Flora and Fauna in the Similan Islands
Aside from its sea treasures, the unique collection of plant and animal life was the reason why the Similan Islands was designated a national park in September 1982. For such small islands, three types of forests characterize the landscape: beach forest, scrub forest and primary forest. The open type of vegetation crowding by the white sand beaches of the Similans are those large shrubs and small perennials that do not grow taller than 10 meters such as the Hibiscus tilliaceus, Xylocarpus gaugeticus, the smaller Capparis micracautha, Pandanus odoratissimus and Herlitierra littoralis.
The scrub forest a bit further inland is where shrubs like the Cleistanhus polyphyllus and Memecylon caeruleum and a few types of cacti can be found. Elevated inland are the primary forests of the Similan Islands, especially those found on Koh Similan, Koh Bangu, Koh Payang and Koh Huyong. Here you can find perennial vegetation exceeding a height of 20 meters such as the sturdy Dipterocarpus boudii and Dipterocarpus costatus. Shorter perennial shrubs such as the Diospyros wallichii, Calamus longisetus and Hydnocarpus ilicifolius grow beside taller trees. Underneath these trees are a wide array of orchid and bauhinia plants sticking to the trunks and branches.
As small islands with limited supply of fresh water there are not much significant land animals endemic to the area save for the usual cobras, pythons, vipers, other snakes and amphibians with a total of 22 species. Scientific surveys revealed the presence of 27 species of mammals on the islands, with a large variety of bats, all 16 species of them like the false vampire bat, hairless bat, lesser bent-winged bat, horseshoe bat and black-bearded tomb bat. The cheeked flying squirrel make up one of three species of squirrels in the park while four small rodent species litter the islands such as the ricefield rat, noisy rat, Rajah rat and roof rat. The most visible mammals on the islands are the palm civet, bush-tailed porcupine and flying lemur. Some islands have been maintained as breeding grounds for hawksbill and green sea turtles.
While technically a marine animal, the hairy leg mountain land crabs litter the beaches and some inland areas. This animal can be found in great numbers all throughout the islands. Diving in the water, there is no doubt that marine life has been the Similan Islands’ allure factor. Dolphins, barracudas, manta rays, whale sharks and a host of other sea creatures complement the underwater vista with an astounding backdrop of coral species. Sea boulders and pinnacles seem to be plastered all over with varying sizes, shapes and colors of corals–from polyps and fans to branching, columnar, massive, foliceaous, laminar, encrusting and free-living. Endemic to Mu Koh Similan National Park are the hard coral species of Acropora echinata (staghorn) and Seriatopora histrix (cauliflower-shaped). In between these corals and gliding along with larger pelagic animals are crabs, lobsters, sponges, squid, giant clams, sea cucumbers and anemones.
Just above the waters are 39 species of birds such as the white-breasted waterhen and Brahminy kite birds. Migratory birds also visit the islands and these are the cattle egret, roseate tern, pintail snipe, grey wagtail, watercock and barn swallow. The most widespread avian species include the Nicobar pigeon, white-bellied sea eagle, pied imperial pigeon, collared kingfisher and Pacific reef egret.
No matter what you are after, the Similans showcase a fantastic variety of flora and fauna that is inarguably unparalleled anywhere else. Bats, birds, fishes and lots of corals make Mu Koh Similan National Park a must-see when passing through southern Thailand.
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