Researchers from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum (PSUNHM) have launched a long-term ecological study on Koh Phrathong, a unique island on Thailand’s Andaman coast known for its rich but fragile biodiversity.
The project focuses on monitoring wildlife populations and understanding ecosystem dynamics, particularly for species that are ecologically important and culturally significant to local communities. These include large herbivores, wetland birds, and seasonal aquatic plants — all of which depend on the island’s sensitive and changing habitats.
The research team emphasises that effective conservation cannot happen in isolation. It requires collaboration between scientists, local authorities, and—most importantly—the island’s resident communities, who play a vital role in protecting the resources they live alongside. Through fieldwork, knowledge exchange, and community engagement, PSUNHM aims to support a shared path toward biodiversity conservation and sustainable living.

