Message - 7th IAL Symposium

The 7 th International Association for Lichenology Symposium 2012
PHYTOGEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Chantaranothai P.
Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Southeast Asia’s seasonal and tropical rainforest is four of the 25 global hotspots of biodiversity which
are the Indo-Burma, Philippines, Sundaland and Wallacea hotspots. Its natural phytogeographical area
comprises the mainland SE Asia and Malay Archipelago sub-region and boasts some of the largest
numbers of vascular plant species in the world. Thailand has a species rich and complex biodiversity
that differs in various parts of the country. The reason for the high level of species richness in Thailand
is that the country is situated on the borders or at the cross-roads between four majors biogeographical
regions. The flora is therefore influenced by the Indo-Burmese, Indo-Chinese and Malesian elements.
Seven floristic regions of Thailand are in use by botanists and the Flora of Thailand Project and more than
eight forest types are recognized. A collaboration between Danish and Thai botanists was established
in 1957 with the purpose of explore the natural vegetation of the country. In 1970, the first instalment of
the Flora of Thailand was issued. However, Thailand is still heavily undercollected and the distributional
data for most species are incomplete. At present, c. 60% of flowering plants have been studied and
published. Nevertheless, the loss of biodiversity and its consequences for climate, economics, etc, are
already becoming noticeable. A great deal of intensive floristic and ecological studies are still urgently
needed, and also the protection and improvement of biodiversity should become the main focus of
attention for the government.
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