“Decades ago, tigers, bears, gibbons, leopard cats, langurs,
and more were driven to extinction in this area
due to tourism demands.”

Khao Pra Thaew Non-Hunting Area, Phuket

Khao Phra Thaew is a prominent mountain range that stretches from the north to the south of Thalang District on Phuket Island. Its highest peak reaches 450 meters above sea level, and the entire mountain is blanketed in dense forest, giving it the appearance of being wrapped in a lush green carpet that breathes life into the surroundings.

The forest’s cycle begins with trees absorbing rainwater harmoniously. The tree roots release moisture, which forms droplets that merge to create water streams. Flowing down the valleys, these streams pass by numerous naturally-formed granite figures, eventually converging at a water basin called “Wang Sai.” This is where our permanent gibbon research station is located within the forest. Once the basin fills up, the water cascades over rock formations, creating the Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Para waterfalls. The water continues to flow out of the forest, providing essential resources to nearby communities before merging with brackish water in mangrove forests and eventually reaching the vast open ocean. This forest is the source of Phuket’s primary natural water resources.

Khao Phra Thaew remains in a pristine state, serving as an exemplary representation of Southeast Asia’s rainforests. Although its size is relatively small compared to other national parks and only a few large wild animals inhabit it, Khao Phra Thaew Forest’s breathtaking beauty remains unspoiled and striking, just as remarkable as any other.

“More than 400 Plant Species can be found here”

All along our gibbons footprints, our team often encounter the undergrowth, which is composed of small herbs or trees belonging particulary to the families of Araceae, Araliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae etc. One can find ferns, palms and a lot of hygrophil plants such as Pandanaceae and Marantaceae. And all of the above are covered by a dense, irregularly dispersed and mixed foliage of middle-sized trees, creeper herbs, epiphytes and climbers. At times it is difficult to see through this canopy screen to see the emerging trees of more than 40 metres in height. Most of them are fallen parts of the plants. It is somewhat hard to identify from where they are since it is such a mess high above.

Throughout our journeys following the gibbons’ trails, our team frequently encounters dense undergrowth made up of small herbs and trees from various families, such as Araceae, Araliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Moraceae. The forest floor is abundant with ferns, palms, and moisture-loving plants like Pandanaceae and Marantaceae. Above, a thick layer of middle-sized trees, creeper herbs, epiphytes, and climbers create a tangled canopy, making it challenging to see the towering emergent trees that reach over 40 meters in height. Many of the plants seen in the undergrowth are fallen parts from above, and it can be quite difficult to determine their origins due to the chaotic nature of the canopy high overhead.

It’s no surprise that most wildlife is highly cautious around humans. Their survival often depends on steering clear of the most formidable predator on Earth – people! Numerous species have been hunted for various reasons, including sport, food, medicine, and the pet trade. As a result, many animals have adapted to avoid human encounters. Upon hearing the faintest sound of humans approaching, most animals will either flee instantly, rely on their natural camouflage to stay hidden, or restrict their movements to the cover of night.