A survey of marine endangered animals to study the population and distribution in Trang on 7-13 March 2025.
- Mr. Chinnakorn Thongchai, a scientist from The Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment, Walailak University participated in an aerial survey of rare marine animals from March 7–13, 2025. This survey was conducted in collaboration with Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Lower Andaman Sea) and Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Lower Gulf of Thailand) to study the population and distribution of marine endangered animals. The survey covered areas around Libong Island, Muk Island, Pak Meng Beach, Ban Pak Khlong, Sikao Bay, Laem Sai, Sukorn Island, and nearby islands in Trang Province. Additionally, a boat survey was conducted using multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Ban PhrAo Bay, Laem Juhoy, and Libong Island, covering a total survey area of 616 square kilometers. The aerial survey utilized two fixed-wing, two-seater aircraft with the Line Transect method and was conducted in collaboration with volunteer pilots Mr. Eduardo Angelo Loigorri and Ms. Pinyada Raksangob. The preliminary survey results found more than 19 dugongs, more than 34 sea turtles, more than 40 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and more than 5 Irrawaddy dolphins, distributed across the surveyed areas as follows:
- - Libong Island: 17 dugongs, 25 sea turtles, and at least 40 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
- - Muk Island: 2 dugongs, 6 sea turtles, and 5 Irrawaddy dolphins.
- - Pak Meng Beach: 6 sea turtles.
- - Samran Beach: 4 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
- - Sukorn Island: 4 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
- - Phetra Island: 1 sea turtle and 16 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
- - Ban Pak Khlong, Sikao Bay Laem Sai: No marine endangered animals observed.
- A visual health assessment of the dugongs revealed that they exhibited normal foraging behavior along seagrass beds, with a respiration rate of 3–5 breaths per 5 minutes. The body condition scores (BCS) of the dugongs were categorized as follows: Thin (BCS=2/5): 6 individuals. Good condition (BCS=3/5): 9 individuals. Slightly overweight (BCS=4/5): 4 individuals.
- Additionally, a mother-calf pair of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins was observed, indicating reproductive health within the marine population. Overall, no abnormalities in animal behavior were noted, nor were there any visible injuries or entanglements caused by fishing gear or marine debris. The data and photographs from this survey will be used for dugong photo identification (Photo-ID) and to estimate the actual population of rare marine animals in the Trang Province area.
- All of these activities we have collected the impressive images as the link below.
The Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment
Walailak University
222 Thai Buri , Tha Sala District , Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 80160 Thailand.
Tel. : 0-7567-3248-51
Fax : 0-7567-3247
E-mail : cse@mail.wu.ac.th
"Good laboratory, outstanding personnel, excellent service."
"Good service with standard quality work."
