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Mangroves are by definition trees and shrubs which grow in brackish (saline) water conditions within the tidal areas of the tropics. In Thailand key protected areas of Mangrove forest or Mangrove swamp occur along the tidal mud flats in Koh Libong Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Pak Phanang Estuary and Tarutao National Park in the south. There are also large areas of unprotected mangrove habitats such as those found on the large expanse of coastline between Ranong and Phang Nga provinces.
The focus for the first Destination is the area between Ranong and
Phan Nga. What you can expect to see there are beautiful estuarine ecosystems offering
a haven for many differing species. Those which can be regularly seen are the Black and
Yellow Mangrove Snake, Reticulated Python, Heron, Egret, various species of crab, Mud
Skippers, Vipers and Monitor Lizards. There are also, Crab Eating Macaques, Cobras,
Dolphin, small clawed and Hairy nosed Otters and Kingfishers.
The above species are the most charismatic within the mangrove forest but they are not necessarily the main reason why we need to conserve them. Mangrove ecosystems provide an essential nursery area for many species of fish, shrimp, crabs and crustacia. From here they can spawn with relative safety providing offspring to re-enter the ever turning cycle of life and death in the vast oceans of the world. They also provide a living to the humans who inhabit these areas (in the form of fishing) who are also the ones that more often than not reduce its size by harvesting wood for charcoal production or remove trees to create shrimp farms. In fact the shrimp farm is probably the one most destructive human activity for mangroves, so much so that now only around 3% of the original mangrove habitat remains in Thailand.
It is an ever shrinking ecosystem and one we should visit in order to show its importance. Why not stress its beauty and value by hiring a local long tail boat to sail you through this stunning landscape? What better way to stimulate the conservation of the area than by creating an economy than cannot flourish without the mangroves survival? After all this is the idea of ecotourism and responsible travel.
Where can you access these mangrove areas?
The piers of Kuraburi and Ranong offer the option to hire your own long tail boat
and captain for the day. It is around an hour and a half’s drive north of Khao Lak and
a fantastic bus journey, Kuraburi is the closest at about 1.5 hours north of Khao Lak
and Ranong an extra 1.5 – 2 hours north. Make sure to ask the driver to let you know when
you are at your destination. From the bus stop you will most probably have to get a tuk
tuk to the main pier or you can arrange transport through one of the many counter tours
or even at your hotels reception. Most times it is possible to commandeer a boat at the
pier for a very reasonable price. Be sure to ask the local people the best places to
visit and have a plan ready for a time to return. Let the national park headquarters
know, if there is one in the area you are visiting, then just sit back and enjoy the
views from your own private vessel. A great day out on the Andaman Sea!!
Read more about mangroves around the world from Paul Marek's page.
