Thai Journal of Forestry

Species Diversity and Richness of Butterflies in the Mae Puem National Park, Phayao Province

2024-12-26T14:16:33+07:00

Butterflies are diurnal insects playing important ecological roles, serving as consumers in their larval stage and as pollinators in their adult stage. This research aimed to study the diversity and richness of butterflies in the dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests in Mae Puem National Park, Phayao Province. Monthly sampling was conducted at each site using sweep nets and direct surveys from May 2022 to April 2023. A total of 719 individuals, belonging to four families (Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, and Pieridae), 46 genera, and 70 species, were collected. The highest species richness was observed in the Nymphalidae family (43 species), followed by Lycaenidae (14 species), Pieridae (9 species), and Papilionidae (4 species). The diversity and evenness indices were higher in the dry dipterocarp forests compared to the mixed deciduous forests. The similarity index was at a moderate level of 55.67% between the two forest ecosystems. Seasonal variations significantly influenced the butterfly diversity across both habitats (p<0.05), indicating that seasonal changes influenced species composition during specific periods. An assessment of conservation status using the IUCN Red List identified seven butterfly species under the category of Least Concern (LC). The findings of this study provide baseline information for butterfly conservation and the development of eco-tourism programs in the Mae Puem National Park.

Satisfaction and Readiness of Network Members for Solving Forest Fire and Haze Problems in Kanchanaburi Province

2024-05-14T19:28:47+07:00

The objectives of this study were to determine socio–economic characteristics, the satisfaction level on activities promoting participation of network members for solving forest fire and haze problems, the readiness level on forest fire control, factors affecting satisfaction and the readiness of network members to solve forest fire and haze problems in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Data were gathered using a designed questionnaire for interviews with 270 members using a stratified random sampling method. Analysis was based on frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, mean, t–test and F–test statistics.
Based on the results of this study, 55.6% of the respondents were female, with the average age of all respondents being 46.8 years. Mostly respondents had graduated at the primary school level (50.4%) and the main occupation was agriculture (41.1%), with an average annual income of 95,395.78 baht. Most respondents had never been trained in forest fire control (74.4%), though 53.7% had received support for forest fire extinguishing tools but most never received an annual budget (84.8%). There was a high level of knowledge about forest fires and forest fire control (64.8%). Furthermore, satisfaction and readiness were both at the high level with average scores of 3.71 and 3.59, respectively. Factors affecting satisfaction were: age, educational level, minor occupation, had received support for forest fire extinguishing tools, had received an annual budget and had knowledge about forest fires and forest fire control. Factors affecting readiness were: age, minor occupation, had received support for forest fire extinguishing tools, had received an annual budget and had knowledge about forest fires and forest fire control.

The Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Tenasserim Pine (Pinus latteri Mason) and Benguet Pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) in Thailand

2024-08-28T10:51:08+07:00

Pine species have evolved extensively and been widely used as pioneer plants since they first emerged during the Mesozoic era. However, their natural populations are becoming increasingly rare under the global climate change scenario. These changes in native habitats could lead to their decline, particularly among pine species. Only two pine species are found In Thailand: Tenasserim pine (Pinus latteri Mason) and Benguet pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon). In this study, we focused on the impacts of climate change on the distribution of both species as a case study to determine suitable habitats and assess potential future changes. Data related to the presence of Tenasserim and Benguet pines, along with environmental factors–including physical, biological, and climatic variables–were used to develop a distribution model using MaxEnt software (version 3.3.3k). The results indicated that the current suitable areas for Tenasserim pine and Benguet pine are 72,198 km² and 59,703 km², respectively. Under a best–case climate change scenario (SSP 1–2.6), suitable areas for Tenasserim pine and Benguet pine are projected to increase by 6.62% and 8.95%, respectively. Under the worst–case scenario (SSP 8–5.8), suitable areas for Tenasserim pine would still increase by 3.50%, whereas those for Benguet pine would decrease by 2.68%. These results demonstrate the impact of climate change on the distribution of both pine species, with potential habitat loss for Benguet pine. This reduction could lead to the invasion of other species, ultimately affecting the overall health of the ecosystem. To ensure the continued existence of Benguet pine in the protected areas of Thailand, authorities should develop and implement a management plan for forest restoration in suitable areas. Effective execution of such a plan would improve the chances of survival of the Benguet pine.

Quantity and Value of Non–timber Forest Products Utilized by Local People in Mae Poen District, Nakhon Sawan Province

2024-06-14T10:18:52+07:00

The objectives of this study were to determine the socio–economic conditions and the quantity and value of non–timber forest product (NTFP) utilization in Mae Poen District, Nakhon Sawan Province. The study used interviews with key informants from 380 households. Data were analyzed using statistical software based on frequency, percentage, average, maximum, minimum and one–way ANOVA of differences in the use value of NTFPs.

Based on the results of the study, the major household representative was a female with an average age of 50 years, with most respondents having completed primary school and migrated from other places. Their main occupation was in agriculture and hired as workers. Average income and expenses were in the same range (THB 75,001–100,000/year). Their living style depended on NTFP utilization, including fuelwood, bamboo, bamboo shoots, wild fruits, wild vegetables, mushrooms, edible tubers, insects and products of insects, herbs and small animals. The highest volume of NTFP was bamboo shoots (178,448.00 kg/year), followed by mushrooms, and insects and products of insects (40,157.60 and 14,787.86 kg/year, respectively). However, the highest value was for mushrooms (THB 12,883,590.00/year) followed by bamboo shoots, and insects and products of insects (THB 1,784,480.00 and 1,648,366.14/year, respectively), with the total NTFP utilization being THB 21,128,163.39/year. There were significant differences at the 0.05 level for NTFP utilization value among villages and types of NTFP (mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, insects and product of insects, edible tubers, herbs and small animals).

Physical and Chemical Water Quality of Chae Son Hot Springs for Tourism in Chae Son National Park, Lampang Province, during the Summer and Rainy Seasons of 2023

2025-01-09T10:46:01+07:00

Chae Son Hot Springs is a tourist attraction located within Chae Son National Park where water is used for tourism–related activities. Thus, the water quality may affect the health of the visitors. This study aims to examine certain physical and chemical properties of the water quality and compare them with the groundwater quality standards for consumption. The study involved collecting water samples from three hot spring sources: a hot spring without tourism activities, a hot spring reservoir used for mineral bathhouses, and a warm water pond for foot soaking. Data collection was conducted twice: once during the summer and once during the rainy season. A total of 22 water quality indicators were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the water quality between various hot spring sources using the F–test and DMRT, and between seasons using the t–test.

The water was clear with low turbidity, with the water temperature ranging from warm to extremely hot. Among the 14 chemical indicators analyzed, fluoride levels in all sources during the summer and the hot spring without tourism activities during the rainy season exceeded the standard limits. Additionally, arsenic was detected but remained within the standard limits, while six heavy metals were not detected. Differences in water temperature and turbidity between different hot spring sources was found to be statistically significant (p≤0.05), whereas other water quality indicators were not found to be significant (p>0.05). Seasonal comparisons indicated statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) in sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), manganese (Mn), and arsenic (As), while other water quality indicators were not found to be significantly different (p>0.05).

Development of Guidelines for Forest Encroachment Protection in Pa Khao Phu Luang Non-Hunting Area, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

2024-08-22T15:59:28+07:00

Currently, there is a concern regarding Thailand’s forests due to the serious level of encroachment. One response has been to develop protection strategies and measures involving government agencies and stakeholders. This study investigated factors influencing forest encroachment and the extent of community participation in forest protection activities, as well as developing strategies to prevent forest encroachment. In total, 162 community members were involved from Lam Nang Kaeo subdistrict, Pak Thong Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, residing in the area surrounding the Pa Khao Phu Luang Non-Hunting Area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, while SWOT analysis was performed to evaluate both internal and external environmental factors. Furthermore, the TOWS Matrix technique was implemented to establish guidelines regarding forest encroachment.

Based on the results of the study, the lack of land ownership among community members was a substantial factor contributing to forest encroachment, which in turn motivated them to expand their agricultural areas. Only 25.3% of the studied cases involved a high level of community participation in wildlife sanctuary activities, with 14.9% of the group never participating. Three strategies were identified to prevent forest encroachment: (1) proactive measures to verify land ownership rights, to routinely maintain and update parcel data, and to review rights annually; 2) reactive and corrective measures to increase community involvement through the establishment of advisory committees, development of community networks, and the organization of conservation activities to raise awareness; and 3) proactive measures to increase capacity building and the implementation of modern technology. Furthermore, risk assessment of encroachment areas, involving physical elements, is essential to facilitate the planning of more effective measures to prevent forest encroachment.

Factors Necessary in Forest Administration to Conserve Ecosystem Services Provisioning at the Phu Khae Botanical Garden, Saraburi Province

2024-12-27T15:33:08+07:00

Through this study, we aimed to examine the ecosystem services (ESs) provisions, visitors satisfaction, and key administrative factors to help the site administration make informed decisions in Phu Khae Botanical Garden (PKBG), Saraburi Province. Data were collected during the fiscal year 2024 (November 2023 to April 2024) through interviews with 210 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and average) and inferential statistics (logistic regression) to identify factors influencing satisfaction and site administration needs. Findings indicated that respondents highly valued ESs, particularly supporting services such as biodiversity sources and habitat provision (for plants and wildlife), as well as cultural services, such as recreation and tourism spaces. Results indicated that visitor satisfaction, related to site conditions and services, increased with age. Additionally, significant factors influencing site administration needs included gender, marital status, distance from the site, and lack of recognition of the organization's main activity. In conclusion, through spatial analysis, ESs assessment, economic and social characteristics, and administration can inform site management guidelines, particularly by enhancing awareness of the organization’s main activities. Proactive management and planning, along with fostering community participation and networking, are crucial for improving administrative efficiency, in correspondence with the ESs provided by PKBG, and supporting sustainable forest resource management.

Species Diversity and Carbon Sequestration of Trees in a Hill Evergreen Forest Under a Permanent Reforestation Project in The Golden Jubilee of the King, Forest Plantation Target 9/2, Maehongson

2025-05-21T13:27:28+07:00

The Permanent Reforestation Project aims to restore degraded forests and reduce the impacts of climate change by increasing forested areas, biodiversity, and promote public as well as other sector participation. The objective of this study was to determine tree species diversity, biomass, and carbon sequestration of a hill evergreen reforestation in the Forest Plantation Target 9/2, Mae Hong Son (FPT 9/2), Pai district, in the Mae Hong Son province, over an area of 1,194 rai or 191 hectares. A stratified random sampling of tree canopy density (high, moderate, and low) was employed by using aerial photographs for stratification. Plots of size 100 m x 100 m or 1 hectare in each stratum were demarcated and data related to tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height were collected.

The results indicated that there were a total of 1,996 trees or 665 trees per hectare from 62 species, 37 families, with the FAGACEAE family being the most abundant. Tree with the highest importance value index (IVI) was Pinus kesiya (76.30%), followed by Schima wallichii (37.74%), Lithocarpus collettii (17.16%), Eurya acuminata (15.70%), and Canarium subulatum (15.59%). The Shannon Wiener's Index was estimated to be 2.99, indicating a high level of diversity, with an average biomass of 293.88 tons per ha or 56,142.84 tons in total, with Pinus kesiya having the highest value of 141.34 tons per ha, followed by Schima wallichii, Lithocarpus collettii, Canarium subulatum, Betula alnoides, with values of 59.13, 17.42, 10.49 and 9.47 tons per ha, respectively. The total amount of carbon stored buy the trees in FPT 9/2 was 26,388.36 tons carbon or 138.13 tons of carbon per ha on average. The total carbon dioxide sequestration of trees was 96,754.12 tCO₂eq or 506.46 tCO₂eq per ha, with the top five tree species being Pinus kesiya, Schima wallichii, Lithocarpus collettii, Canarium subulatum, Betula alnoides, with estimated values of 243.57, 101.91, 30.02 and 18.08 tCO₂eq per hectare, respectively. The results of this study will be useful for the management of forest resources, especially forests in highlands, and can be used for forest restoration management services.

Management Guidelines for Areas Overlapping between Agricultural Land Reform and Core Areas in the Ranong Biosphere Reserve

2025-03-19T09:50:26+07:00

The core areas of Ranong Biosphere Reserve are designated for ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, prohibiting any human activity and allowing only research activities. However, it overlaps with areas under land reform, which permits agriculture, creating a land–use conflict. This study aims to investigate the socio–economic characteristics of landholders, analyze land use patterns, and propose guidelines for management. Data collection methods included observation, in – depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, and surveys using structured interviews with 28 landholders. The qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, while quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentages, and means. Additionally, land use analysis for individual plots, SWOT analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to synthesize approaches for land use management.

The results showed that the average household owns 9 rai and 66 square wahs (14,664 m²). The total arable area under land reform within the core areas of the Ranong Biosphere Reserve is approximately 340 rai (544,000 m²). Land use patterns identified include: 1) rubber plantations, 2) rubber mixed with other plants, 3) fruit orchards mixed with other plants, and 4) abandoned land. Proposed management approaches are outlined under three scenarios: 1) land expropriation, 2) maintenance of the original boundaries, and 3) rezoning the core area. Recommended action guidelines include 1) participatory land use planning and management, 2) knowledge transfer to landholders, 3) establishing mechanisms for protecting and maintaining the area, 4) setting up community rules and regulations for land use management, 5) development of learning spaces, and 6) promoting eco–tourism as a vocation.

Farmers’ Perceptions and Adaptation to Climate Change: Case Study of Phai Singha Sub–District, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan Province

2024-06-11T20:11:26+07:00

The agricultural sector is a food security source that is impacted by climate change. Therefore, to manage the agricultural sector and to support resources utilization with appropriate ways, this research investigated the perceptions and adaptation of local farmers and analyzed the factors to achieve more effective practices, especially for rice and natural resources management. Data collection was based on an interview form that was used with the heads of 10 villages and 290 respondent farmers. Data from the head of each village was analyzed using content analysis while the respondent farmers data was analyzed using a t–test, F–test and binary logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05.

Based on the results, farming was the main occupation in the 10 communities. Most of the sample respondent farmers were female, with an average age of 30–59 years. Most respondents had received a primary school education. Most households had an average of 4–6 members. The household annual income was 50,001–75,000 Baht; however, most respondents had a debt burden. The farmers occupied an average of 1–2 sites total average size of 1.60–3.20 ha or 10–20 rai. The farmers’ perception of climate change was at a high level, while their perception on the severity and impact of climate change was at a moderate level. However, the farmers’ adaptation to climate change was at a low level. Based on the statistical analysis, the significant factors affecting farmers’ perception were education level and average annual income in the previous year. The factors affecting farmers’ adaptation were age and debt burdens, while the key factor in supporting the farmers’ adaptation was their perception of the probability of climate change.

Effects of Forest Fires on the Soil Properties and Carbon Storage at the Omkoi Development Learning Center under the Royal Initiative, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province

2025-05-07T10:18:21+07:00

This study aimed to examine the soil properties and amount of carbon storage in order to determine the relationship between soil factors and the occurrence of plant species. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil (at depths between 0–5 cm) and subsoil layers (at depths between 20–25 cm) across three different area types: regular fire areas, fuel management areas, and fire protection areas, for at least 10 years. In total, nine plots, measuring 40 meters x 40 meters were established to collect data related to tree species composition, while three soil samples were collected in each area.

The results indicated that the areas classified under regular fire and fuel management were characterized by physical soil properties, including proportions of silt particles, clay particles, and soil moisture. The relevant chemical properties included phosphorus and magnesium. The amount of carbon stored in the biomass of all plant species was around 255.9936 and 230.1698 tons of carbon per hectare in the fire and fuel management areas, respectively. In the fire protection areas, for at least 10 years, the soil was characterized by presence of sand particles and soil hardness, with the absence of any significant chemical factors. Carbon stored in the biomass of all plant species in these areas was 196.6003 tons of carbon per hectare. Soils in fire–affected areas exhibited favorable soil texture in terms of silt and clay particle content, which contributed to better plant growth and a higher carbon storage compared to the fire protection areas, with at least 10 years of fire prevention. Therefore, it is recommended that continuous monitoring of dynamic soil and vegetation characteristics be conducted. This should include comparisons of biomass and carbon storage, as well as assessments of wildfire frequency in the study areas, to identify trends in environmental changes and native tree species. Such efforts will support a sustainable and appropriate management of forest areas

Development of IoT System and Weather Database for six Forestry Research and Student Training Stations

2025-04-19T13:11:21+07:00

Various forest research and student training stations, operating under the faculty of forestry, have been established across the country, comprising a total of eight stations. These stations play a crucial role in education and research, including ecology and forest plantation planning etc. In order to ensure the accuracy of meteorological information, researchers are required to reference data from nearby weather stations, which means that the data obtained do not represent the station’s actual measurements. Therefore, a conceptual framework for this study was developed, with the objectives to develop weather monitoring sensors and an internet of things (IoT) based data transmission system. This would help in the development of a weather measurement database system and with the ability to evaluate the accuracy of the IoT based weather monitoring against the standard instruments at the Had Wanakorn forestry research and student training stations. The IoT sensors would operate in conjunction with the NETPIE cloud server, which serves as an intermediary for transmitting data to the databases and display the information on a web interface. The interface is divided into three modules: general users, who can view weather information; members, who can download weather data; and administrators, who can add, edit or delete both member accounts and station data.

The calibration study between the IoT–based weather monitoring device and the standard instrument model WS–GP1 DELTA–T DEVICE at the Had Wanakorn forestry research and student training stations indicated that, on average, the IoT device exhibited a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.6 % and the system achieved measurement accuracies of 93.9% for temperature, 91.9% for relative humidity, 96.1% for light intensity, 93.3% for wind speed, and 94.6% for PM2.5 dust concentration.

Effects of Mangrove Forest Rehabilitation on the Growth of Mud Crab (Scylla olivacea) in Pattani Province

2025-05-14T16:53:44+07:00

Mangrove forests are an important resource to maintain the balance of an ecosystem and are a food source for the local communities. Their past abundance has been increasingly under threat, with the area of mangrove forests having continuously decreased and with it, the aquatic species richness. The objective of this study was to investigate the trees, their growth, and biomass of mangrove species after being planted in a forest rehabilitation area (demonstration area located at the Bang Pu Sub–District, Yaring District, Pattani Province) and to compare the growth rate of mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) cultured in the demonstration area at Bangpu sub – district, Yaring District with the abandoned shrimp ponds at Bang Khao sub–district, Nong Chik District, Pattani Province. The study also investigated some environmental factors in these areas over a period of seven months. (July 2023 – February 2024)

The results showed that a total five tree species in the demonstration area were found namely Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Avicennia alba and Sonneratia ovata. The total estimated biomass was 13.21 tons/rai (82.56 tons/ha), with 9.97 tons/rai (62.31 tons/ha) of aboveground and 3.24 tons/rai (20.25 tons/ha) of belowground biomass. The crabs cultured in demonstration area and abandoned shrimp ponds had an average growth rate of 0.31 and 0.22 mm./day, respectively. Furthermore, the mud crabs cultured in demonstration area and abandoned shrimp ponds had survival rates of 52.5 % and 42.0 %, respectively. The study related to environmental factors showed that water chemical properties (of ammonia and nitrate) in the demonstration area was within the standard value for coastal aquaculture, but that of the abandoned shrimp ponds exceeded the standard values.

Natural Regeneration of Poling and Seedling Communities in Fire Protection Areas in the Ban Wang Kabak Community Forest, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province

2025-05-26T13:42:32+07:00

This research was aimed for studying the species diversity, ecological structure, tree cluster analysis, and natural regeneration of poling and seedling communities affected by continuous fire protection control in the Ban Wang Kabak Community Forest, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province. The study was carried out using 40 purposive sampling plots in fire protection areas of dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests. Species identification, girth at breast high (GBH) of poling species, and the number of seedlings were measured and recorded from each plot. Sampling data included species list, calculated for species diversity index (H'), important value index (IVI), specie richness index (R) and evenness index (E). In addition, cluster analyses of tree species in each stage were also undertaken. The results enumerated 50 species from 49 genera and 21 families of total poling and seedling species. Species diversity, species richness, and evenness indices were estimated as 3.01, 7.78 and 0.77 respectively. Chittagong wood (Chukrasia tabularis) had the highest IVI both in poling and seedling communities. For the poling community, 42 species were identified in which species diversity and species richness indices were 3.16 and 7.54 respectively. This was indicative of a high species diversity and richness of poling community abundance. On the other hand, only 28 species were identified in the seedling community, with species diversity and richness indices as 2.35 and 4.69 respectively. Thus, the species diversity of seedling community was low while the richness index was moderate. A comparison of forest structures and similarity indices between poling and seedling communities affected by fires protection managements indicated that the community ages of both dry dipterocarp forests were invaded by more dominant deciduous tree species. Therefore, under a continuous fire protection, trends indicate that further regeneration of fire protection areas would gradually shift from dry dipterocarp to a mixed deciduous forest.

Diversity of Flower–visiting Insects and Fruit Setting of Siamese Rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre.) in Northeastern Forest Tree Seed Center, KhonKaen Province

2025-05-13T18:50:11+07:00

This study investigated the diversity of flower visitors and fruit settings of Siamese Rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre.) in the Northeastern Forest Seed Center, Khon Kaen Province during May to December 2023. Insect visitors were collected using Air–flight Malaise traps and fruit setting rates were compared between the plantation and natural forest. A total of 3,313 individuals representing 177 species and 11 orders (Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Odonata, Psocoptera and Thysanoptera) were collected. The highest number of species were from the Diptera order, followed by Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera (36.36%, 17.61%, 15.91% and 15.34%), respectively. The ecological roles were classified into three groups, with the groups of insect pests (79 species) having a higher number of species compared to natural enemies’ insect (56 species), and pollinators (42 species). The highest fruit setting rate was recorded under open pollination in the natural forest (42.75 ± 1.06 %, n=12,046), while the lowest rate was observed under controlled pollination in the plantation (0.95 ± 0.69 %, n=7,487). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (F = 4.10; p<0.05) in fruit setting rate between the two treatments. The results indicate that the flowers of Siamese Rosewood require pollination by insects and other vectors to increase fruit setting.