The project to survey animal species on Tan Island, Samui District, Surat Thani Province, for conservation-oriented tourism
This project, led by Dr.Marnoch Yindee, D.V.M., is delighted to have engaged sixth-year volunteer students and a survey team comprising eight individuals. The project spanned six months and involved surveying animal species and wildlife food plants on Tan Island, which used to be a coconut plantation in the past but has not been under agriculture for approximately 20 years. It was discovered that the island’s natural environment, once a primary water source forest, has undergone a remarkable self-recovery process and is on the path to becoming a new tourist destination. Therefore, the survey methodology included studying animal and wildlife food plant species along the existing tourist routes during the daytime and at night. Additionally, camera traps were used to gather data, which was then compared to previously conducted studies.
This project has the following objectives:
1) To study the diversity of animal species on Koh Tan Island
2) To create a database to support eco-tourism on Koh Tan Island.
3) To apply the knowledge gained to promote eco-tourism.
The research methodology consists of the following: Road survey method: 1) Daytime surveys 2) Nighttime surveys 3) Camera trap surveys. Conservation-oriented tourist route surveys.
Presentations and meetings with relevant stakeholders to facilitate practical implementation. 1) Designing one-day nature study tour routes. 2) Designing two-day, one-night nature study tour routes. 3) Designing multi-night nature study tour routes. 4)Creating eco-tourism guides (birdwatching/plant identification). And 5) Developing directional signs/route guides.
Research & Innovation
- The primary objective of this project was to encourage the conservation and sustainable utilization of Tan Island’s natural resources.
- The project aimed to preserve at least 1,946 Rai of Dry Evergreen Forest, 139 Rai of mangrove forest and 157 Rai of grove wood.
- Within this project, students in their sixth year who were participating in the “Clinical Practice of Zoological Medicine” course took part in hands-on activities. These activities included birdwatching, wildlife photography, studying wildlife food plants, grasping the significance of ecosystem interdependencies.
- This project was launched in response to the community’s requests on Tan Island, indicating an interest in university participation to assess the viability and appropriateness of conservation-focused tourism management. The project garnered strong support from various stakeholders, including both government and private sector entities.
