Mu Ko Similan (15122)
Thailand, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Mu Ko Similan
Central coordinates: Latitude: 8.5833, Longitude: 97.6333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 244
Area of KBA (km2): 14.17151
Protected area coverage (%): 98.67
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA comprises Mu Ko Similan National Park, in the Andaman Sea, c.70 km off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. The site encompasses nine small islands plus several smaller islets and semi-submerged rocks. The islands are composed of coarse-grained crystalline rocks on a north-south axis; the highest point, Ko Similan (244 m asl), is in the north. Sandy beaches occur along the northern and eastern coasts of some of the islands. The vegetation at the site is dominated by relatively species-poor lowland forest formations, with few large trees. The site includes a marine component of c.12,800 ha, and supports a rich diversity of coral reefs.
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: The site supports a population of the globally threatened Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea. It also supports the globally near-threatened Nicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica, which in Thailand is restricted to a few archipelagos in the Andaman Sea. In addition, the site supports populations of several nationally threatened and near-threatened species, including Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor, Green Imperial Pigeon D. aenea, Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii and White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. Non-bird biodiversity: Plants Dipterocarpus baudii (CR) Anisoptera costata (EN) Dipterocarpus costatus (EN) Maytenus curtissii (VU)
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The IBA comprises Mu Ko Similan National Park, in the Andaman Sea, c.70 km off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. The site encompasses nine small islands plus several smaller islets and semi-submerged rocks. The islands are composed of coarse-grained crystalline rocks on a north-south axis; the highest point, Ko Similan (244 m asl), is in the north. Sandy beaches occur along the northern and eastern coasts of some of the islands. The vegetation at the site is dominated by relatively species-poor lowland forest formations, with few large trees. The site includes a marine component of c.12,800 ha, and supports a rich diversity of coral reefs.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 20 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 20 | |
| Forest | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Destructive fishing practices, including use of explosives, are one of the main threats to biodiversity at the site. Another source of threat is tourism development, including pollution, unsustainable use of freshwater resources and damage to coral reefs from anchoring boats. Dogs are also perceived to be a threat to the population of Nicobar Pigeon on the islands.
Additional information
References: Destructive fishing practices, including use of explosives, are one of the main threats to biodiversity at the site. Another source of threat is tourism development, including pollution, unsustainable use of freshwater resources and damage to coral reefs from anchoring boats. Dogs are also perceived to be a threat to the population of Nicobar Pigeon on the islands.