Monkey Business Thailand

Monkey business was very much on my mind yesterday when I paid another visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand(mountain with three hundred peaks). To be more precise I was on a mission to observe and photograph the Spectacled Langur also sometimes referred to as the Dusky Leaf Monkey or Spectacled Leaf Monkey.

As you can see from today's image(view in full size) the Spectacled Langur is somewhat unique in appearance, normally a fairly timid animal, their habitat is usually different types of forest areas where their diet consists of leafs and fruit. Interestingly when the babies are born they are bright orange and it is only later that they develop their unique markings.

This primate is only found on the Malaysian Peninsula, Thailand, Myanmar and nearby islands. Although it is not an endangered species it is classed as threatened mainly due to habitat loss. Because of the animals status, it is protected in Thailand and in Khao Sam Roi Yot there is a programme in place to encourage breeding and stop habitat loss. Foreign volunteers often come to work in the park where they study the animals and help with conservation.

I knew from previous experience(when I didn't see Langurs) that I was most likely to see a Spectacled Langur near the park headquarters so thats where we headed yesterday. Well I wasn't disappointed and managed to find a few nearby, one particular old male was quite photogenic and actually allowed me to approach quite closely.

I also got a chance to observe Crab Eating or Short Tailed Macaques yesterday. There was a large troop in the vicinity and I managed some good photographs. These primates do eat crabs which are available in the mangrove area of the park although this is not their sole diet. Macaques like other primates are also good swimmers and as we left the park we briefly stopped to watch a group frolicking in the water. Short tailed Macaques seem less aggressive than their long tailed cousins and were quite tolerant of human intrusion into their territory.

Khao Sam Roi Yot also provides a fantastic habitat for birds although yesterday I did not see anything unusual. The park also has several cave systems and we had intended to visit Tham Phraya Nakhon, a cave which houses a Royal Pavilion that at a certain time of the day is illuminated by the sun. Access is difficult and best approached from the sea, but no boats were available yesterday due to high winds and waves. No doubt we will return to further this adventure later.

Entry to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is free for Thais but foreigners pay 200Baht(£4) with a 30Baht levy for your vehicle. There are plenty of great places to eat at very reasonable prices, lunch by the sea for the three of us cost the princely sum of 320 Baht which included a thirst quenching beer for me and a tip!

All in all a very satisfying day especially as I completed my money business!

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