Species diversity and habitats of amphibians and reptiles in Namtok Phliu national park, Chanthaburi province
2002
Sukprakarn, N.(Kasetsart University. Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok (Thailand). Faculty of Forestry. Department of Forest Biology) | Nabhitabhata, J.(National Science Museum, Pathum Thani (Thailand). Centre of Ecology and Environment. Natural Science Research Division)
Comprehensive study of the species diversity and habitats of amphibians and reptiles has been conducted in areas of Namtok Phliu National park, Chanthaburi Province. In the past, this forest patch was connected with other surrounding patches forming a large forest block, thus enabling the inhabiting wildlife to spend their lives in unrestricted conditions and sharing widely their diverse genetic compositions. In contrast, now this forest patch has been totally isolated from other reserve areas, resulting in limited gene exchange and leading to unwanted inbreeding depression among those wildlife species that are highly sensitive to altered ecological conditions. The main objective of this study was to determine the species diversity of extant amphibians and reptiles by comparing diversity in each habitat, seasonal changes and species appearance in relation to environmental factors. The data were continuously collected for 12 months (October 2001-September 2002) in 24 survey plots of 50*50 square m set in moist evergreen forest, a rubber plantation and an old deserted rubber plantation with a newly-generated evergreen plant community. Both during the day and the night, all encountered animal species caught, and their respective numbers were noted, their sizes and weights measured, and their respective numbers were noted, their sizes and weights measured, and their photographs taken, before they were released back into the will at the points fo capture. Such information will be further utilized in the preparation of management plans or for setting up conservation measures for the species and habitats. When drafting management plans or changing the conditions of protected areas, the impacts on habitats should be carefully considered in order to maintain the ecological balance of the ecosystem in a sustainable way.
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