Mae Lao - Mae Sae (15085)
Thailand, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Mae Lao - Mae Sae
Central coordinates: Latitude: 19.2500, Longitude: 98.6667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 650 to 2005
Area of KBA (km2): 513.04409
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA comprises Mae Lao-Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary (51,440 ha) and Doi Sam Meaun (11,200 ha), a mountain that lies within the southern part of the adjacent Huai Nam Dang National Park. The topography of the site is dominated by rolling hills of low to medium elevation. There are several peaks above 1,000 m asl, and the site includes the headwaters of several tributaries of the Lam Nam Mae Teang and Lam Nam Mae Sa rivers. The site supports a range of forest types, including moist evergreen forest along some watercourses and hill evergreen forest on slopes above c.800 m asl. Mixed deciduous forest is found at lower elevations, with coniferous forest and dry evergreen forest along the drier ridges. Extensive areas at mid elevations have been cleared for shifting cultivation, particularly on Doi Sam Meaun. Watershed development projects exist in four parts of the site: Mae Jok Luang, Mae Sae, Thung Jor and Mon Un Kaet.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) The site has been reviewed and re-confirmed as a KBA in the process of compiling the revised 2011 CEPF Ecosystem Profile for the Indo-Burma Hotspot.
Additional biodiversity: Three globally threatened species are known to occur at the IBA, comprising two residents (Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae and Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna) and one winter visitor (Grey-sided Thrush Turdus feae). The site supports a rich montane bird community, including 24 species restricted to the Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forests (Biome 08). Furthermore, the site supports the globally near-threatened White-rumped Falcon Polihierax insignis, a nationally threatened species. The site qualifies under criterion A3 because it supports seven species restricted to the Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forests (Biome 07) and 24 species restricted to the Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forests (Biome 08). Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals Southern Serow Capricornis sumatraensis (VU) Long-tailed Goral Naemorhedus caudatus (VU)
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The IBA comprises Mae Lao-Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary (51,440 ha) and Doi Sam Meaun (11,200 ha), a mountain that lies within the southern part of the adjacent Huai Nam Dang National Park. The topography of the site is dominated by rolling hills of low to medium elevation. There are several peaks above 1,000 m asl, and the site includes the headwaters of several tributaries of the Lam Nam Mae Teang and Lam Nam Mae Sa rivers. The site supports a range of forest types, including moist evergreen forest along some watercourses and hill evergreen forest on slopes above c.800 m asl. Mixed deciduous forest is found at lower elevations, with coniferous forest and dry evergreen forest along the drier ridges. Extensive areas at mid elevations have been cleared for shifting cultivation, particularly on Doi Sam Meaun. Watershed development projects exist in four parts of the site: Mae Jok Luang, Mae Sae, Thung Jor and Mon Un Kaet.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Agricultural intensification, infrastructure development, hunting, forest grazing, urban development, and herb and orchid collection are all threats to biodiversity at the site. The site is bisected by the Mae Malai-Pai highway, and contains numerous settlements, including 31 villages within Mae Lao-Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary alone.
Additional information
References: BirdLife International (1998) Proceedings of the Thailand IBA workshop, Bangkok, November 1998. Unpublished report. BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Meckvichai, W. (1999-2001) Biodiversity research plan and management guidelines for the conservation of pheasants in northern Thailand. Unpublished report. Tontithadapituck, S. (2002) Recent records of birds in Doi Sam Muaen, Huai Nam Dong National Park (29 December 2002 to 1 January 2003). Unpublished report. Wildlife Conservation Division (2000) Basic data for wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand. Bangkok: Office of Natural Resources Conservation, Forestry Department.