of Ban Don Bay and Phangnga Bay, Thailand - WorldFish Center

Mangroves
Even though the importance of mangroves as wildlife habitats is well known, in
Phangnga Bay, the mangrove forests faunal species are not well documented. In Ban Don Bay,
mangrove forests are not as extensive as in Phangnga and wildlife studies are also limited.
Beaches and islands
In Ban Don Bay, coral reefs are located around the Samui-Phangan-Ang Thong group of
islands. These areas are in relatively good condition and serve as tourist attractions (Fig. 2.8). In
Phangnga Bay, beaches and islands are relatively impoverished but important for rare species
of terns and gulls. Hat Nai Yang Beach in Phuket is one of the region's few remaining green sea
turtle nesting sites.
Mudflats
1m
AO Mae Hal \--Qi----i;
00: wag
KO Too A
0 5 10 15 20km
Ao Moe Nan1 and KO Ma
AO Hot Lot -. \
-, \
Fig. 2.8. Coral quality in the islands of Ban Don Bav.
Coral quality ~Io~sificaH~n
High , ,--... , LOW
A B C D E :
Surat Thani's mudflats are significant for shorebirds, particularly migrants, and provide
habitat for many crabs and some bivalves. A small area of mudflats in Phangnga is of equal
importance.