Lampi Proposed Marine National Park
Location:
10°37'-10°59'N, 98°00'-98°22'E; about 20 km off the west coast off Pakchan Reserved Forest and 80km NNW of Kawthaung, Tenasserim Division.
Area:
Area of wetlands unknown; proposed park 388,500 ha.
Altitude:
Sea level to 465m.
Biogeographical Province:
4.9.4.
Wetland type:
01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 & 15.
Description of site:
The proposed Marine National Park comprises Lampi Island (16,800 ha), the associated islands (areas unknown) and the intervening sea (about 370,000 ha). Lampi Island, which is oriented in a north-south direction, is about 48 km long and has a maximum width of some 6 km. The northern part of the island curves strongly to the west, forming a large bay in which Kubo Island is situated. Associated islands, which are all considerably smaller than Lampi, include Wa-Ale Kyun and Kanzagyi to the northwest, Pub Nala to the south and the Gregory group to the southeast. The topography of Lampi is generally hilly and rises steeply from sea level to l50-270m, exceeding 350m in places. Much of the coast is rocky, although there are a number of sandy beaches, bays and inlets. The sea between Lampi and the mainland is nowhere deeper than 24m and is generally about half that. Lampi, in common with the 900 or so islands of the Mergui Archipelago, was formed by a combination of tectonic movement and volcanic activity. Rocks are predominantly arenaceous quartzites and sandstones, intruded by granites or porphyries, or overflowed by lava (Chhibber, 1927). Many of the islands in the proposed Marine National Park consist of Moulmein series limestones which have weathered to form large caves. The supply of fresh water is relatively plentiful; whilst many small streams are seasonal, the Zon Chaung and the Sungai Alun are perennial. Major coral formations are found around the smaller islands, especially in the Gregory group, whilst formations around the main island of Lampi are relatively poor.
Climatic conditions:
The monsoonal climate is transitional between the pronounced wet and dry seasons of the bulk of the country, and the more even pattern of rainfall in peninsular Malaysia. The prevailing winds blow from the west and southwest during the May to September monsoon, and from the northeast and north during the October to April dry season. The close proximity of the Gulf of Thailand across the Kra Isthmus (about 100 km wide at latitude 1 l°N), gives rise to rain-bearing winds from the east. The mean annual rainfall at Kawthaung, situated on the mainland some 80 km to the south, is 3,964 mm, the wettest period being May to September. Mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures at Kawthaung are 21°C (December and January) and 34°C (March and April), respectively.
Principal vegetation:
Lampi Island is densely covered by largely undisturbed climax low tropical evergreen forest, dominated by dipterocarps, especially Dipterocarpus alatus. Epiphytic species are abundant and include lianas Calamus spp. Sandy beaches support beach forest, some with pure stands of Casuarina equisetifolia, as well as species of Dillenia and Calophyllum. Estuaries on the west coast of the island support apparently untouched mangrove formations. There are also some swampy areas.
Land tenure:
No information.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
In 1982, it was recommended that the area should be designated as a Marine National Park, after the introduction of nature conservation and national park legislation (FAO, 1982d). In 1985, it was recommended that more detailed surveys be undertaken, a master plan be prepared and specific protection for threatened species be implemented (FAO, 1985a).
Land use:
The local human population is limited to a small fishing village on Pulau Nala island, which is about 1.6 km south of Lainpi and within the proposed protected area. During the monsoon season, some five groups of Sal In marine nomads move in from the outer islands of the Mergui Archipelago and establish temporary camps on Lampi. They support themselves by fishing, hunting, and collecting eagle-wood (Aquilaria agallocha), mother-of-pearl, turbo shells, turtle eggs and sea cucumber.
Disturbances and threats:
There is generally very little disturbance, although most if not all sea-turtle eggs are collected. The current high levels of egg-taking throughout the Mergui Archipelago preclude increases in the turtle population without conservation measures being taken (FAO, 1982d). Tavoy Forest Division is short of staff, and illegal logging and forest encroachment occur (FAO, 1982d).
Economic and social values:
It is argued that the establishment of a Marine National Park would help to safeguard the culture of the Sal In marine nomads (FAO, 1982d). They reportedly number about 2,000 people and are thought to have arisen from aboriginal Malay stock. Although Lampi is described as having greater promise as a Marine National Park than all other comparable areas in Burma, security considerations and the threat of Thai pirates curb the tourist potential (FAO, 1985a).
Fauna:
The mammals include an indigenous subspecies of the Lesser Mouse Deer, Small-clawed Otter, Crab-eating Macaque and langur (Tragulus javanicus lampensis, Aonyx cinera, Macaca fasicularis and Presbytis sp). Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak and Wild Boar Stir scrofa are abundant, possibly because of the absence of predators. There is a large colony of flying foxes Pteropus hypomelanus on the small island of Pulau Myang Basa in the Gregory group. Dolphins (Delphinidae) are common, and the Dugong Dugong dugon may still occur in the area. Notable birds include Nicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica and Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga, the latter inhabiting the caves of Pub Tika. Raptors include Pandion haliaetus, Haliastur indus and Haliaeetus leucogaster. Reptiles include monitor lizards Varanus sp. Despite the presence of a number of suitable nesting beaches for sea-turtles, only small numbers of turtles use the islands.
Special floral values:
No information.
Research and facilities:
The Mergui Archipelago, including Lampi, was initially surveyed in 1982 (FAO, l982d). The forest on Lampi was surveyed in somewhat greater detail in 1983 (FAO, l983d). There are no research or visitor facilities, and there has been no comprehensive ecological survey of the proposed protected area.
References:
Anon (1937); Chhibber (1927); FAO (1982d, 1983d, 1985a & 1985b); IUCN (in prep); Tun Yin (1954).
Criteria for Inclusion:
1b, 1e, 2b.
Source:
See references.