SURVEY OF MAMMALS IN SOUTH THAILAND PARILS

ABSTRACT

From 17 November 1987 throu&h 24 January 1988. a brief survey of mammals

wivlmndwedat9national~ksoTSowhThailand.Thgrcreoceandrelativeabundaoa
of mammrtls in the various parks were determined. M assessmen1 was also made of
conservarion-related problems in these parks. A total of 77 s w i g s of land mammals
were seen or reported from lhese parks.

INTRODUCTION

Most prowed conservation areas in Thailand have not been thoroughly

surveyed for their biological resources. Detailed information on rektive abundance
for forest mammals in most aational parks of South Thailand is sparse and
opportunistic. Most knowledge of presence and abundance of mammals is outdated
(KLosS. 1916a; 1916b; 1917; 1919; CHASEN. 1935; OLYDENSTOLPE, 1919: LEKAOUL&
MCNEFLLY,1977; MEDWAY,1982) or is based on imprecise locatious (e.g. NOWAK&
PAMDISO. 1983). Few reports givespecific locations (FOODEN, 1976: STORER. 1978).
The maip purpose of this project was to briefly survey and determine the
presence and rehtive abundance of the mammalian fauna in parks in peninsular
Thailand. Special attention was paid to non-buman primates, particularly the
increasingly rare shunptaiIed macaque @OODEW, 1976; LPKAGUL & MCNEELY,
1977). Information gathered is being provided to the Conservation Data Center,
Dept. of Biology, Mahidol University, and will contribute to the general store of
knowledge on mammals in South Thailand.

METHODS

Maps (1 : 50,000 Series L7017) were used to locate the areas visited; relative
abundance and distribution were estimated from sightings, calls, tracks, feces, and
other indicative signs in the different habitats. Where the terrain was unfamiliar and
hostile, local guides were used. Trails were trekked extensively in search of animal
signs. interviews with reliable hunters, villagas, and park workers were conducted
for info~mationon the presence, relative abundance, poaching of wildlife; and the

Center for Wildlife Research, Dcpl. of Bioliology, R d l y of Scim% ,Mahido1University, Rema VI Road,
Bangkok laZ00, fballand.
Table 1. L
is
t of National Parks visited with dates, during winter of 1987- 88.

No. Park and location For. Land area Days surveyed

(ha)
1 Phangnga Bay, Phangnga Province ma 40,000 Nov. 17-21
(8' M' -8" 25' N/98" 25' -98O 40' E)

2 Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang, Phangnga Prt,vke me 7,200 Nov. 21 -25

(go 23' -8" 33' N/98" 12'. -98" 20' E)

3 Laem Son, Ranong Province me 31,500 Nov. 25-28

(9O 16' -9" 41 ' N/98" 18' -98' 31 ' E)

4 Hat Noppharar Thara- Mu KO Phi Phi, Krabi ma/bf 38,996 Dec. 09- 12
Prouincep 39' -8" 08' N/98"44' -98' 56 ' E)

5 Xhao Phanom Bencha, Krabi Province me 5,012 Dec. 12- 17

(8" 13' -8" 19' N/9g0 53' -99" 58' E)

6 Hat Chao Mai, Trang Province ma 23,088 Dec. 17-21

(7" 17' -7" 32' N/Wa 13' -99' 29' E)

7 Mu KOPbekra, Satun Province me 49,438 Dee.21 -23

(6" 45' -7' OR' N/99' 23' -99' 49' Ej

8 Khao Luang, Nakhon Sri Tharnmarat Province me 57,000 Jan. 11- 17

(8" 39' -8" 41 ' N/W0 41 ' -99" 43' E)

9 Khao Sok. Surat Thani Province me 64,552 Jan. 18-24

(8' 50' -go 05' N/98' 30' -98" 50' El

Key to Table :
-
For. Dorsinaru Form Type
ma - Mangrove
me - MoimEvergreen
bf - Beach Fomt
extent of encroachment in the park. No trapping was carried out; thus, small
mammals which do not leave specific signs or which h e difficult io observe were not
adequately surveyed. Bats were also not survqred. Table 1 lists all arcas visited and
dates.

RESULTS

During the survey of the 9 national parks, it was observed (Table 2) that rhe
park that bad the highest number of species seen/reported was Khao Luang National
Park (46 species); followed by Khao Lampi-Ha Thai Muang National Park (42
species), Khao Sok and Khao Phanom Bencha National Parks (both parks having 38
species), Phangnga Bay National Park (26 species), Laem Son National Park (23
species), Hat Chao Mai National Park (22 species), Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu KO
Phi Phi National Park (19 species), and Mu KOPbetra National Park (12 speoies).
The mammals that were seenhported in all the parks surveyed are Cynocep-
halus variegatus, PIesbytis obscum, Presbytis cristafa, Sw scrofa, and Tragulus
javanicus. Species that were seenheported in most of the parks include Tupaia glis,
Nycticebus coucaag. Macaca nemestrina, Macaca arctoides. Manis javanica, Ratyfa
bicolw. Rattars rams, and Hystrix br~chyuru.It was also noted that highest diversity
and highest relative abundance of species were in parks where the dominant forest
type is moist evergreen.
The major threat to primates in all these parks is habitat loss, and the gibbons
were usually the most seriously threatened. Besides that, female gibbons are
sometimes killed for their infants, to be sold as pets. Infant pig-tailed macaques are
acquired in the same manner for the purpose of harvesting coconuts. Pig-tailed
macaques are trained to harvest coconuts wfiie infants and these trained macaques
fetch a high market price. Some specis of primates as the dusk) leaf monkeys,
silvered leaf monkeys, and long-tailed macaques are sometimes hunted as source of
protein. Most seriously affecred are the little-known stump-tailed macaques which
are killed when they become agricultural pests. Stump-tailed macaques practise
cropraiding during the rice harvest season, from December to February. However,
the main animals that are poacbed in parks are k l d pigs, barking deer, -bar deer.
and Lesser mousedeer, which ;ue either used for local consumption or sold to
restaurants specialisiig in game animals, along with certain species of bxds, reptiles
and amphibians.

CommentP on Parka

I. Plrangngu Bay Na&nal Park

Phangnga Bay National Park was surveyed for l a d , m a y on the
islands; and Wat Tham Suwan Khwan Khuha in Amphur Muang Pbangnp, a few
kilometers from the park, was also uisited. Forest type on the islands is forest on
Figure 1 Map of Soulb Thailsd qhomng oatiaaal parks surveyed (starred circle). Numbued parks am
i d d f i e d in Table I .
 SURVEY OF M U INSOUI'H THAMND PARKS

limestone fringed with mangroves. The Westrial part is wholly mangroves but
adjoins the Lowlandevergreen forest af Suan Pa NBKok (a protected area). There are
fishing villages on the islands visited. At Wac Tham Suwan Khuha, a non-protected
area, there were a good number of M a m a fdcularis; these macaques are
sometimes shot as a source of prorein by the Thai Buddhist villagers living in the
vicinity.
Phangnga Bay National Park is a very well visited place. However, wildlife at this
park is not disturbed by the touristic activities. But presently it is not possible to keep
a constant check on the illegal squatters and loggers with the siagle'boat that the park
has.

2. Khao Lumpi - Hat Thai Miumg National Park

Forest types in Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Muang NadonalPark include tropical
rainforest, tropical evergreen forest, mangrove forest, beach Porest and swamp
forest. Poaching for mammals is not serious here although afew Live-traps intbded
for Dagulwj c v a n h were found at Hat Thai Muang. However, during the months
of November to February, the park wardens work overtime to ensure that the eggs of
sea turtles are not robbed from their nests on the beach. Atmop of Macam mesMncl
from Kbao Na Yak (a Naval area) practices cmplaidhg during the rice hw,at
months &om December to January in the areas bordering the park. However,
organised illegal logging is qmte serious at Khao Lampi. I found many loggedareas,
both recent and old, but these areas are off the normal trails, hidden from sight.
These loggers would convert the fallen logs into planks using chainsaws. Trea lo@
were 'Mai Lumpho' (Inlsia palembnnica) and 'Mai Champa'Thong' (MieMP
chonr@ea)). The wardens need to be provided with better arms, biaoculars and walkie-
talkies before this forest is stripped bare. The illegal loggers are amed due to the high
value of the timber.

3. h e m Son Waf& PrvR

Laen~Son National Park includes moist evergreen, beach and mangrove
fapest. Rice cultivation is prgclised along with cashew and coconuts in areas
swoundiog the park. Poaching for Sw scrofa and TraguIus jclvonicw is done
mainly to obtain meat to be consumed l d y , or at times sold in Ranong. Traguh
javanicats trapped alive are s o m m sold as ts. NMicebw coucang are at times
killed due to superstitious beliefs, tis they are considered bad omens by the local
Moslems and non-Moslems aUe. At Ratcha Krut, there is a shop that buys animal
hidesand reptilian s k i from poachers and villagers, which are either sold as such or
converted into leather goods and later resold. Illegal felling of trees is meatly reduced
due to the efficient patrolhg by the park workers.
Table 2. Lit of mammals seen or reported in each park visited with relative
abundance or approximate number of individuals.

Species National Park

la lb 2 3a 3b 4 5 6 7a 7b 8 9

Echlnoso~er
gymnurus
Hylomys
sui(1us
Crocrduro
fulignoso
Suncus
murinus
Tu@a
gilk
Cynoce~holw
vorregmus
Nyctfcebus
ClJUCQn8
MQcOM
nemestrino
Macaca
ornoides
Macem
foscioul~r&
RcsByliS
meI010ph~s
PrrsbyIis
ohrrum
prRbylb
GrLsrmLI
ffpfobmes
lor
Cuon
4Ipl~(s
Ursw
rhdbefanus
HeIar<m
nwlo~nus
Mvsreln
nudipes
MolTer
pavigula
Table 2 (wntinucd).

National Park
SWa .la ib 2 3a 3b 4 d 6 ?a 7b 8 9

v-l w2
Table 2 (continued).
National Park
Species l a l b Z 3 a 3 b 4 5 6 7 a 7 b S 9
-

NeoJelis w2
nebulosa
Panrheru w3 h2 w3
purdtls
Panrheru W3 hZ w3 w3
ligris
Elephas WZ w3
rr~aximrrs
Tapirlcr t-1 1-2 1-3 1-8
indictrs
Sus (vs v-2 1-11 1-3 pd 1-1 v-1 w4 v-I 15.
rrof"
Trugulus hf, h3 w3 w4
nupn
Trugulr~s WS 1
3 t-l hS 1-3 1-1 wS 1-1 wd w4 1-3 w4
juvmicus
Munriuctrs 1-1 1-1 h3 1-5 1-3
munljuk
Cervtts w3 1-3 w3
unirwlor
Bos " U
jvvenielrs
Bos WJ 13
guurus
Cupricornis u4 <-I w3 r-2 i-2 u3
su~na~ruet~sir
Manis v3 ws u4 w3 w* U3 *I
iuvunica
RaruJa wS r-2 w3 "-2 r\3vcIA/rr4 v+2 w3
bicolor
Rnr* v-l W4 w-3 w3
@?inis
Ci111osciurus
ll4101W

Ca/Iosciurus
flavimanus
Callu~eiurus
cnniteps
Co/~ciunts
prevarri
 SURVEY OF MAMMNS IN SOUTH THAILAND PARKS

Table 2 (continued).

National Park
Spff~es la lb 2 3a 3b 4 5 6 7a 7b 8 9

ramiops w3 w4 w3
macclell~ndl
Dranomys w2 v-1
ruJigeRis
Pelaurisru
cleguns
F'eiuurislu
pe1auris1u
Hy.dperes
Iepidus
Peiinwnys
WIDSUS
Rhlzomys
su~narnzends
Chiropodofnys
glr~rdes
Bundrcoiu
lndrm
Mus
mrolr
Mus w4
mstuneus
Ikrylmys w2
bowi
MUXOI~.V# V-l
whiiehehwdi
Mex01nys u4
surrer
Nivivmfer w2
cremnrivenier
Railrts w6 w5 w4 w5 wfr v-l WA m4
Pallus
Hystrm w4 W4 Uir (*4 w4 1-1 W3
bmchyuru
Aikeruru~ w2 ud 16 w3 f.5 w3
mawourus
Tabk 2 (Continued).

Key lo Tabk :

l a Phananaa BW National Park t t e r w i a l )

lb ~ h a n $ n h National Parl (marine)

-
2 Khao Lampi Hal Thai Mu- Nalbnal Pwk

3a Lacm S P hationel
~ Park (rar&rid)

3b LaMl Sun National Psk (marine)

4 Hat Noppharaf Thara - Mu KO Phi Phi National Park

5 Khao Phanom Beacha National Park

6 Hat Chao Mni Naiiond Purk

7a Mu KO Phefra Nadond Park Iremstrial)

7b Mu KO PhmPa Natnonal P s ~ k(marme)

8 Xhao L w g Nation4 Park

9 Khao Sok National Park

w- repond by N.P. wofkns

h- reported by hunters

u- regon& by villasefs

v- slghled

a- heard
I- trackr
f- fern
s- sefapeslothcr indrcalive signs

*- probsbiyprcsent
A/ wsdbly pmenc
Figurn $dollowing hyphen (-)refer to approximate n u m b of individuals
Figures without hyphen (4 lefcr 10 abuadartee level :
I -vagrant

2 - stam undumnined

3 - rare

4 - uncommon

5 - common

-
6 abundant

-
4. Hat Nopphawt T h m Mu KO Phi Phi NatSorral Park
Forest rypes in this park are moist orergrm, mangrove and swamp forest.
Only the mainlaad waa surveyed. Poaching for Sus scr~faand ~ q g u l t y jsmmimrs
occurs in the park. Live-traps are laid out for Traguhisjm~nicwsat off-route places.
I found a live-trap set at Jlhao Hang Nak, and also saw the remains of a kenfly
eonsumad RrrguhLF javanieus in one of bhe homes at the fwfhills. L was informed
that mcentiy two hrmters had shat down taro M a e m mroides when they faiIed to get
any SwseraJiu. Villagers would be pleasedif they were rid off these macaques, as they
are considered agricultwalpests. Illegal felling of tras within fhe pwk boundary has
been greafly reduced but deforestation outside the park Ls ocounhg 81 aa alarming
rate m a w the forested into 'islands'. Rubber are sometimes planted in
these forested areas.
 SURVEY OF MIMWUSINSOUTH THAlUND PAR&S

5. 87roo fYmom h h a National Park

Poaching of animals is quite serious here either for meat or to be sold/kept as
pets. Numerous ppachers' camps were found, both old and recent, during the survey.
The unguliltes are most sought for in terms of protein. In one of the villagers' homes,
I found a black bear (Ursus thibetaw) cub a few months old, and also a retioulared
python 1.2 m long. The villagers consider it their right to trap or kill animals on their
cultivated lands, which some animals enter in search of food. Many of the park
workers are from the same village where these poachers are from and thus they tend
to ignore these activities. Encroachment is quite serious and increasing by the day in
the form of rice and mbbet cultivation. Another serious matter i s the large-scde
growing of marijuana deep in the forested areas. There is urgent need to improve
protection as this park has a rich fauna and flora. At present this park, because it is
not regarded as an important tourist spot, lacks basic facilities and has insuffident
substations due to its low budget. For tropiwf forest and wildlife wnsen'ation, I
strongly feel that thispark n d s to be placed on the 'priaity one' lisL

6. Hat Chao Mai National Park

Forest types in this park are moist evergreen, mangrove and beach forest. In
tke course of the survey, I found many traps and met a number of poachers. They
seem ignorant of the fact that poachii is unIawful. At Khao Nsm Rap, a villager
was killed in one of the gun-traps set out for Sus scrofa. It consisted of a tripwire
attached to the trigger of a gua positioned at knee level, but it must have reoriented
its line of fire. (I had trekked the same path a day earlierl) Mucm aroloider are
killed as agricultural pests or for their infants to be kept as pets or to be trained to
climb for coconuts. A viIlagex had recently Wed a mother and obtained an infant
and a young juvenile which later died in captivity. The forest here is in a very sad
state. Tbere is serious logging and encroachment it the form of cultivation and
residences. The new superintendent of three months on the job is conscientious, but
up to bis neck inproblems. The headquarters still lacks the basic amenities like water
and electrid sapply, and has serious problems with the local villagers who do not
wish to obey park regulations. I feel that this problem started when the park was
e initidy set up; nobody bothered to & a h the putpose of the park. The villagers feel
tbat the park has deprived them of their ancestral hods which can be put to better
uses like cultivation or constroction of homes.

7. Mu KO Ahcrm National PcvR

Mu KO Phetra Park has evergreen forest, beach forest, mangrove forest and
coconut plantations. The park does not offermuch wildlife, but there is hope for the
species that arc present because the human population around the park are Moslems
aod they are pmmupiied with 5shing-theirmain Livdihood. FVinWes, espe&Uy M ~ M
fascicularis, flourish, especially on islands and in the mangrove forests. Illegal
10- r d y occurs. but mangrove trees are being logged outside the park boundary
for the purpose of making cbarcoal to be expotted to Singapore. I see no threat to the
wildlife, especially primates.

8. &o Lwmg NaiioMI Pmk

Forest typesin the park are evergreen, forest over limestone and swamp forest.
Poaching is quite serious in the areas from Klong Ra Nae toward Ban Phi Phun,
where I found many recent poachers' camps all along the river (Klong Ra Nae). On
January 11,1988; the p r k workers nma& to seize a heshly k i i Susscmfa weighing
more than 100 kg, while the poachers managed to escape. The Sus mofa was later
buried at the park headquarters. Negal logging has reportedly stopped due to the
frequent arrests, but encroachment in the form of crop cultivation does occur at
various places around the park. Pzesently, road construction within the park has
caused major deforestation. There is a need to set up a substation at Klong Ra Nae
near Ban Phi Pun to look into the poaehing activities. Also, I feel that the forested
area between Khao Luang National Park and Tai Lorn Jen National Park (Surat
Thani Province), needs to be surveyed for any wide-ranging species of mammals. If
there are any, then that area should be incorporated into either of the parks.

9. hXao Sok Nmionnl ParR

This park has undulating terrain with limestone h i and the predominant
forest type is m& evergreen. Poaching is frequent here but the main tbreat is enaoach-
ment in the form of rice cultivation 21the park area during the dry season in the months
of January to March. V i e folk often enter the park and Wpst rattan canes
which fetch a high market value. Dnting the survey at b3ang Waang, I found many
dead fishes in the stream caused by the illegal use of explosives to harvest the fuhes.
There seems to be overcrowding of wildlife in the areas of Tham Khee Khang Khow
and Kloag 'w- caused by flooding of the park witb the construction of the
Rajaprabbha Dam.

DISCUSSION

Mammals seen/reported in the 9 national parks surveyed, in comparison with

previous surveys wherever conducted, are simiIar in most w e s but their relative
abundance has decreased in most parks. This is attributed to several factors; firstly,
these parks have become isolated pockets surrounded by human settlements and
cultivated aops, With this the ranges of certain mammals have'beenreduced, and the
mwements of certain wide ranging species are prevented. Secondly, there is serious
encroachment a! these parks which beg led to an increase in poaching and animals
being killed as agricultural pests. Most animals are poached for food, either to be
 SURVEY Of M A W LNWUTHTWAIUND PARKS 83

consumed locang or sold to restaurants. Sometimes these animals are Wed for their
hides or skins; or when live-trapped, are k@/sold as pets. in tho* parks where
stump-tailed macaques occur, they itre always killed because they raid crops during
the rice haryest.
In all the parks I visited, the park officials appear to work hard and try their
best to eradicate poaching, encroachment and tree-felling, but they aie not
compIeteIy succwful because of a lack of manpower, modan &awls and good feleoom-
munications equipment. A basic c a m of poaching is the poverty of the vWagers
living close to the national parks. Most of these vilIagers rely on agriculture for their
livelihood and try to extend their cultivated lands into the park areas i n order to
increase their income. Poaching by these villagers is mainly to try to supplement their
diet. However, when the poachers are town dwellers, or when tree-fellleg is done by
organised groups, the lack of modem fueanns d i i o u r t~he park wardens from
wishing to have any encounters with them. More empbagis should also probably he
placed by the park officials on public relations and extension work with the viUagers
living near the parks to help solve the poachmg problem.
Out of the total of 157 species ~fnon-voht land mammals from the 26
families found in Thailand (HONAWet al., 1982), the investigator managed to find
evidence for 77 species. Of the 9 national parks surveyed, there is a strong need to put
maximpm conservation efforts into Khao Phanom Bencha National Pafk, Khap
Luang National Park and Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Muang Natioaal Park, which still
have exeellent forest habitat and the largest number of spedes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The investigatior wishes to acknowledge Wildlife Conservation International.

Bronx, New York, and the World Wildlife Fund (Project Thailaod No. 3713) for
providing the funds to condud this survey. I also acknowledge Mr. Sai Vejaboasakom,
Assistant Director, National Parks Division, Royal Forest Department, Thailand, for
granting permission to conduct rhis survey, and Prof. Warren Y. Brockehnan for
overseeing the work. Not to forget the numerous persons at the various parks who
provided essential information and help to 'the investigator; unfortunately these
persons are too numerous to name here.

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