Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex – World Natural Heritage in Thailand

Dong Phaya Yen – Khao Yai forest complex is located in northeastern Thailand, stretching 230km, between Ta Phraya National Park (Ta Phraya National Park) on the Cambodian border to the east and Khao Yai National Park (Khao Yai). National Park) in the west, in the provinces of Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Rachisima, Prachinburi, Srakaew and Burirum.

It is fully representative of the habitats and ecological processes for the eastern region of Thailand; is an important site for the conservation of globally threatened and endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The area includes a large-scale rainforest ecosystem and, more importantly, can provide a viable habitat for the long-term survival of these species.

English name: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
Accreditation year: 2005
Criteria: (x)
Acreage: 615,500 hectares

Dong Phaya Yen – Khao Yai forest complex consists of five contiguous protected areas, including 4 national parks and 1 wildlife reserve:

first) Khao Yai National Park: was established in 1992, with an area of about 216,800 ha, the third largest park in Thailand; located on the western side of the Sankamphaeng Mountains, the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau; With an altitude of 400-1000m, the highest mountain in the area is Khao Rom, 1351m high.

2) Thap Lan National Park: was established in 1981, covers an area of about 223,600ha, is the second largest park in Thailand; The highest mountain in the area is Khao Lamang, 992m high.

3) Pang Sida . National Park: was established in 1982, covers an area of about 84,400ha; One of the park’s highlights is the Pang Sida waterfall.

4) Ta Phraya . National Park: was established in 1996, covers an area of about 59,400ha; With an altitude of 206 – 579m, the highest mountain in the area is Khao Pran Nut, 579m high.

5) Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary: was established in 1996, covers an area of about 31,300 ha.

Dong Phaya Yen – Khao Yai Forest Heritage Area runs east-west, at the southern edge of the Korat Plateau, formed by the cliffs of the Dongrek low mountain range (average elevation 500m). . This is a site in the Central Indochina biogeography area and borders the Cardamom Mountains biogeographic area (mountain area southwest of Cambodia and Eastern Thailand).

The Heritage Site is located at the edge of the Wet Tropics and Tropical Forests ecoregions (Eco-Zone 35 at WWF Global 200 – World Wide Fund for Nature’s list of ecoregions) and Indochina Dry Forests (Eco-zones of the World Wide Fund for Nature). 54).

The Heritage Site is home to more than 800 species of animals, including 112 species of mammals (with two species of apes), 392 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians. It is also an important place for biodiversity and conservation of rare globally threatened mammals, birds, and reptiles, including one critically endangered species. Siamese crocodile), 4 endangered species (Asian elephant, tiger, leopard cat, bison) and 19 vulnerable species; It is home to several important wildlife species remaining in the area, such as the White-headed parrot and the Pileated Gibbon.

The Heritage Area is home to high annual rainfall, which plays an important role in supplying water to major rivers in Thailand such as the Nakhon Nayok River, Prachin Buri River, Lamta Khong River, Muak Lek River and Mun River. . The waterfalls and streams, together with the diversity of flora, fauna and beautiful mountain scenery here, attract millions of visitors each year for recreational and educational purposes.

The Heritage Area is the last large forest in northeastern Thailand, surrounded by areas that are rapidly growing in response to the needs of economic activity. In order to protect the ecosystem, many measures have been applied here, especially the participatory solution in managing the Heritage area, setting limits on the number of visitors to visit. …