PLANT COMMUNITY ANALYSIS FOR NATURE INTERPRETATION DESIGNING IN THE NATURE TRAILS AT KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

This research was conducted to design nature interpretation in 2 nature trails at Khao Yai National Park. The study sites were Dongtew-Mhosingtoe Trail and Dongtew-Nong Pukchei Trail. Length of the two trails altogether was 4.8 kilometers. Data were collected during May 2003-June 2004. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses of plant community along the trails were employed. Sixteen non-permanent square plots of 20 x 50 meter in size were set up in data collection. The analyses of plant community profile, crown cover, and phenology survey of dominant plant species were performed. The study found that plant communities along the nature trails were dry evergreen forest and secondary succession forest with Cratoxylum cochinchinenes Bl. and Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth, as dominant plant species. The 12-month phenology survey of 24 plant species found both deciduous and evergreen plants species. However the evergreen species were more abundant. The present of evergreen species made the trail green throughout the year. Flowering period were during November – March. March was the peak month of the period following with the fruit production period and fruit falling period in the early rainy season, respectively. In designing nature interpretation along the trails, the researchers chose nature study booklet as a medium. The major interpretive theme was the values of the evergreen forest plant communities. Sub-themes were divided into 5 topics: 1) nature of dry evergreen forest; 2) beautiful flower plants; 3) beautiful leaf plants; 4) plants with great economic value; and 5) medicinal and toxic plants.