27.3 Environmental Characteristics of the Thai Peat
Swamps
27.3.1 Climate
The climate of the southern peninsula is classified as Tropical Monsoon Climate
(Köppen Am) or Tropical Rainforest Type (Köppen Af). The annual rainfall ranges
from 1800 to 4000 mm. The relative humidity is rather high (above 80%) and usually
uniform. The mean of annual temperature varies from 26 to 28
C.
27.3.2 Natural Vegetation and Habitats
At present, only about 7776 ha of the peat swamp in Narathiwat Province still
constitute peat swamp forest with climax species (Fig. 27.2). It was well documented
that the natural plants consist of various tree species, palms, climbers, ferns, sedges,
reeds, and grasses.
It is interesting that the tree plants growing in the peat swamps are characterized
as having short tap roots, strong widespread lateral roots (buttresses), stilt roots, and
kneed-root types (pneumatophores) to adapt to the swampy environment (Fig. 27.2).
Fig. 27.2 Natural climax vegetation and root system at To Daeng swamp forest
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P. Vijarnsorn
Swamps
27.3.1 Climate
The climate of the southern peninsula is classified as Tropical Monsoon Climate
(Köppen Am) or Tropical Rainforest Type (Köppen Af). The annual rainfall ranges
from 1800 to 4000 mm. The relative humidity is rather high (above 80%) and usually
uniform. The mean of annual temperature varies from 26 to 28
C.
27.3.2 Natural Vegetation and Habitats
At present, only about 7776 ha of the peat swamp in Narathiwat Province still
constitute peat swamp forest with climax species (Fig. 27.2). It was well documented
that the natural plants consist of various tree species, palms, climbers, ferns, sedges,
reeds, and grasses.
It is interesting that the tree plants growing in the peat swamps are characterized
as having short tap roots, strong widespread lateral roots (buttresses), stilt roots, and
kneed-root types (pneumatophores) to adapt to the swampy environment (Fig. 27.2).
Fig. 27.2 Natural climax vegetation and root system at To Daeng swamp forest
728
P. Vijarnsorn