Angthong National Marine Park
Angthong National Marine Park It is a marine national park that looks like an archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, comprising 42 islands, namely Koh Phaluai, Koh Wua Ta Lap, Koh Mae Ko, Koh Sam Sao, Koh Hin Dub, Koh Nai Phut and Koh Phai Luak, etc., located in the sub-district. Ang Thong Koh Samui District Surat Thani Province It covers an area of 102 square kilometers. The water surface is about 84 square kilometers, or about 82 percent of the total area. It was declared a national park on November 12, 1980.
Topography
Ang Thong Islands is a national park located in shallow water near the shore. The average depth of water is about 10 meters. Sea water around the park. It is less transparent due to the influence of sediments from the Tapi River. The coastline is generally steep. As a result, corals in this area form in narrow reefs only on the southwest coast and areas sheltered from the northeast monsoon winds. Most of the coral reefs found are: Baby elephant coral, brain coral, short branched staghorn coral These corals are at the top of the reef. The deeper and less illuminated areas are sheet corals (in the genus pavona) and flower corals (Goniopora sp.).
For the aquatic animals that live in this area include Eight stripes butterfly fish Long-mouthed butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, golden stingrays, black-fin sharks, grouper, tiger urchins. The interior of the reef, where water circulation is insufficient, is inhabited by sea cucumbers, blue crabs, and brown algae (Sargassum sp.) and algae (Turbinaria sp.).
The side of the island is a steep rock. and is so deep that less light can shine through making corals unable to grow In this area, it is the habitat of sea urchins, sea urchins, sea whips, oysters, giant clams, and bear clams. Importantly, it is a habitat for plankton, which is a nutrient for marine animals. In this area, there are many kinds of marine life such as different types of bivalves, soft corals, spade clams, mortar sponges, pipe sponges, algae, scallops, etc. It is also a breeding ground for mackerel, anchovy and sea squid larvae.
Biodiversity
Most of the large islands in the park area will be an evergreen forest There are important plants such as Ploy Baimon, Rak Pa, Cinnamon, Deserted turtle, Rattan, and Ang Thong Naree Chong Shoes. Along the narrow coast, there are coastal forests scattered. The important plants are Malabar, Pho Talay, Bull, Hemp Talay, Lam Chiak, and Plub Plung Thong. limestone mountain area There will be a unique forest that grows on the thin soil surface. Most of the plants in this forest are small, such as sandalwood, saladdai, yorpa, and some mangrove forests may be found on beaches and shoals.
At least 53 species of birds are found in the park area, including about 10 species of teal and coastal birds, including 32 endemic birds such as egrets, red-tailed egrets, and 9 migratory birds such as black egret, snipe, dangling, and endangered birds. There is 1 species of hornbill, the black hornbill, and the threatened birds include the white-tailed hornbill, the green hornbill, the nest-eating swallow, and the red-tailed hawk.
There are many species of fish found in the sea in the park area, such as mackerel, crate fish, red grouper, sharp-mouthed fish, white-spotted rays, blue-spotted rays, bream, green-backed carps, saltwater carp, large anchovies, squash, sweet-eyed mackerel, eaglefish, silver swordfish. large, barracuda, rank, flounder As for the fish found in coral reefs such as black rock gourami, green rock gourami, sea gourami, deep-water khao mao fish. Eight stripes butterfly fish long-mouthed butterfly fish Blue striped angelfish, pelican fish, parrot fish, dove fish Indian clownfish Nurse fish
Only five species of amphibians are found in the park, while at least 16 mammal species such as the southern spectacled langur are found. Hairy-nosed otters, different types of whales
Angthong National Marine Park Location
