Coastal Biodiversity in Ranong, Thailand

Seagrass beds
Important localities occur around Khura Buri, particularly Turg Nang Dam where local fishermen report seeing dugong.

Left: Bed of the seagrass Enhalus acroides.

Sand and mud sediments
Thailand is renowned for its beaches, but these are important habitats for sea turtles which lay their eggs in the upper reaches of sandy beaches. Crabs, starfish and sand dollars also share the beaches. The large tracts of muddy sands offshore also are important and are the home to crabs and fish.

Left: two mating Archaster starfish

Mangrove forest
There are large tracts of mangrove forest within the study area, particularly to the north where the Ranong Mangrove Biosphere site is located.

Left : monkeys in a Rhizophora tree

Rocky shores
Although not as common as the other habitats, rock surfaces are a fascinating environment with zones characterised by particular species of plants and animals.

Left : Littorinid gastropods Nodilittorina trochoides from the upper eulittoral zone.