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Density and biomass of large herbivores and other mammals in a dry tropical forest, western Thailand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Sompoad Srikosamatara
Sompoad Srikosamatara
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Abstract

Density and biomass of four ungulate species, elephant (Elephas maximus) and seven other mammal species were estimated in an area of about 50 km2 in a dry tropical forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, western Thailand. Density estimations employed line transects, using either direct sightings or indirect signs. Total biomass of these ungulates and elephant was 1450 kg km–2 which was lower than that found in a well protected and managed area of similar forest, Nagarahole National Park, in India. This is due to the intensive poaching activity and the lack of wildlife management in this study site. Three species of ungulate, banteng (Bos javanicus), gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), contributed over 70% of the estimated herbivore biomass. This situation is similar to that found in other parts of Asia. The high biomass of a subterranean mammal, Cannomys badius, has not been documented elsewhere in Asia; this species probably influences the forest dynamics and ecology of small carnivores in this area.

Keywords

biomassdensitydry tropical forestherbivoresHuai Kha Khaeng Wildlife SanctuarymammalsThailand
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , February 1993 , pp. 33 - 43
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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