Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะลันตา) is a national park located in the southern part of Krabi Province, Thailand. It includes several islands. The two largest islands are Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. Both islands have people living there, but Ko Lanta Yai is the main place where tourists visit. The park was created on August 15, 1990.
A group of Chao Ley people, also known as "sea gypsies," lives on Ko Lanta Yai. This group still follows many old traditions and ceremonies, such as letting ceremonial boats float away to bring good luck and prosperity during the full moon nights of the sixth and eleventh months.
Toponymy
Ko Lanta was once called "Pulao Satak" in Malay, which means "Long Beach Island." Later, many people from Thailand, including both Buddhists and Muslims, moved to the island. This led to the island being known as "a million eyes," which is called "lan ta" in Thai. The name might also come from the Javanese word "lan-tas," which refers to a wooden cooking tool with a square grill on top. Fish are placed in a circle on this grill when it is used.
Topography
Mu Ko Lanta National Park covers an area of 83,750 rai, which is approximately 134 square kilometers (52 square miles). The park includes islands such as Mu Ko Rok, Ko Mai Ngam, Ko Talabeng, parts of Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Ngai, Mu Ko Rokk, Ko Rok Nai, Mu Ko Maa, Ko Hin Dang, and nearby islands like Ko Klang, Ko Lanta Noi, and Ko Lanta Yai sub-district in Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi Province.
The land is mostly mountainous, especially near the southern end. Plains are only found in beach areas of the southern part of the park. Most areas have slopes steeper than 35 degrees, except the middle part of the island, where slopes are steeper than 50 degrees. Heights in the park range from sea level up to 488 meters at the highest point.
Climate
The highest amount of rainfall occurs in September, with 391.4 mm, and the lowest occurs in January, with 6.5 mm. September has the most rainy days, averaging 21.6 days, while February has the fewest, averaging about 1.6 days. During the rainy season, which runs from May 16 to October 31, some smaller islands are closed to visitors.
Fauna
The animals that live on the islands are grouped into six categories.
- Mammals: bats (deer, tigers, and barking deer used to live on the islands but are no longer present).
- Birds: brahminy kite, bridled tern, and emerald dove.
- Reptiles: asian water monitor, reticulated python, and cobras.
- Amphibians: giant mountain frogs, ornate froglets, and common tree frog.
- Freshwater fish and marine fish: blue danio fish, coral reef fish, and lizard fish.
- Coral reef animals: staghorn coral, Fungia fungites, and anemone coral.
Flora
The plants in Mu Ko Lanta National Park are divided into three groups.
- Rainforest: The rainforest at Mu Ko Lanta Yai covers an area of about 19.42 square kilometers. The average height of the trees is 15–25 meters. Important plant species include Hopea ferrea, Dipterocarpus turbinatus, and Lagerstroemia floribunda.
- Mangrove forest: The mangrove forest is located on Ko Ngu, Ko Mai Ngam, and Ko Mai Ngam Tai. The average height of the trees is five meters. Common plant species in this area include Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, and Rhizophora mucronata.
- Beach forest: The beach forest is found on Ko Ngai, between the beach and the rainforest. Important plant species include bengal almond, Millettia pinnata, and beach morning glory.