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Khao Sok National Park
Thailand, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, Andaman Sea, sea canoe, sea canoeing, sea kayak, kayaking, paddle, paddling, adventure, travel, tour, trip, excursion, circuit, expedition, ecotourism, mangrove, wildlife, animal, bird |
Khao Sok National Park is located on the mountain ridge that separates the east and westcoasts of the Thai peninsula. It is situated in the west of Surat Thani province, in Ban Ta Khun and Phanom districts. Established in 1980, Khao Sok National Park was the 22nd park to be designated out of the 77 Thai National Parks. It covers an area of 738.74 square kilometers. Originally, the north side of the park was bounded by the Pasaeng River. However, since the construction of Rachabrapah Dam in 1982 and the formation of the artificial lake, the boundary of the park has been extended to include the reservoir. The reservoir itself covers an area of 165 square kilometers. Beyond the lake extends the wildlife sanctuaries of Khlong Saeng and Khlong Nakha and Kaeng Krung National Park. To the west of Khao Sok lies Sri Phang Nga National Park. Lying astride the junction of the provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga and Surat Thani, these reserves make up the largest area of continuous forest preserve in the Thai peninsula with 4,000 square kilometers. It is only in this area that large mammals such as tigers and elephants have survived in the south of Thailand, although little is known about their status.
  
Khao Sok National Park Forest Types |
| Khao Sok National Park contains 3 distinct forest types. |
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1. Rain Forest (Tropical Evergreen Forest)
This is the principal forest type covering the majority of the national park area. These forests are dense and stratified structures dominated by tall emergent trees that are often supported by buttress roots. A large proportion of these trees belong to the Dipterocarpaceae family and are easily recognized by their two winged fruits. The middle level of the forest is an aerial tangle of figs and lianas (woody climbers). Below is the dense under-area, where evergreen ground flora such as bamboo, rattan, ferns and palms compete for light.
3. Secondary or Disturbed Forest. This occurs in areas that have in the past been logged or disturbed by human activity. The vegetation growing here is characterized by invasive and fast-growing robust plant species. In Khao Sok National Park this forest type is found around the banks of the Rachabrapah Dam and lake. |
Wildlife |
| The richness of the tropical forest flora, the abundance of fresh water, and the shelter of the mountains all provide excellent habitats for many wildlife species. Khao Sok National Park makes up part of the largest continuous forest area remaining in the Thai peninsula. This provides the only viable habitat in southern Thailand for large mammals needing extensive areas of undisturbed forest for their survival. |
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Mammals. Elephants, tigers, gaur, and banteng are known to be present. Tracks are seen regularly, although actual sightings are very rare. The status of these animals is therefore still uncertain.
Many smaller mammals are frequently encountered, such as monkeys, langur, wild boar, and deer. The call of gibbons is often heard along the forest trails. |
- Birds.
One hundred and eighty-eight species of birds have so far been recorded in Khao Sok National Park. The most spectacular and distinctive to such rainforest environments are the Hornbills, of which there are five confirmed types. The Argus Pheasant, another rare bird, has also been seen in the forest.
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Reptiles and Amphibia.
Very little research has been carried out to determine what species of reptiles and amphibia inhabit this area, despite the obvious abundance of these creatures, including many varieties of snake, lizard, frog and tortoise.
Insects
Thailand's geographical position makes it uniquely rich in insect life. There are literally thousands of different insect species in Khao Sok: ants, beetles, butterflies, stick insects, dragonflies, and spiders. Insects play a vital role in the breakdown of matter, decomposition on the forest floor, and pollination, which are all critical to the forest life cycle. Without these decomposers, life in the forest would eventually grind to a halt for lack of available nutrients |
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Thailand, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, Andaman Sea, sea canoe, sea canoeing, sea kayak, kayaking, paddle, paddling, adventure, travel, tour, trip, excursion, circuit, expedition, ecotourism, mangrove, wildlife, animal, bird |
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Last Update
23/12/07
by Charlie Phuket Thailande
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