 Khao Phra Taeo Wildlife Park |
 22.28
square kilometers of virgin forest are coverd by this park, which
also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise
be extinct in fast-growing Phuket. It is a center for study of the
environment and the forest vegetation is spectacular. Giant trees
supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers
of every description.
One species of palm, the Governor's Palm or White Back Palm (palm
lang khao in Thai) is especially rare. Langurs, barking deer, mouse
deer, deer, bear, wild boar, monkeys, gibbons, and many species
of birds inhabit the forest. Khao Phra Taeo serves also as one of
Phuket's most important water sources. |
A
great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and
some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top
of Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border.
Best
knownas the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to return domesticated
gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small waterfall with a shady
forest and thick foliage.
Located
near Phuket International Airport, the national park covers an area
of 90 square kilometers. The park stretches all the way to the island's
northern tip. There are a number of interesting places to visit
:
A
small falls, over which pours a great volume of water during the
rainy season. The trees, watercourses, and pools nearby provide
one of Phuket's loveliest scenes.
Situated
in Sirinat National Park, near Ta Chatchai on Phuket's northern
tip, the mangroves--saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems much
prized by scientists searching for clues about adaptation and evolution--cover
about 800 rai.
