainly extinct in Thailand but may remain in small pockets of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. However, no sightings of Kouprey have been made since 1983 and searches in recent years have proved fruitless.
Threat factors: As with all rhinoceros species, the Sumatran Rhino is targeted by poachers for its horn which is used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine. The high value placed upon the horns of Asian rhinoceros species continues to drive poaching and the wildlife trade, in spite of the protection afforded the animals. The Sumatran Rhino is classified by the IUCN as “Critically Endangered”.
Threat factors: A massive number were hunted during the Indochina War, as well as subsequently for sport hunting and consumption of meat. Habitat loss and introduced diseases from domesticated cattle have also contributed to the demise of this species. The IUCN lists the Kouprey as “Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct”.
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Dugong or Sea Cow Dugong dugon
Living in shallow tropical and semi-tropical seas, the Dugong is a marine mammal found throughout the IndoPacific region. In Thailand it can be found along the Andaman Sea coasts from Ranong to Satun provinces, with most living off Libong and Muk islands in Trang. On the Gulf of Thailand side, a total of around 200 are living off Rayong and Trat in the East, and off Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani in the West. The Dugong feeds almost exclusively on seagrasses which generally grow in sheltered bays, along the sheltered sides of islands and in mangrove areas. The Dugong’s distribution across its wide geographical range is scattered and many sub-populations are close to extinction. The principal stable populations are all located in Australia. The main causes of the decline in the Dugong’s numbers include destruction of seagrass beds, hunting and fishing/ boating-related fatalities. The Dugong’s late maturation and slow rate of reproduction are also contributing factors to the animal’s dwindling numbers. The Dugong is categorized by the IUCN as “Vulnerable”. Threat factors: Destruction of seagrass beds, hunting, death from fishing/boating-related activities, late maturity and low productivity.
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Asiatic Buffalo, or Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee
Found frequently inhabiting sparse woods, where there are mud pools and ponds for them to cool down and sleep in. The Asiatic Buffalo can only be found in the western woods in Thailand, generally moving around in small clans, around familiar areas for grazing, resting and wallowing in water. Their lifespan is around 25 years and herds over the past 20 years have been observed to be smaller, resulting in the species being categorized as "Endangered". The Asiatic Buffalo is native to Southeast Asia and is associated with wet grasslands, swamps and densely vegetated river valleys. It is the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo found commonly throughout this region, but is larger in stature, being the second largest wild bovine. However, with an estimate of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals and an estimated global total of only 3,400, the species is now considered “Endangered”. In Thailand, Asiatic Buffalos have been periodically sighted, usually in small herds of less than 40 individuals, with the lowland areas of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary becoming a favourite location, where they are thought to have bred with local domestic water buffalo. Threat factors: Habitat loss due to conversion of native forests to agriculture/human habitation, interbreeding with domestic species causing diseases, prey to tigers and Asian black bears, and hunting – especially in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. Categorized as “Endangered”.
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Eld’s Deer Cervus eldii
Schomburgk’s Deer Rucervus schomburgki
Named after Sir Robert Schomburgk, former British Consul in Thailand, it occupied the many swampy plains with long grass, cane and shrubs of provinces bordering the Chao Phraya Basin. A very graceful deer, it possessed a dark brown coat with pale, grey underparts, and while the doe had no horns, the stag‘s antlers formed a distinctive, impressive basket shape.
Found in northeast India, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China's Hainan Island. Identified mainly by the stag’s lyre-shaped antlers, sweeping back in a single, long curve, with a smaller branch growing towards the front of the head. Apart from this, they resemble other deer species with a course, reddish-brown coat with pale grey underparts, while the young have white spots that disappear on becoming adults. The Eld's Deer prefers open parkland areas, or light woodland near to rivers, streams, or wet marshland. They tend to move around in groups with a leading stag, several does and young deer making up the group, keeping relatively close together as they forage for food. They seek shelter from the midday sun and migrate for short periods, surviving on water plants, grasses, herbaceous plants, various fruits and shoots. Several wildlife reserves, predominantly in Thailand, such as Huay Kha Khaeng and Phu Kheo have intermittent conservation programs to raise groups of the species that are eventually released into the wild on reaching adulthood. Threat fac tors: Incessant hunting and poaching. Categorized as “Endangered”, due to conversion of habitat to agriculture/human habitation, and genetic inbreeding.
Today, it is regarded as extinct, due to Thailand converting its swampy plains for the wholesale cultivation of rice and to overhunting. Many of the species were marooned on small islets by the floods during the rainy season, providing easy targets for hunters and poachers. The twin trophies of venison for local inhabitants and the antlers for Chinese medicine shops, made them valuable targets. There is a faint hope that a few of the wild species may exist in Laos, although there has been no confirmation of this belief so far. Threat factors: Conversion of habitat to agriculture/human habitation and widespread, unrestricted slaughter by hunters and poachers have undoubtedly resulted in this species becoming rare. Categorized as “Extinct”.
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Serow
Capricornis sumatraensis The Serow is a goat-antelope species found mainly in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, in the Tanao Sri and Thanon Thongchai mountain ranges and Petchabun area. It prefers steep, rugged hills and rocky terrain up to an elevation of 4,500 metres. The Serow’s light brown bristly coat covers a fur layer and the two short, light-coloured horns of the male curve slightly back. Fully grown at six feet long and three feet high, it weighs around 150 kg. Numbers are estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 in total. Threat factors: Its oil is believed to cure bruises and broken bones in humans. Regularly hunted for food. The Serow’s horn is also used to fashion spikes attached to gamecocks. The Serow’s granite habitat is under threat from gravel mining operations. Categorized as “Rare”.
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Chinese Goral or Grey Tailed Goral Naemorhedus griseus
Black-breasted Pitta (Gurney’s Pitta) Pitta gurneyi
There are numerous birds in this family, differentiated by their calls, which, in this case, sounds something like "tao lao". The male, approximately 22 cm long, is small and round, with dark blue coloring, a black beak, yellow wings, pink legs and a short, greenish blue tail, which has a plain black central tail feather. The female has a yellow and black head, cream-coloured neck, yellowish white lower body, with black markings running across the body. The beak, wings, tail and legs are the same as the male.
Found in hilly habitats in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Tak, in confined areas at 600 m to 4,000 m amsl. Prefers high, very steep, elevations, with cliff-ridden mountains, dwelling in small, sparsely vegetated crevices, for protection. Also found in large evergreen, or deciduous forests and exposed grassy ridges for feeding. Although of the antelope family, they resemble goats, with brown course hair tinged by grey and the long bushy tail is either dark brown or black. Weighing around 77 lbs, their length is between 32-51 ins and height between 20-31 ins. They live in groups of around 10-12, including young males/ females and kids. Older males tend to be solitary. Threat factors: Prey to a variety of animals from leopards and lynx, to tigers and wolves. High on a hunter’s, or poacher’s list for meat, coat, horns and Chinese medicine content. Categorized as “Vulnerable”.
The species does not live in groups and usually nests in trees with sharp thorns. Found mainly in the south of Myanmar and Thailand, between Prachuab Khirikan and Trang, they possess a unique characteristic of hopping around the forest floor and singing as they feed. Threat factors: Habitat loss due to conversion to agriculture/human habitation, natural predators and a low procreation rate. Categorized as “Endangered”.
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Eastern Sarus Crane Grus antigone
With habitats stretching from India to China and even down to Australia, the Eastern Sarus Crane is also found in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, as well as in local wetlands in all four regions of Thailand, where, in 2011, captive bred cranes were reintroduced. The tallest (up to 1.8 m) of all flying birds, weighing between 5-10 kg, they are an overall grey colour. Particularly impressive in flight, with contrasting red head and upper neck held straight, while large, black-tipped wings beat an even, majestic pattern, with long, graceful pink legs trailing, outstretched, straight behind. They prefer to live in agricultural areas, in close proximity to humans, building large nests at a safe height above seasonal water levels in the breeding season, which is during the rainy season. They forage for roots, tubers, insects, crustaceans and small vertebrate prey in marshes and other wetland areas, such as rice paddies. Threat factors: Hunting, natural predators, wetlands drainage and development. Categorized as “Vulnerable�.
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Marbled Cat
Pardofelis marmorata Found only in Asia, in tropical forests in Nepal, India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indochina, Sumatra and Borneo. Slightly bigger (2-5 kg) than the domestic cat, it has unusually large canine teeth, with faded body markings similar to marble, hence the name. Its bushy tail (47.5 cm) is longer than its rounded head and body combined (45 cm) and its body fur is a soft, brownish yellow with an even softer underside. In Thailand, they are found in the forests of the Tanaosri Mountains and the Huay Kha Khaeng Forest Reserve in Uthaithani. With a lifespan of about 12 years, it is very adept at hiding and especially good at climbing trees. Living along water sources in dense forests, it usually ventures out at night to hunt and feed on a variety of small rodents, snakes and birds. The Marbled Cat is a popular draw in captivity, hence they are greatly sought after by zoos and collectors worldwide. In addition, in most confrontations with humans, they react viciously and often end up being killed in defence, which has seriously affected their preservation prospects.
Malayan Tapir Tapirus indicus
The Malayan Tapir is the largest and only Tapir species in Asia, found mainly in the rain forests of southeast Asia, their natural habitat, in the south of Burma, west and south of Thailand, plus the Malay peninsula and Sumatra. An estimated 700-1,000 Malayan Tapirs live in Thailand. Around 1.8 m-2.5 m in length, 90-105 cm high and weighing between 250-540 kg, they have large ears and small eyes and a prominent trunk. Their body has short, sparse, black hair and a distinctive white “saddle” covering their back and rump, providing effective camouflage in the rainforests at night. Active at night, they feed on various grasses, leaves and shoots, twigs and fruit, before spending their days resting among thick, sheltered vegetation. Threat factors: Tigers are the main predators of the Tapir. Although not widely sought after for its meat, the Tapir remains in popular demand from zoos and private collectors, as their unique body features resemble a mix of other animals: rhino (single hoof); pig (ears and eyes); bear (tail); and elephant (trunk), creating a popular spectator draw at these venues. Categorized as “Vulnerable”.
Threat factors: Destruction of great swathes of their natural environment by human development projects, “expensive” tag means they are prime targets for poachers supplying zoos and collectors. Categorized as “Vulnerable”.
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Fea’s Muntjac Muntiacus feai
The Fea's Muntjac (Barking Deer) is mainly found in Myanmar, along the Tanao Sri Mountain range and in Thailand’s West and South, from Tak to Ratchaburi and Surat Thani. Similar to other deer species in size, being around 88 cm in length, with a 23 cm tail, which is black on top and white underneath. They stand around 80-90 cm at the shoulder and weigh 18-22 kg. Their coat consists of a short, soft, light brown fur, with a long, white nose and two short horns, covered at their base by thick, black fur. The Fea's barking deer is found in thick forests in the mountains, hence the name "forest deer". They tend to live alone in wide open spaces along water sources, grazing mainly on grass, while also eating selected leaves and fruits along the forest floor during the day. They are also known to rip the bark off choice young trees, destroying them in the process, so causing a nuisance factor. When sensing a predator, they emit a deep barking sound as a warning. Threat factors: Their meat is tasty and their habitat is easily accessed by hunters. Their habitats of thick forests and high mountains have also become prime human development areas, especially for the creation of dams. Categorized as “Vulnerable”.
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Prevost’s Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii Most squirrels of the Callosciurus species (collectively referred to as the “Beautiful Squirrels”), including Prevost’s Squirrel, live mainly in Southeast Asia’s tropical rain forests, including those of the Malay peninsula, southern Thailand, Java and Sumatra, but some individual squirrels prefer public parks and even private gardens in cities. They build their nests out of plant material and live solitary lives, giving birth to between one and five young per year. Being tree squirrels, their toes have very sharp claws, wellsuited to clinging to tree trunks and branches, or climbing and jumping very quickly. They feed mainly on nuts and seeds, fruits and other plant material, supplemented by a variety of insects, reptiles, birds’ eggs and young birds. The Prevost's Squirrel species are among the most colourful mammals in the world with their black upper parts and tail, grey breast and upper front thighs, reddish-orange under parts and whitish rear thighs and flanks. Threat factors: Their meat is considered delicious and they are therefore prime targets for hunters, as well as agents for private collectors and zoos. Human development areas have also increasingly encroached upon their natural habitats. Categorized as “Threatened”.
Jungle Cat Felis chaus
The Jungle Cat is a medium-sized, wild cat, native to Asia, from southern China in the east through Southeast and Central Asia, as far as the Nile Valley in the west. Formerly common near villages and protected areas in northern Thailand, but have since declined, mainly due to hunting, or destruction of their habitat. At 55-94 cm long, 36 cm tall with a 20 cm tail and weighing around 2 kg, they are solitary and have two litters of three kittens each year. Their coat varies from yellowish gray to reddish brown, with a paler underside
and white muzzle. Their strong claws enable them to run up and down trees very quickly. Resting by day, they hunt by night for rodents, frogs, birds, snakes and will catch fish when swimming to disguise their scent trails. Threat factors: Popular in zoos and private collections, as well as threats from larger predators, plus increasing encroachment of their environment by human development, have led to a noticeable decline in their numbers, especially in Southeast Asia. Categorized as “Critically Endangered”.
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Flat-headed Cat Ictailurus planiceps
The Flat-headed Cat is patchily distributed in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra and is a wild cat of domestic cat-size, with smaller legs and a tail of around 15 cm. Distinguished by an extreme depression of the skull, the body is slender with thick reddish-brown fur, a mottled white underside and a white muzzle and chin. It has large, canine teeth and its eyes, which are noticeably far forward and close together, provide excellent stereoscopic vision. The species is solitary, producing one or two litters of only one or two kittens per year. They prefer a freshwater environment in lowland and coastal areas, as fish is their principal diet, as well as birds, rodents, frogs and other crustaceans. Threat factors: The increasing destruction of wetland habitats for human development projects, as well as the clearing of mangrove plantations and the expansion of palm oil plantations, have all had a detrimental effect on the Flat-headed Cat’s natural environment. Categorized as “Endangered”.
Otter Civet
Cynogale bennettii
The Otter Civet is a nocturnal, semi-aquatic species with several physical adaptations to its lifestyle in water, including a thick, dense coat, valve-like nostrils and webbed feet. It is still found in Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Sumatra, Borneo, Yunnan in China and possibly Vietnam. They weigh around 3-5 kg, measure 65.575.5 cm in length; with a tail of 13.0–20.5 cm and their coat is agouti-coloured. Due to their nocturnal lifestyle, little actual evidence is available, but they are thought to have two breeding cycles per year, yielding one or two pups at each cycle.
The Otter Civet is generally found in and near streams, rivers and wetlands, where it eats small mammals, birds and fruit, as well as fish, eels, frogs, plus a variety of crustaceans and freshwater molluscs. Threat factors: As with other similar species, the Otter Civet is becoming rarer due to human development projects increasingly encroaching into its natural habitat, with clear-cut forestry changing the habitat from peat swamp forests to palm oil plantations. It is estimated that the Otter Civet population has decreased by 50% over the last 15 years. Categorized as “Endangered”.
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Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana
One of the rarest otter species on earth, having previously been believed extinct until 1998, when small populations were once again sighted. It is found mainly in coastal areas and inland rivers throughout Southeast Asia, but in small numbers, today, and is extremely rare in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, mainly due to poaching. Hairy-nosed Otters are an overall grey muddy colour, except for their lips, chin and upper throat, which are of a subdued whitish tone. An adult measures between 51-89 cm, with a flat, oval-shaped tail of 36-51cm. Weighing around 5-6 kg, their coat is rather rough and short, while all four feet are fully webbed between the digits, with prominent claws. Generally, they live a solitary existence and pairings of male and female are usually limited to the breeding period, although groups of four have often been spotted living together. Their diet is mainly fish, eels, frogs and other small mammals, plus a variety of freshwater molluscs and other crustacean species found along the coast and inland rivers. Threat factors: Their habitat has become increasingly under threat due to ongoing human encroachment of wetland areas and inland river locations, as well as poaching for their pelts and meat content. Categorized as “Critically Endangered�.
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Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat Craseonycteris thonglongyai
Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat, also known as the Bumblebee Bat and the only extant bat species from the family Craseonycteridae, is the world’s smallest species of bat at just over one inch in length and could also be considered the smallest mammal. The reddish-brown or grey bat, with its distinctive pig-like snout, occupies the upper chambers of limestone caves along rivers in western Thailand and southern Burma. Colonies of Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat average around 100 individuals per cave, which emerge and forage for insects in nearby forests and fields during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. The bat has a relatively low reproductive rate, producing only one offspring annually. Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat was named in honour of the late Kitti Thonglongya, a Thai biologist who discovered the bat in 1973. In Thailand the bat is known to exist mainly in Sai Yoke District of Kanchanaburi province. The extent of the Burmese population is largely unknown. Threat factors: This species of bat has a highly restricted natural habitat but has also been affected in recent years by logging and deforestation, especially the seasonal burning of forests. Tourism and scientific surveying have disturbed the bats’ roosting areas, and individuals have even been collected for sale as souvenirs. Proposed construction of roads and pipelines linking Burma and Thailand also pose threats to the survival of this species. Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat is currently classified as “Vulnerable” with a downward trend, by the IUCN.
Agile Gibbon Hylobates agilis
The Agile Gibbon, also known as the Black-handed Gibbon, is an Old World primate of the gibbon family. Males are slightly larger than females, weighing on average around 5 kg in the wild, with a black or white body and some faint white face markings. The Agile Gibbon is found mainly on Sumatra Island (excluding the north part of the island), in a small area of the Malay Peninsula and the southernmost border regions of Thailand, particularly in the Hala-Bala forest complex. They predominantly live arboreally, swinging through the tree canopies in rain forests where they feed on fruits, leaves and insects, and rarely come to the ground. Agile Gibbons leave their family groups after around eight years to look for a mate and can live for up to 30 years. Threat factors: The Agile Gibbon is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List as a result of habitat destruction throughout its range and trapping for zoos and the pet trade.
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Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevitostris The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a species of oceanic dolphin, with populations living along coasts as well as in estuaries and rivers in the Bay of Bengal and throughout Southeast Asia, as far east as the Philippines and New Guinea. Separate populations exist in the Mekong, Ganges and Irrawaddy Rivers. Over 90 percent occur in Bangladesh, particularly in the Sunderbans mangrove swamps. In Thailand, dwindling populations may still exist in Songkhla Lake and the southern coastal provinces. The Irrawaddy Dolphin is similar to the
Beluga in appearance, though most closely related to the Orca. It is pale in colour all over, but slightly whiter on the underside than the back, with a blunt, rounded head and indistinct beak. The adult weight exceeds 130 kg with a length of 2.3 m at full maturity. The maximum recorded length is 2.75 m for a male from Thailand. The Irrawaddy Dolphin reaches sexual maturity at seven to nine years with a lifespan of around 30 years. Threat Factors: Irrawaddy Dolphins are more susceptible to human threats than other types
of dolphin because of their inland or near-shore habitats. Accidental entanglement and drowning in gillnets and dragnets is the main threat throughout their range. Environment degradation as a result of dam construction, mining and pollution are also ongoing threats in some countries. The Irrawaddy Dolphin is highly popular in dolphinarium shows for its charismatic behaviour and also because they can be housed cheaply in freshwater tanks. Most Southeast Asian populations of the Irrawaddy Dolphin are listed as “Critically Endangered� by the IUCN.
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Limestone Rat Niviventer hinpoon
Banteng
Bos javanicus
The Banteng, also known as tembadau, is a species of wild cattle found in Southeast Asia. It is similar in size to domestic cattle, standing around 1.60 m at the shoulder, and it has indeed been domesticated as the Bali cow for its meat and as a working animal. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, allowing the sexes to be readily distinguished by colour and size. Males and females of Banteng found in most of Thailand are buff in colour, while in populations from the southern peninsula most of the bulls are black. Banteng live in sparse forest where they feed on grasses, bamboo, fruit, leaves and young branches. The Banteng is generally active during both night and day, but in places where humans are found they adopt a nocturnal schedule. The Banteng was once widespread in much of Southeast Asia in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam on the mainland, and also on Java and Borneo. A large stable population also exists in northern Australia, the descendents of 20 cattle introduced in the 19th century. In Thailand, only two populations of more than 50 individuals exist, in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and the Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary. Threat factors: Populations of Banteng have declined dramatically in recent years as a result of poaching, habitat destruction, human encroachment and competition for grazing lands by domesticated cattle. Genetic inbreeding and disease transmission from domesticated stocks also pose serious threats. The IUCN classifies the Banteng as “Endangered”.
The Limestone Rat is a small, timid rat species, first discovered in 1973 close to the entrance of a bat cave in Saraburi province. The rat is dark coloured with a spiny upper-body and a tail roughly equal in length to the head and body. It lives in mixed deciduous forest areas of limestone hills and has often been found close to limestone cliffs and caves. Currently, the Limestone Rat is listed as “Near Threatened” meaning that it is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is only known from areas of central Thailand, in Lopburi and Saraburi provinces, but may also possibly be present in the Khao Yai area. Threat factors: Little is known about the extent of distribution of this species but the known habitats are not situated within wildlife sanctuaries and it is highly likely the animals are hunted for food by local people. Destruction of its limited forest habitat is another serious threat. Although this endemic Thai species is likely endangered, it is afforded no conservation protection.
58 The Asian or Asiatic Elephant is the only living species of the genus Elephas and is distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. In general, Asian elephants are a bit smaller than their African counterparts, possessing up to 20 pairs of ribs and 34 caudal vertebrae. Their feet have more nail-like structures than African elephants — five on each forefoot, and four on each hind foot, and they have a convex back, rather than a sway back as in African Elephants. Adult bull elephants can stand up to 3.2 m high at the shoulder and weigh up to 5,400 kg. The Asian Elephant is also highly intelligent and can live to a considerable age, 86 years being the oldest recorded.
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus
Currently, Asian elephants live in scattered populations across their extensive range, occasionally coming into conflict with human populations that encroach into forests, and sometimes causing damage to crops. In Thailand, this problem has been particularly acute in the areas close to Kaeng Krachan National Park and the Western mountains along the border with Myanmar. Threat factors: The main threats facing the survival of the Asian Elephant are habitat degradation, fragmentation of populations, poaching for ivory and trapping for zoos and theme parks. The Asian Elephant is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN with a population decline of at least 50 percent over three generations.
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60 The Siamese Crocodile is a small, freshwater crocodilian and one of the most endangered crocodiles in the wild, although it is extensively bred in captivity. This species is now extinct in the wild or nearly extinct in most countries except Cambodia. Formerly it was found in Cambodia, Indonesia (Borneo and possibly Java), Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, and Burma. Adults of the Siamese Crocodile feed mainly on fish, amphibians, other reptiles and small mammals. The species is thought to breed during the wet season, laying between 20 and 50 eggs, which are guarded until they hatch. Although widely feared among local people, the Siamese Crocodile is not aggressive and unprovoked attacks on humans are unknown.
Siamese Crocodile Crocodylus siamensis
Although endangered across its range, the Siamese Crocodile may be able to make a comeback given adequate protection and through the success of several ongoing breeding programs. Several thousand pure-bred Siamese Crocodiles also exist in commercial farms. Threat factors: The main threat to the future survival of wild Siamese Crocodile populations is habitat destruction and human disturbance, particularly the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and the construction of dams. Pollution from agricultural chemicals and poaching for commercial farms pose additional threats. Currently the species is extinct across 99 percent of its original range. It is listed as “Critically Endangered”.
Thai Giant Softshell Chitra chitra
The Thai Giant Softshell – also known as the Southeast Asian Narrow-headed Turtle or Striped Narrow-headed Turtle – is a species of turtle found only in the Mae Klong Basin, in Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces of Thailand, Java in Indonesia and possibly Malaysia. It was known to be more widespread in Thailand previously. With a light-brown attractively patterned shell and short head, the turtle is truly giant, weighing up to 225 kg in full-grown specimens with a carapace over 120 cm in length. The turtle’s small eyes are located close to the tip of the snout. It lives in large rivers with clear water and sandy bottoms, and feeds on fish and prawns. Disturbances to its habitats which cause silting prevent the turtle from being able to see its prey. Threat factors: Hunting for meat, wildlife trading for the pet market and pollution of the rivers that form the turtle’s habitat all play a part in the decline of this species. It is categorized as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN.
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Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea
The Leatherback Turtle is the largest of the living sea turtles weighing up to 700 kilograms and the only extant member of its genus. Unlike other sea turtles, the Leatherback Turtle has no bony shell. Instead, its carapace is covered by oily flesh and leathery skin. The species has an extensive range, as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far South as the Cape of Good Hope and southern New Zealand, its unique physiological adaptations enabling it to maintain a body temperature much higher than the surrounding cold water. Despite its huge range, the species is critically endangered and once huge populations in Malaysia and southern Thailand have all but disappeared today, primarily as a result of egg-collecting. Threat factors: Collecting of eggs for food and disturbances at the turtle’s beach breeding grounds represent the main threats to the future of this species. Other threats include accidental fisheries bycatch, and both chemical and physical pollution (ingestion of plastic bags, which resemble the turtle’s natural jellyfish food, frequently cause intestinal blockage and death). Turtle hatchlings also face natural predation from birds, fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
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Black Hornbill
Anthracoceros malayanus The Black Hornbill is found in the south of Thailand through the Malay Peninsula and on Borneo and Sumatra Islands where it inhabits lowland forest areas and feeds on fruit and small animals. The Black Hornbill is a large stout bird with a black body and heavy white or black bill. During the breeding season, the female seals herself into a tree hole with her offspring, remaining there for around three months, receiving food brought by the male through a small hole. Currently the bird exists in four restricted areas in the south of Thailand but the population is quite low. It is classified as “Near Threatened” in the IUCN’s red list. Threat factors: Habitat destruction of lowland forests in peninsular Thailand and hunting for food and for export.
Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus Growing up to 70 cm, the Wrinkled Hornbill is a forest hornbill scattered across the south of Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, the Philippines and Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. The Wrinkled Hornbill is monogamous and remains in a pair for life, feeding mainly on fruit supplemented by insects and small animals. At breeding time, the female seals herself with her brood in a tree hole, receiving regurgitated food from the male, and only emerging once the chicks are big enough to leave the nest. The IUCN categorizes the Wrinkled Hornbill as “Near Threatened” but it is virtually extinct in Thailand. Occasional sightings are recorded in the Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Narathiwat province, in forests straddling the southern border with Malaysia. Threat factors: Destruction of fertile forests in the south of Thailand.
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Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
The Black-necked Stork is a distinctive, large, longnecked wading bird that is resident across South and Southeast Asia with separate populations in Australia and New Guinea. Mature specimens can stand as tall as 150 cm. In Thailand, the Black-necked Stork has been found on the country’s western coast in Trang’s Hat Chao Mai National Park, Libong Island and in Satul province. It has also been found in Chanthaburi in Eastern Thailand. It is assumed that birds seen here may be migrants to the North of Vietnam. This species is very rare in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and probably extinct as a breeding bird in these countries. The largest known populations exist in Australia. Threat factors: Habitat destruction, the draining of wetlands, overfishing, pollution, hunting and accidental death resulting from collisions with power lines. Compared to other kinds of Stork, little is known about the biology of this species. It has already become extinct in several countries. It is evaluated as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List.
Great Thick-knee (Great Stone Curlew, Great Stone Plover) Esacus recurvirostris
The Great Thick-knee or Great Stone Curlew is a large (up to 55 cm) wading bird that breeds across tropical southern Asia, from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia. The species lays a single egg on bare shingle of river banks, large lakes or beaches, feeding on crabs, large insects and other small prey. The Great Thick-knee has been sighted in Chiang Rai and the Northeast of Thailand along the Mekong River. The bird can also be found in low numbers in Samut Sakhon and Petchaburi. Although the species has only fragmented populations across its range, it is nonetheless widely distributed and is not considered vulnerable under IUCN criteria. In Thailand it is seldom encountered. Threat factors: Restricted habitat, habitat loss and pollution, low reproductive capacity.
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Sawfish Pristis sp.
The Sawfish is actually a family of rays which inhabit tropical and sub-tropical seas around the world, in North America, Africa, Asia and the North of Australia. The Sawfish is characterized by a long saw-like nose extension, which gives the animal its other name, the “Carpenter Shark”. Sawfish are hunted for their saw-like rostrum, for their fins, which are eaten as a delicacy in Chinese cultures, and their liver oil for medicinal uses. They are also caught accidentally as bycatch. The IUCN classifies all species of Sawfish as “Critically
Endangered” and capturing the fish is illegal in many countries including the USA and Australia. This fish does not do well in captivity because of its large size (up to 7 m long in some species) and its multi-habitat lifestyle. Threat factors: The Sawfish is hunted for its
long, saw-like snout extension (Pristis microdon) to make into souvenirs or even weapons, while the flesh can be used for food. Its fins are highly prized as delicacies in Chinese cuisine. Habitat degradation also probably plays a part in the decline in numbers of the Sawfish as does the fish’s late sexual maturity.
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Bowmouth Guitarfish Rhina ancylostoma
This large bottom-dwelling shark species is present across the tropical IndoPacific region, extending from the Red Sea and East Africa in the west to southern Japan and Papua New Guinea in the east. Also known as the Shark Ray, this species, which lies somewhere in between a shark and a ray, can grow to 2.7 m long with a weight of 135 kg. In Thailand, the Bowmouth Guitarfish is present in the Andaman Sea. It adapts relatively well to aquarium conditions and a specimen of this seldom-seen fish can be viewed at the Underwater World aquarium, Pattaya. The IUCN has declared the species as “Vulnerable” and its numbers have declined in most areas as a result of deliberate and accidental fishing, habitat destruction and degradation caused by blast fishing, coral bleaching and siltation. In Thailand, thorny protuberances on the shark’s body are used to make jewelry and lucky charms. Threat factors: Deliberate hunting and fisheries bycatch, habitat destruction and degradation. People of some cultures believe that the projections on the fish’s back are sacred and these can be fashioned into accessories or charms.
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Somphong’s Rasbora Trigonostigma somphongsi
This small freshwater fish was named after Somphong Lek-aree who first found it. The fish was recorded from lowland marshy habitats of the Mae Klong basin, in the area of Ratchaburi province, and may also be present in the Chao Phraya basin. It was not seen for nearly twenty years and was considered extinct in the wild. However, individuals of this species recently turned up in shipments of aquarium fish destined for Germany and Japan. Nonetheless, precise locations of wild populations remain unknown. The IUCN status of this fish is “Critically Endangered” based on its previous population decline of more than 90 percent. The fish is occasionally bred in aquarium culture. Threat factors: Habitat loss and degradation as a result of conversion of wetlands to farmland and urbanization, collecting for the aquarium trade.
Dwarf Loach
Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki This small freshwater fish was discovered in 1959, and named "sidthimunki" in honour of Aree Sidthimunki, Deputy Chief of the Department of Fisheries at that time. The Dwarf Loach, also known as the Chain Loach or Chain Botia, is found only in the Mae Klong and Kwae Noi Rivers of Western Thailand. It was thought to be extinct in the wild until being recently rediscovered at Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanburi province. Today the fish is on the IUCN red list as an endangered species and is protected in Thailand. While it is virtually absent from the wild, the Dwarf Loach is nonetheless very popular in the aquarium trade. Fortunately, it can be bred artificially using hormone treatment by professional breeders, taking pressure off the remaining wild stocks. Threat factors: Restricted habitat, habitat loss and pollution, and collecting for the aquarium trade.
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Mekong Giant Catfish Pangasianodon gigas
The habitat of the Giant Catfish is restricted solely to the Mekong River along Thailand’s border with Laos. The Mekong Giant Catfish holds the record as the world’s largest freshwater fish, growing to more than three metres in length and tipping the scales at over 300 kg. The Mekong Catfish was once found throughout the Mekong Basin, including many of the main river’s tributaries. Today it is only known from a few isolated populations in the main stream of the Mekong and in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap. The decline in numbers of this fish can be attributed to over-fishing, deterioration in the water quality and changes in the ecosystems of the river as a result of barrier constructions across the river. Plans for more dams across the upper Mekong pose a serious threat to this iconic species. The fish is categorized as “critically endangered” by the IUCN with Appendix I CITES listing. Threat factors: Over-fishing, habitat change and water pollution coupled with late-stage maturity.
Mahachai Betta Betta sp.
The Mahachai Betta, known as the “green fighter” among locals, is a native of Samut Sakhon just west of Bangkok. It inhabits tidal mangrove areas, where no other types of Betta can live. Unfortunately, Mahachai is an industrial area in which the swamps are fast being converted into factories and industrial zones, the water is becoming more polluted and tidal cycles are being artificially regulated. Other than habitat loss, the Mahachai Betta is being collected for the aquarium trade, is coming under competition from introduced species such as the guppy and is being affected by certain types of introduced floating plants that upset the fish’s normal lifecycle. Since the Mahachai Betta has not yet been formally described to science, the fish has not yet been accorded any kind of conservation status. Threat factors: Habitat loss, pollution, competition from introduced species and collecting for the aquarium trade.
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Krabi Mouth Brooder Betta Betta simplex
A relative of the well-known Siamese fighting fish, this species was originally found in limestone areas of Krabi in southern Thailand. Its natural environment is restricted to a series of pools and streams covering a relatively small area. Because of its severely restricted range, the Krabi Betta is at serious threat of extinction. While it is uncommon in its natural environment as a result of habitat loss and collecting for the aquarium trade, it is bred relatively easily in captivity, with the male brooding the eggs and fry in its mouth. Betta simplex was classified as “vulnerable� by the IUCN in 1996; however the species’ standing may have worsened since then. Threat factors: Habitat loss and collecting for the aquarium trade.
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