The Phitsanulok Province of Thailand is home to a plethora of animal and plant species, including a number of endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species. Indigenous animal species include a variety of mammals (including endangered tigers and the vulnerable Asiatic black bear), crabs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and over 190 species of birds.
Indigenous plant life include numerous species of flowering plants including the endangered phayom, Hopea ferrea and Dalbergia oliveri, the vulnerable Hopea odorata and Pinus latteri, and a variety of conifers and clubmosses. Near threatened birds include the Siamese fireback and Oriental darter. The Siamese fireback has been nominated to be the national bird of Thailand.
Wildlife conservation is just beginning to be realized in the province. Plans for sustainable development are being implemented, and over the last 30 years, more and more land has been set aside as protected areas. The protected areas in Phitsanulok include the province's five national parks.
Animals
Mammals
Phitsanulok Province is the native habitat of a great number of mammals, including canines, felines, weasels, bears, civets, rodents, ungulates, elephants, monkeys, rabbits and hare. Included in the list of species is the endangered tiger and the vulnerable Asiatic black bear. A representative sampling of the province's mammals is as follows:
Canines
Order: CarnivoraFamily: Canidae
Wild canines of Phitsanulok Province include species of fox.
Felines
Order: CarnivoraFamily: Felidae
There are 41 known species of felines in the world today which have all descended from a common ancestor about 10.8 million years ago. This taxa originated in Asia and spread across continents by crossing land bridges. The following feline species are reported by the Department of National Parks to be living in the wild in Phitsanulok Province: Tiger (Panthera tigris) Leopard (Panthera pardus) Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Of these three cats, the tiger is the only endangered species. The primary reason for the steady population decline of the tiger is human activity. Tigers are threatened by illegal trade of their skins and the destruction of forests. For years, it has been claimed that there are about 500 wild tigers in Thailand. Recent studies, however, indicate that the number is closer to 150. To make things worse, in Burma, hunting tigers in the wild is still legal.
Weasels
Order: CarnivoraFamily: Mustelidae
Weasels are typically small animals with short legs, short round ears, and thick fur. Some mustelids have exquisite furs which have been valuable for many centuries—the mink, the sable (a type of marten) and the ermine (stoat) are all members of the family. This has led to the hunting of these animals, especially in the past. The following weasels are reported by the Department of National Parks to be living in the wild in Phitsanulok Province: Yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula)
Bears
Order: CarnivoraFamily: Ursidae
Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern Hemisphere. Common characteristics of modern bears include a large body with stocky legs, a long snout, shaggy hair, paws with five nonretractile claws, and a short tail. The Department of National Parks reports that there are Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) living in the wild in Phitsanulok Province. This bear species has been classified as a vulnerable species, meaning likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.
Civets and allies
Order: CarnivoraFamily: Viverridae
The family Viverridae is made up of 35 species, including all of the genets, the binturong, most of the civets, and the four linsangs. Favoured habitats include woodland, savanna, mountains and, above all, tropical rainforest. In consequence, many are faced with severe loss of habitat. The following Viverridae are reported by the Department of National Parks to be living in the wild in Phitsanulok Province: Masked palm civet (Paguma larvata)
Rodents
Squirrel
Chipmunk
Porcupine
Rat
Ungulates
Indian barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) Mouse deer Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
