Yee-Hah! Thailand To Expand Road To 4-Lane Highway Through Largest Intact Forest, WH Site [View all]

[hatrack]

Spanning 230 kilometers (143 miles) and comprising more than half a million hectares westward from the Cambodian border lies Dong-Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (DPKY-FC), the largest tract of surviving forest in central Thailand. Renowned for its biodiversity, DPKY-FC is home to more than 800 species of animals, including Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), which are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, as well as Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), Indochinese tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti), and banteng (Bos javanicus), all of which are endangered. The complex is also a key watershed for the country, feeding major rivers.

“This is a hotspot for nature—the largest tract of surviving forest in central Thailand and a globally famous tourist destination,” said Professor Lian Pin Koh at the University of Adelaide in Australia. “The park sustains a wealth of wildlife including Asian elephants, Gaur, Dhole, Leopards, several species of hornbills and gibbons, and over 2,500 plant species.”

Because of its importance, DPKY-FC has been classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, this is not stopping development of the area. Now, the Thai government is planning major expansions to a road that bisects the complex – which scientists say will bar animal movement throughout their natural ranges, result in higher rates of road kill, and give hunters and loggers increased access to the forest. “From an environmental perspective it’s truly dangerous,” said William Laurance, a professor at James Cook University in Australia and director of ALERT, the Alliance of Leading Environmental Researchers and Thinkers.

Highway 304 runs up through the center of DPKY-FC. Currently, it is a two-lane highway, but because it sees so much traffic, the government plans to expand it to four lanes over three years. Part of the plan allegedly involves building a series of large bridges and tunnels to allow animals to cross safely. While such animal crossings have seen some success in other parts of the world, approval of an earlier plan to build a “wildlife corridor” in DPKY-FC last year was met with criticism by environmental groups.

EDIT

http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0829-gfrn-morgan-dpky-highway.html