Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Mu Ko Lanta National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะลันตา
IUCN category II (national park)
Underwater cave in the park
Map of Thailand
Location	Krabi Province, Thailand
Coordinates	7°29′02″N 99°05′56″E / 7.484°N 99.099°E / 7.484; 99.099Coordinates: 7°29′02″N 99°05′56″E / 7.484°N 99.099°E / 7.484; 99.099^[1]
Area	134 km² (52 sq mi)
Established	1990
Mu Ko Lanta National Park official website

Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะลันตา) is a national park in the southern part of Krabi Province, Thailand, consisting of several islands. The two largest islands are Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. Although both are inhabited, Ko Lanta Yai is the primary tourist destination. The park was established in 1990.^[2]

A clan of Chao Ley, or "sea gypsies" lives on Ko Lanta Yai. The clan still practices many of their ancient customs and ceremonies, such as the setting of ceremonial boats adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the full moon nights of the sixth and eleventh months.

History

Ko Lanta was once known by its Malay name, "Pulao Satak", which means "Long Beach Island". Later, many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, moved to the island making the island known as the island of "a million eyes" ("lan ta" in Thai). The name may also be derived from the Javanese "lan-tas", or fish grill (built of wood with a square grill on top where the fish are placed in a circle).

Topography

The area of Mu Ko Lanta National Park is 134 km² (83,750 rai. It includes Mu Ko Rok, Ko Mai Ngam, Ko Talabeng, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Ngai, Mu Ko Rokk, Ko Rok Nai, Mu Ko Maa, Ko Hin Dang and the nearby islands of Ko Klang, Ko Lanta Noi, and Ko Lanta Yai sub-district, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi Province.^[2]

The terrain is mountainous, especially near the southern tip. Plains are found only in beach areas in the southern portion of the park. Most areas have more than a 35 degree slope, except only the middle part of island where the slope is more than 50 degrees. Elevations range from sea level to 488 meters at the tallest peak.^[2]

Climate

Highest rainfall is in September, 391.4 mm, and lowest in January at 6.5 mm. September has the most rainy days with 21.6 days and February the fewest, about 1.6 days. During the rainy season, 16 May-31 October, some smaller islands are closed to visitors.^[2]

Fauna

The animals that live on the islands are divided into six categories.

1. Mammals: deer, tigers and barking deer.

2. Birds: brahminy kite, bridled tern, and emerald dove.

3. Reptiles: water monitor lizards, reticulated pythons, and cobras.

4. Amphibians: giant mountain frogs, ornate froglets, and Polypedates leucomystaxs.

5. Freshwater fish and marine fish: blue danio fish, coral reef fish, and lizard fish.

6. Coral reef animals: staghorn coral, Fungia fungites, and anemone coral.

Flora

The plants in Mu Ko Lanta National Park can be categorized into three groups.

1. Rainforest: The total area of rainforest at Mu Ko Lanta Yai is about 19.42 km². The average height of trees is 15–25 meters. The important plants are Hopea Ferrea Laness, Dipterocarpus Tubinatus C.F. Gaertn, and Lagerstroemia Floribunda Jack.

2. Mangrove forest: On Ko Ngu, Ko Mai Ngam, and Ko Mai Ngam Tai. The average height of trees is five meters. There are many plants in the mangrove forest, such as Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, and Rhizophora mucronata.

3. Beach forest: Found on Ko Ngai between the beach and rainforest. Significant plants are Bengal almond, Derris indica, and beach morning glory.^[2]

References

↑ "Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park". protectedplanet.net.
1 2 3 4 5 "Mu Ko Lanta National Park". Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand. Retrieved 6 February 2016.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department

National parks, forest parks and wetlands in Thailand

National parks	Budo-Su-ngai Padi Chae Son Chaloem Rattanakosin Doi Inthanon Doi Khun Tan Doi Luang Doi Pha Hom Pok Doi Phu Kha Doi Phu Nang Doi Suthep-Pui Erawan Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai Huai Nam Dang Kaeng Chet Khwae Kaeng Krachan Kaeng Krung Kaeng Tana Khao Khitchakut Khao Kho Khao Laem Khao Lak–Lam Ru Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang Khao Luang Khao Phanom Bencha Khao Phra Wihan Khao Sok Khao Yai Khlong Lan Khlong Phanom Khlong Wang Chao Khuean Srinagarindra Khun Chae Khun Khan Khun Nan Kui Buri Lam Nam Nan Lan Sang Mae Charim Mae Ping Mae Wa Mae Wong Mae Yom Mukdahan Nam Nao Nam Phong Namtok Chat Trakan Namtok Mae Surin Namtok Phlio Namtok Sam Lan Op Luang Pa Hin Ngam Pang Sida Pha Daeng Pha Taem Phu Chong–Na Yoi Phu Hin Rong Kla Phu Kao–Phu Phan Kham Phu Kradueng Phu Pha Man Phu Phan Phu Ruea Phu Sa Dok Bua Phu Sang Phu Soi Dao Phu Toei Phu Wiang Ramkhamhaeng Sai Thong Sai Yok Salawin Si Lanna Si Nan Si Phang-nga Si Satchanalai Sirinat Ta Phraya Tai Rom Yen Taksin Maharat Tat Mok Tat Ton Thale Ban Tham Pla–Namtok Pha Suea Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan Thap Lan Thong Pha Phum Thung Salaeng Luang Wiang Kosai

Marine national parks	Ao Phang Nga Phang Nga Bay Hat Chao Mai Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet Khao Sam Roi Yot Laem Son Mu Ko Ang Thong Mu Ko Chang Mu Ko Lanta Mu Ko Phetra Mu Ko Similan Mu Ko Surin Tarutao

Forest parks	Khao Kradong Phae Mueang Phi Phu Chi Fa Phu Langka Phu Phra Bat Buabok Pranburi Sa Nang Manora

Wetlands	Bueng Boraphet Don Hoi Lot Krabi River Estuary Kraburi River Estuary Phayao Lake Kuan Ki Sian of the Thale Noi Non-hunting Area

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