Visiting Chanthaburi: Ao Khung Kraben Mangrove Forest Study Center

Leaving the Aquaculture Demonstration Unit in Ao Kung Kraben Bay, we headed to the Ao Kung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest Study Center. The sun was quite strong today, perhaps because the rain had cleared the clouds earlier in the morning.

Mangrove Forest Entrance

Wooden bridge walkway into the mangrove forest

The number of visitors to the mangrove forest today is not high, but there is a steady stream of people.

Mangrove Forests: Thriving in Saline Environments

Mangrove forests, also known as "saltwater forests" or "mangal," are unique ecosystems characterized by their ability to thrive in areas with high salinity. These forests are dominated by salt-tolerant trees, most notably the mangrove tree (Rhizophora mangle).

Mangroves are adapted to survive in harsh conditions, withstanding regular inundation by saltwater and high levels of salt in the soil. Their leaves are typically thick and waxy to minimize water loss, and some species possess specialized glands that excrete excess salt through their leaves or roots.

Stilt Roots and Mangrove Trees

Stilt roots and mangrove trees

The root system is a type of stilt root, which can be divided into four types: arch bridge stilt roots, such as mangrove trees; knee-shaped stilt roots, such as Barringtonia trees; pagoda-shaped stilt roots, such as sea hibiscus trees; and pin-shaped stilt roots, such as Avicennia trees. This type of forest is found in muddy soil along the sea or at the mouth of rivers where saltwater floods.

The old tamarind tree, now just a stump, still strives to sprout leaves.

Mangrove Propagation

Mangrove forests are found in all provinces of the eastern region, but the most extensive areas are located in Chanthaburi province, at the mouth of the Welu River in Khlung district, and in Ao Kung Kraben in Tha Mai district. Important mangrove species include Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris, Avicennia marina, and Xylocarpus granatum.

Dugongs, or sea cows, are abundant in this area due to the presence of their primary food source, seagrass.

The Sea of Ao Kung Kraben

Note: The original text is in Thai and translates to "The Sea of Ao Kung Kraben."

This phrase is likely referring to a specific location in Thailand, possibly a bay or cove.

For further context, additional information about the location, such as its geographical features, history, or significance, would be helpful.

Sea View Pavilion

Canoe Dock

Treetop House

Follow the nature study trail.

Suspension bridge in the mangrove forest

The entire forest area was previously encroached upon and destroyed, with valuable timber being exploited. The remaining trees are either replacements for the original trees or second-growth trees, which are pioneer species. Additional trees have been planted, such as in mangrove forests. However, some valuable timber species from the dry evergreen forest, which has transformed from a moist evergreen forest, can still be found in the area. Examples include rubber trees, red meranti, aromatic woods, wild jackfruit, golden teak, Burmese mahogany, and cannonball trees.

The mangrove forests are currently rich in biodiversity and serve as a significant green lung for the people of Chanthaburi.

After visiting the Ao Kung Kraben Mangrove Forest Study Center, we stopped at the Sam Yaek Market, near the Dugong Roundabout. This market sells food, seafood, and souvenirs from Chanthaburi. We had lunch there and then continued our journey.

Three-way intersection market near the Dugong roundabout

Oyster omelet, today's lunch.

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