Publications
A new and exceptional species of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae, Phyllantheae) from southwestern Thailand
Researchers have identified a new and exceptional species of Breynia, named B. aberrans, within the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in southwestern Thailand. This discovery, supported by molecular and morphological data, places the species within the subgenus Sauropus and distinguishes it with unique features such as asperities along one-sided branches, distinct leaf blade shapes, and pistillate flowers characterized by a long-ovoid ovary, sturdy style, and three upright stigmas. Unlike other Breynia species, B. aberrans is unlikely to be pollinated by Epicephala moths, suggesting a unique reproductive strategy. The study utilized a combination of nuclear (ITS, PHYC) and chloroplast markers (matK, accD-psaI, trnS-trnG) for phylogenetic reconstruction, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of the Kaeng Krachan National Park.
Caryanda beybienkoi Storozhenko 2005
Scientists have discovered and described the female of Caryanda beybienkoi, a species of orthopteran insect previously known only from its male holotype found in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park. This finding, based on specimens collected from Ratchaburi Province, confirms the species' conspecific status through key morphological traits such as bright red antennae and distinctive bicolor hind tibiae (blue basally, red apically). The study employed detailed anatomical comparisons, including measurements of body structures like the pronotum, tegmen, and ovipositor, to characterize the female's morphology—previously unknown. Habitat observations revealed the species perching on grasses in open grassland areas. This discovery enhances our understanding of Caryanda diversity within Thailand's UNESCO-listed Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.
Cryptocephalomorpha thom Choi, Nomura & Park 2026, sp. nov.
Researchers have identified and described a new species of Cryptocephalomorpha beetle, named Cryptocephalomorpha thom, distinguished by its large size (over 6 mm) and unique morphological traits. This discovery is notable for combining the robust body structure typical of larger congeners with reduced elytral chaetotaxy found in smaller Oriental species. The species was recognized through a comparative analysis of external diagnostic characters, including body shape, coloration, elytral lateral structure, and sexual dimorphism, which were consistent across specimens from Cambodia and Thailand. The study employed detailed morphological examinations and measurements to differentiate C. thom from known congeners, particularly C. maxima, highlighting its incurved elytral margin and absence of the elytral lateroapical seta. The research also noted sexual dimorphism in abdominal sternite VI and tarsal adhesive setae, providing further evidence for conspecificity.
Sheareromyces aquibella Abdel-Wahab, Maharachch. & E. B. G. Jones 2026, comb. nov.
A new fungal genus, Sheareromyces aquibella, is introduced to distinguish it from the previously described Aniptodera chesapeakensis. This discovery resolves long-standing taxonomic confusion within the genus Aniptodera, which was found to be polyphyletic. The study reclassifies A. aquibella based on its unique morphological characteristics, such as thin-walled ascospores with bipolar appendages and clavate to balloon-shaped asci, and its exclusive occurrence in freshwater habitats. The research leveraged phylogenetic analysis and morphological comparisons to establish Sheareromyces as a distinct genus, addressing gaps left by previous studies that lacked sequence data for many Aniptodera species.
“World Heritage, Blood Heritage”: The Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and the Impact of World Heritage on Indigenous Rights
The designation of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021 highlighted significant human rights concerns, particularly for the Indigenous Karen people residing within its boundaries. This study analyzes the World Heritage Committee's deliberations, focusing on themes such as Outstanding Universal Value, human rights, and community roles to demonstrate how World Heritage status—and the associated Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD)—can profoundly impact Indigenous communities. The research reveals that while the site's natural significance is celebrated, its recognition also exacerbates challenges for local populations, underscoring the need for balanced heritage management that prioritizes both conservation and human rights.
A new species of the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae)
Researchers have identified and described a new species of scorpion, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) krachansp. nov., within the Scorpiopidae family, found exclusively in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. This tiny, sexually dimorphic species—characterized by elongated male pedipalps and a distinct trichobothrial pattern—represents a potential endemic addition to Thailand's scorpion fauna. The study, based on specimens from Phetchaburi Province, compares its ecological and distributional traits with related Scorpiops species, offering insights into its unique morphology and possible evolutionary significance within the region.
Prevalence of culicine salivary antibodies in non‐human primates living in national parks in Thailand
Researchers found that macaques in Thailand's national parks exhibit high antibody titers against salivary gland extracts (SGEs) from culicine mosquitoes, with significant variations observed between species and locations. Notably, a stronger immune response to Aedes albopictus was detected in dengue virus 3-positive Macaca arctoides from Kaeng Krachan, suggesting potential cross-reactivity between mosquito species due to shared proteins in crude SGEs. The study highlights the role of macaques as reservoir hosts and emphasizes the risk of pathogen transmission to visitors via mosquitoes, underscoring the need for preventive measures in tourist areas.
Review of the genus Statherotis Meyrick, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand, with description of a new species
A new species of moth, Statherotis muangmaithongi, has been discovered within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand. This find increases the known diversity of the genus Statherotis to five species in Thailand. The research provides detailed illustrations of the adult moth and its genitalia, along with a key to identify all Statherotis species found in the country. The study contributes to the taxonomic understanding of Lepidoptera, particularly within the Olethreutinae subfamily, which is predominantly distributed in the Oriental region.
Abundance and habitat suitability of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis, Schneider 1801) in Phetchaburi River, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand
A critically endangered population of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, is estimated to consist of only four individuals, with a low encounter rate of 0.22 per kilometer along the Phetchaburi River. The study, conducted through 13 rafting trips covering 315 kilometers from December 2021 to July 2023, identified key environmental factors influencing crocodile distribution, including slope, elevation, forest types, cumulative flow rates upstream, and land use patterns. A highly reliable model (score: 0.99±0.02) underscored the significance of this river area for conservation. Recommendations include habitat protection, threat surveillance systems, population studies, community involvement, captive breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns to ensure sustainable conservation and potential population restoration.
Ecological risk assessment of Kaeng Krachan National Park emphasis on Land Use/Land Cover (LULC)
A new ecological risk assessment reveals that the eastern border of Kaeng Krachan National Park (KKNP), Thailandfaces significantly higher ecological risks, particularly near semi-urban settlements and in areas with extensive cultivation. Using Landsat imagery from 2013 to 2022, researchers classified five landscape types (water, grassland, built-up land, forest, and cultivated land) and calculated landscape loss indices to determine ecological risk indices (ERI). The highest risks were observed in waterbodies and cultivated lands, with notable variations in grasslands and forest cover. The study highlights that farming activities have increased ecological risks in these areas, emphasizing the need for stricter land permits and use limitations to preserve KKNP's biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.
Rights to heritage and the environment in Thailand
Thailand's approach to Indigenous heritage, exemplified by the ongoing conflict over land rights in the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (KKFC), reveals a persistent tension between state authority and Indigenous claims. Designated as a national park in 1981 and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, the KKFC has been at the center of forced evictions of the Karen community, highlighting Thailand's 'crypto-colonial' legacy shaped by colonialism and Cold War influences. This chapter underscores the unresolved struggle for Indigenous rights to both natural and cultural heritage, illustrating how historical contexts continue to influence contemporary conflicts over land and recognition in Southeast Asia.
Species Composition of Aquatic (Nepomorpha) and Semiaquatic (Gerromorpha) Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand
A study examining the species composition of aquatic (Nepomorpha) and semiaquatic (Gerromorpha) Heteroptera in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, found no significant difference in species richness between protected and unprotected sites across multiple sampling events. While Nepomorpha families were more diverse, Gerromorpha exhibited higher species richness. The research used both quantitative and qualitative sampling methods over seven events from November 2018 to June 2020. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis revealed unclear patterns in species composition between protected and unprotected sites, suggesting that these Heteroptera may not serve as reliable bioindicators for habitat quality without further data on water physiochemistry and stream physical characteristics.
The taxonomy and phylogeny of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with emphasis on C. interdigitalis and C. ngati
A new taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group reveals significant diversity within two species, C. interdigitalis and C. ngati, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and morphology. The research stabilizes the taxonomy of C. interdigitalis by confirming it as a range-restricted upland endemic in northern Thailand's Phetchabun massif, distinct from other specimens previously misidentified. Additionally, it extends the known range of C. ngati hundreds of kilometers farther south into Thailand and Laos, suggesting potential local adaptations for karst environments. Phylogenetic and multivariate analyses also identify two potentially new species: one from Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in northern Thailand and another from Khlong Naka Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Thailand. The study highlights the importance of examining type material in constructing proper taxonomies, underscoring the high diversity of range-restricted upland endemics in Thailand.
Improper garbage management attracts vertebrates in a Thai national park
Improper garbage management in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, significantly attracts wildlife, with 38 vertebrate species, including globally vulnerable Malayan sun bears and long-tailed macaques, drawn to dumpsites. The study found that food waste quantities correlated with tourist numbers, influencing species diversity, abundance, and visitation patterns. Highly abundant species visited more frequently than less common ones, and feeding behavior at dumpsites may alter ecological roles, leading to increased populations and human-wildlife conflict. Camera traps deployed over 601 trap nights (May 2018–January 2019) revealed that diurnal species were most prevalent, followed by nocturnal and crepuscular ones. Proper waste management is critical to mitigate negative impacts on threatened species amid rising tourism-related waste.
Livelihoods and Dwelling Security: The Challenges of Indigenous Karen People
A critical challenge faced by the Indigenous Karen people in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park is the disruption of their traditional livelihoods due to state policies and regulations. The study, employing ethnographic methods such as participant observation and interviews, reveals that political issues and land allocation practices significantly hinder their ability to maintain sustainable living practices, including shifting cultivation. The research underscores the need for clear guidance within a human rights framework and ecological approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and rights to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Cryptocarya kaengkrachanensis, a new species of Lauraceae from Kaeng Krachan National Park, southwest Thailand
Researchers have identified Cryptocarya kaengkrachanensis, a new species of the Lauraceae family, discovered within Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. This species is morphologically distinct from its closest relative, C. amygdalina, with key differences in leaf shape (ovate-elliptic vs. oblong-lanceolate) and fruit structure (ovoid with a distinctly swollen stalk vs. ellipsoid). Phylogenetic analysis using ITS sequences and genome-wide SNPs confirmed its uniqueness, distinguishing it from all other recognized Cryptocarya species in Thailand. Additionally, the study proposes that C. floribunda is a synonym of C. amygdalina, while C. scortechinii remains distinct.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex