• Source: Mae Ping National Park

Mae Ping National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่ปิง, RTGS Utthayan Haeng Chat Mae Ping, pronounced [ùt-tá-yaān hàeng châāt mâāe bping]) is the park located on the west of the ping river. With various mountainous and river terrain, the ecosystem is different in each terrain area of the park. The park is abundant in natural resources, resulting in a proposal to transfer from a protection area to a national park, also, it is known for birding due to the high elevation of the park location. The park is undergoing a wildfire problem from the elongated folk wisdom and implemented the solutions.




Geography


Mae Ping National Park is characterized by a mountainous terrain, primarily composed of fold mountains running north to south. The highest peak, known as, "Don Huai Lao," reaches an elevation of 1,334 meters. The western boundary of the park is defined by the Mae Ping River, a significant waterway in the region. Several smaller creeks and streams originate from these mountains, eventually feeding into the Mae Ping River. These waterways contribute to the diverse habitats within the park, ranging from dry dipterocarp forests to lush evergreen forests and grasslands. The presence of limestone formations adds another layer of complexity to the terrain, creating caves and cliffs that provide shelter for various species.

The park located in the northern part of Thailand, Mae Ping National Park experiences a climate typical of the region, with three distinct seasons: rainy, cold, and hot. The presence of the mountains and extensive forest cover influences the local climate, resulting in variations in temperature and rainfall within the park itself. The average temperature in the higher elevations hovers around 25 degrees Celsius, while the lower regions near the Bhumibol Dam are slightly warmer, averaging 27 degrees Celsius. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1,060-1,184 mm, with September being the most humid month. This seasonal variation in rainfall contributes to the dry deciduous nature of the forests, which are prone to wildfires during the dry season.
Mae Ping National Park in Northern Thailand offers a diverse array of attractions for nature enthusiasts. Thung Kik Kaeng Ko and Ko Luang Waterfall are specifically highlighted as points of interest. The dry dipterocarp forests are particularly renowned for their diverse bird species, attracting both local and international birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the park through activities like trekking, nature trails, and waterfall visits. For those interested in geology, cave exploration opportunities abound, with limestone formations such as Koh Luang Waterfall and Yang Wee Cave, featuring stalactites and stalagmites.




History


The initial push towards the park's creation emerged in 1978 when the Tourism Promotion Board of Lamphun passed a resolution, advocating for the establishment of a forest park within the Mae Hat – Mae Ko National Reserved Forest. This resolution aimed to harness the tourism potential of the area while implementing measures for controlled and organized activities. This marked the beginning of a series of surveys and assessments to determine the area's suitability for protection.
Following the resolution, the Chiang Mai Regional Forest Office commissioned Mr. Chaliao Nimnuan to conduct an initial survey. His findings supported the establishment of a forest park, prompting a report to the Royal Forest Department. Subsequently, in 1979, the National Park Division of the Royal Forest Department tasked Mr. Sampan Midewan, another Forestry Officer, to thoroughly investigate the area. His survey, completed in June 1980, underscored the region's rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and unique natural formations, concluding that it met the criteria for a national park designation.
The combined efforts of these surveys culminated in a pivotal decision by the National Park Board. On August 8, 1981, they officially designated the area encompassing Mae Hat and Mae Ko Forests as Thailand's 32nd national park. This significant milestone marked the culmination of years of assessments and proposals, recognizing the area's ecological and tourism value. Interestingly, the park initially bore the name "Mae Hat-Mae Ko National Park," reflecting the specific forest areas it encompassed. However, the Royal Forest Department later opted to rename it "Mae Ping National Park," acknowledging the prominent Mae Ping River as a defining characteristic of the park's western boundary and a vital component of its ecosystem.
A notable event in the park's history occurred in 1994 when it underwent an expansion to incorporate Provincial Highway No. 1087. This expansion aimed to strengthen conservation efforts by curbing deforestation, preventing illegal hunting, and ensuring the sustainable management of the park's natural resources. The decision to expand the park's boundaries highlights the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the region's biodiversity and ecological integrity.




Birding


Mae Ping National Park is a great place for birdwatching because it provides access to mature dry dipterocarp forest, a habitat that is not common among Thailand's main bird-watching locations. While this type of forest is not visually appealing to non-birders, a large number of birds who are habitat specialists live there, making it attractive to bird watchers who enjoy the diversity of different species




Flora






Deciduous Forest


Mae Ping National Park is largely dominated by deciduous forests, which compose approximately 80% of the park's total forested area. These deciduous forests are particularly prominent in mountainous regions with sandy soil and elevations below 1,000 meters above sea level. The remaining 20% of the park's forests comprise evergreen forests.
Notable tree species found within this forest type include:

Burma Sal
Burmese Sal
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus
Hairy Keruing
Quercus kerrii Craib
Phyllanthus emblica
Lannea coromandelica
Terminalia alata Heyne
Canarium subulatum
Strychnos nux-vomica
Melientha suavis Pierre
Lower-growing plants in the Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest include:

Phoenix acaulis
Cycads
Pueraria candollei
Ground Orchids




Mixed Deciduous Forest


Another significant forest type within the park is the Mixed Deciduous Forest, found in plains and along mountain slopes at elevations between 450 and 800 meters. This forest type is characterized by tree species such as:

Teak
Iron Wood
Dalbergia cultrata Graham
Canarium subulatum
Millettia brandisiana
Burma Padauk
Schleichera oleosa
Dalbergia dongnaiensis
Vitex pinnata

The understory of the Mixed Deciduous Forest features plants like:

Bauhinia saccocalyx Pierre
Thyrsostachys siamensis Gamble
Bambusa bambos
Bambusa nutans
Phoenix acaulis
Pueraria candollei
Myrica esculenta
Colona flagrocarpa

The park's evergreen forests encompass both Dry Evergreen Forest and Tropical Rain Forest. These forests are primarily located in narrow valleys and along creeks. Some of the plant species found within this forest type are:

Hopea odorata
Black Rosewood
Mangifera caloneura
Irvingia malayana
Spondias pinnata
Beleric myrobalan




Grassland



Mae Ping National Park also features grasslands, notably Thung Kik and Thung Na Ngu. These grasslands are situated on hillsides at an elevation of approximately 550 meters above sea level. The soil in these areas is primarily sandy clay or gravel. Due to their composition, these grasslands are susceptible to wildfires, which occur frequently. Sparsely distributed perennial plants such as Semecarpus cochinchinensis Engl., Terminalia alata Heyne, and Terminalia chebula are found in these grasslands, while the ground cover consists of Phoenix acaulis, Imperata cylindrica, Myrica esculenta Buch, and White Angel.




Fauna


Mae Ping National Park supports a diverse range of animal life.




Mammals


Burmese Hare
Indian Muntjac
Banteng
Asiatic Black Bear
Serows
Chinese Goral
Fishing Cat
Red Junglefowl
Small Indian Civet
Viverricula indica
Indo-Chinese Lutung
Gibbons
Golden Jackal
Squirrels
Crab-Eating Mongoose
Slow Loris
Rhesus Macaque
Lar Gibbon
Wild Boar
Malayan Porcupine
Civet
Common Palm Civet




Reptiles


Ground Lizard
Clouded Monitor Lizard
Malayan Pit Viper
Oriental Garden Lizard
Many-Lined Sun Skink
Common Water Monitor Lizard
Giant Asian Pond Turtle
Soft-Shelled Turtle
Painted Keelbacks
Dwarf Snakehead




Amphibians


Common Asian Toad
Rana limnocharis
Spotted Narrow-Mouthed Frog
Green-Backed Frog
Horseface Loach




Aquatics


Mae Ping National Park's waterways, particularly the Mae Ping River, are home to a variety of freshwater fish species, including

Nile Tilapia
Striped Catfish
Siluridae
Cyprinidae
Goby
Giant Gourami
Macronema Catfish
Hampala Barb




Wildfire


A significant factor contributing to the frequent wildfires in Mae Ping National Park is the local communities' reliance on fire for various activities, often stemming from deeply ingrained beliefs and economic needs. For instance, locals often set fire to the forest floor, believing it enhances mushroom growth, a practice deemed detrimental by experts and unsupported by scientific evidence. Additionally, the common practice of burning fields after harvest to clear weeds and debris further escalates the risk of uncontrolled fires. The use of fire for hunting, intended to flush out animals, also significantly contributes to the occurrence of these wildfires. These practices, while deeply rooted in tradition and essential for local livelihoods, pose considerable challenges to wildfire prevention.
To mitigate these risks, Mae Ping National Park has implemented a multifaceted approach to wildfire prevention. The park utilizes firebreaks as a primary strategy, creating cleared corridors of land to contain the spread of fire. However, the effectiveness of firebreaks depends on their length, strategic placement, and maintenance, which can be limited. Another strategy involves reducing flammable materials, focusing on the abundant dry leaves covering the forest floor. Prescribed burns are also employed under controlled conditions to clear these fuel sources. However, this method requires meticulous planning and execution to prevent them from escalating into uncontrolled wildfires. A more sustainable approach encourages the cultivation of Termitomyces mushrooms. These mushrooms thrive on dead leaves, offering a natural way to reduce fuel while generating income for local communities, thereby lessening their dependence on fire-dependent foraging. The park also emphasizes communication and awareness about fire risks through a dedicated LINE Official Account. This platform shares real-time fire data from reliable sources like NASA FIRMS, CUSense, and Windy, enabling quicker responses to potential fire outbreaks. Complementing this is a Facebook Marketplace, connecting local mushroom sellers with wider markets to promote the economically viable and sustainable cultivation of Termitomyces mushrooms.




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