Similan Islands - Life above the water

Similan Island Wildlife:

Above the sea surrounding each island lies Beach forest, which steadily becomes Tropical forest further inland. A large diversity of important tree species can be found. While Wicked Diving is (obviously) focused on the marine life - we are also very intrigued by the animal life we find as well!

Similan Islands Birds

A survey conducted in 1992 revealed that 39 species of birds are found on the nine islands. Resident species include the Brahminy Kite, and the White-breasted Waterhen. Commonly found migratory species include the Pintail Snipe, and Grey Wagtail. Temporary migratory species include the Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret, Watercock and the Roseate Tern. The most commonly seen species include the Pacific Reef-Egret, Nicobar Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, and the Collared Kingfisher.


The environment of Similan Islands is obviously that of a small island - wherever you go, you are not far from the sea. Natural fresh water reserves are limited, and as a result large mammal species cannot exist.

Mammals

However surveys have revealed that 27 species of small mammals exist within the park, including 16 species of bats namely: the black-bearded tomb bat, the lesser false vampire bat, the intermediate horseshoe bat, the lesser bent-winged bat, and the hairless bat. 3 species of squirrels can be found including the gray-cheeked flying squirrel. 4 species of rats: the yellow Rajah rat, the ricefield rat, roof rat and noisy rat can be seen scurrying around as well.

The more unusal but fairly common residents include the bush tailed porcupine, common palm civet, flying lemur and the bottlenosed dolphin (though these are rarely found ON the islands).

Reptiles

22 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the Similan Islands National Park: including the banded krait, reticulated python, white-lipped pit viper, common pit viper, garden blue lizard, hawksbill turtle, leather turtle, bengal monitor lizard, common water monitor lizard, ornate froglet, common asiatic frog, marsh frog, and the common bush frog.

Crabs!
Among the most interesting species located in the Similan islands is called the hairy leg mountain land crab. This crab is found in such large numbers you will be sure to see many just by walking around a bit in the early morning or evenings. The best spot is on Island #4 near the main capground. No matter where you are on the island seeing this creature will be a reminder you are never far from water.

Similan Diving