Current view: Text account
Site description (2004 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA comprises Mu Ko Similan National Park, in the Andaman Sea, c.70 km off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. The site encompasses nine small islands plus several smaller islets and semi-submerged rocks. The islands are composed of coarse-grained crystalline rocks on a north-south axis; the highest point, Ko Similan (244 m asl), is in the north. Sandy beaches occur along the northern and eastern coasts of some of the islands. The vegetation at the site is dominated by relatively species-poor lowland forest formations, with few large trees. The site includes a marine component of c.12,800 ha, and supports a rich diversity of coral reefs.
The site supports a population of the globally threatened Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea. It also supports the globally near-threatened Nicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica, which in Thailand is restricted to a few archipelagos in the Andaman Sea. In addition, the site supports populations of several nationally threatened and near-threatened species, including Pied Imperial Pigeon Ducula bicolor, Green Imperial Pigeon D. aenea, Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii and White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster.
Non-bird biodiversity: Plants
Dipterocarpus baudii (CR)
Anisoptera costata (EN)
Dipterocarpus costatus (EN)
Maytenus curtissii (VU)
The IBA comprises Mu Ko Similan National Park, in the Andaman Sea, c.70 km off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. The site encompasses nine small islands plus several smaller islets and semi-submerged rocks. The islands are composed of coarse-grained crystalline rocks on a north-south axis; the highest point, Ko Similan (244 m asl), is in the north. Sandy beaches occur along the northern and eastern coasts of some of the islands. The vegetation at the site is dominated by relatively species-poor lowland forest formations, with few large trees. The site includes a marine component of c.12,800 ha, and supports a rich diversity of coral reefs.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Destructive fishing practices, including use of explosives, are one of the main threats to biodiversity at the site. Another source of threat is tourism development, including pollution, unsustainable use of freshwater resources and damage to coral reefs from anchoring boats. Dogs are also perceived to be a threat to the population of Nicobar Pigeon on the islands.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mu Ko Similan (Thailand). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mu-ko-similan-iba-thailand on 23/12/2024.
