In
1992, a Forest Dynamics plot was initiated by the Royal Thai Forest
Department in collaboration with Kasetsart and Mahidol Universities and
CTFS/Harvard University at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, a
World Heritage Site in western Thailand. The plot crosses a steep soil
moisture gradient, forming a transect between dry evergreen dipterocarp
and deciduous forest. Evergreen dipterocarp forest is a critically
endangered habitat in the region, and often becomes converted into
deciduous forest through degradation and fire. The area's abundant
large game, including elephants and tigers, depends on each forest type
in different ways and during different seasons. Understanding the
dynamic relationship between these evergreen and deciduous forests will
be fundamental to the conservation of both the forests and their
wildlife.
Year Initiated |
Plot Size |
Latitude-Longitude
& Altitude |
Rainfall & Dry Season |
Species & Trees |
1992 |
50 ha |
15.6324 - 99.2170
549-638 M |
1476 mm
6 mos |
251 spp
72,500 trees |
|