Route 1
Route 2
Sandbars: The slow flow of water through the
mangroves allows for the accumulation of
sediment. This accumulation offers new areas for
young mangroves to settle and also provides
feeding sites for shorebirds and other wildlife.
Kingfishers: Dense mangrove forests such as this
one are ideal habitats for many species of kingfishers.
These mangrove residents have a harsh, laughing
call, and feed on fish, lizards, frogs, small crabs, and
insects.
Leaf Litter: Dead and decaying plant materials
provide a food source for detritivores (including
crayfish, crabs and mollusks). Detritivores are a
food source for other mangrove animals.
Mangrove Roots: The roots of mangroves play a very
important role in stabilizing coastal soils and help
protect against coastal damage from tropical storms,
typhoons, and tsunamis.
Threats to Mangrove: Mangrove forests are
threatened by human activities (including logging
for lumber; pollution from industrial activity;
removal for land development; and the
construction of shrimp farms). Mangroves are
also threatened by the changing water
temperatures and salinity from Global warming.
Climber Crabs: Small, shaded channels are an
excellent place to observe Purple Climber Crabs
clinging to mangrove roots. These crabs feature red,
orange, or yellow markings. Their name derives from
their purple claws. They use their claws to scrape
algae off of the mangrove roots. The algae makes up
the majority of their diet.
Flower
Mangrove Seedlings: Look out
for long, green mangrove seedlings,
which develop while still attached to
the parent plant. Seedlings are heavy
and pointed, so they stick upright in
the muddy soil to avoid being
washed away.
Seedling
Mollusks: Mangroves provide an ideal habitat for
many mollusks, including snails, mussels and oysters.
These mollusks help maintain healthy mangrove root
systems by eating encrusting algae and barnacles.
The mollusks and their aquatic larvae also serve as
food for many other mangrove animals.
Aquatic Birds: Look out for the resident birds in
the species guide. If the mangroves disappear,
the detritivores disappear, followed by the insects
then birds and other animals. This continues all
the way up the food web until there is very little
biodiversity left.
Rare species: The Club mangrove (Aegialitis
rotundifolia) is a small tree. The trunk base is
noticeably enlarged giving the trunk a pyramid shape.
It can be found in exposed sandy or rocky beaches
and is tolerant of bright sunlight and high soil salinity.
Distribution is restricted to Phang-nga, Ranong and
Satun provinces. The Club mangrove is listed as Near
Threatened by the IUCN Red List
Aquatic Nurseries: You may notice small fish
swimming
among
the mangrove
roots.
Mangroves are home to many fish species and
are also an important nursery habitat for juvenile
marine animals (including sea bass, groupers,
mullets, crabs, prawns, and other animals that
serve as important food sources for humans).
Species Guide
Brahminy Kite
Little Heron
Collared
Kingfisher
White-Throated
Kingfisher
Pacific Swallow
Common
Sandpiper
Purple Climber
Crabs
Phuket Marine National Park and
Protected Area Innovation Centre
Mangrove
Kayak Trail
Little
Cormorant
Common
Nerite
The mangrove forest is a unique habitat that
straddles the boundary between land and sea in
tropical- and sub -tropical regions.
Mangrove forest: This habitat is amongst the
most endangered ecosystems in the world.
Black
Mangrove
Saddle
Oysters
Red
Mangrove
White
mangrove
Club
mangrove
In addition to the mangrove trail boardwalk,
visitors can now also explore the mangroves by
kayak. This offers visitors a unique water-level
perspective on this habitat and provides
opportunities for observing an array of flora and
fauna.
www.phuketmarinestation.com
Tel: +66-7634-8526
92/9 M.5, Maikhao,Thalang,Phuket, THAILAND
While the main attraction is the
impressive natural mangrove forest,
visitors can also see a number of
birds, crustaceans, mollusks, fish and
invertebrates like jellyfish associated
with this aquatic habitat.
There are two suggested routes:
Route 1 (5 km) and
Route 2 (3 km).
Route 1 follows the widest channel
in this mangrove forest until it
meets the sea. This route offers
dramatic views of the mainland
and opportunities to observe
sandpipers, cormorants, and
sea eagles.
Route 2 detours down a narrower
channel with denser tree-cover
and some larger trees. This
route offers better opportunities
to spot smaller birds (including
kingfishers).
We hope you enjoy exploring this
unique habitat!
Please help keep the mangrove
clean by not littering!
Kayaking Guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
Do not remove anything from the mangroves
Always wear your life jacket
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect spray
Bring binoculars if you would like to observe birds
Move slowly and quietly to improve your chances
of seeing wildlife!