The vegetation of Doi Khuntan National Park, Lamphun-Lampang Provinces, Thailand

After joining CMU's Biology Department in 1992, Ach. Max embarked on prolific and exhaustive plant-species inventories of several of northern Thailand's mountains, expanding the department's herbarium (CMUB) and establishing its innovative (at that time) computerized flora database. In defining the natural states of various indigenous forest types, this work was invaluable when FORRU-CMU was establishing, defining restoration goals and guiding species selection for restoration trials. This paper presents the results of such a survey of Doi Khuntan. Using the database, an analysis of the flora, the species composition of the mountain's various forest types and phenology of plants by habit are presented. It provides an historical snapshot of the park's condition towards the end of the 20th century. A similar treatment of Jae Sawn National Park is here.

ABSTRACT: Doi Khuntan National Park was established in 1975 to protect 255 sq km of forested hills in the Provinces of Lampang and Lamphun, Thailand. Very little scientific research has been carried out in the park since its establishment. No systematic survey of the vegetation has been carried out and, although a statement of management has been prepared, it is lacking information about the flora. Hence the methods and species required to restore natural forest ecosystems to deforested areas (which cover a large part of the park) are unknown. Another problem is commercial collection of plants, especially orchids and ferns, in large numbers. Such activity probably threatens the survival of many species, but with no information available on the status of each species, management options cannot be formulated. The vascular flora of Doi Khuntan National Park was therefore extensively surveyed from May 1993 until the end of June 1995. Specimens of all species collected were placed in the herbarium of the Biology Department, Chiang Mai University. In addition, taxonomic and ecological data about every species were entered into a computer database for analysis.

The lower areas of the park, formerly deciduous (mostly teak) forest, have been cleared and cultivated or severely degraded for nearly a century. Deciduous secondary growth in the form of deciduous dipterocarp-oak vegetation is common. Very degraded original growth now has much bamboo. A mixed evergreen+deciduous facies is found from 850 to 1,000 m above sea level. Above this, the forest is evergreen hardwood+pine, the latter far less common, as a result of human disturbance. Fire is common throughout the park. The climate is seasonal with a dry periods from November to April. At least 165 families and 1,285 species of vascular plants are found there. Four new records for the flora of Thailand were found.