Sometimes danger appears		To reduce the risk of injury    Sometimes danger appears    Emergency transportation

Cuts and Scratches    Mosquitoes    Leeches   Ticks   Wasps and bees Scorpions, spiders and centipedes   Caterpillars   Snake bite   Plant allergies

       The forest abounds with a variety of animal and plant life in all shapes and forms. A general rule is to respect all living creates and the environment in which they live. Always take care where you place your feet and hands, and look at the path where you walk since it can sometimes be crossed with large spider webs. Many insects and reptiles rest idly on the trunk of a tree; snakes await prey or seek refuge in piles of leaves along pathways, in tree hollows and under rocks. Some are conspicuous with bright colors to warn you of danger, but some are subtly camouflaged. Your lecturer is well trained in spotting and identifying many of the animals of the forest, but it doesn’t hurt to keep both eyes keenly open.

       Most wildlife will detect us well before we spot them and will already have given us a wide berth. Any animals which you are lucky enough to come across should be observed from a respectable distance. Never attempt to touch or handle any wild animal, as this can only cause unnecessary stress to the animal. Never try to feed any wild animals, and don’t leave food for an animal to later feed upon.

       There is a population of rehabilitated White handed gibbons living in the KPT national park. They are curious about visitors, but as with other wildlife they should only be observed from a distance. Many years of work have gone into the rehabilitation of these animals, and though their intentions may appear friendly, don’t be fooled. The gibbons are wild and dangerous animals who will protect their family with aggression. If approached, do not attempt to touch the gibbons or offer them food. Let your lecturer deal with the situation. Never turn your back on a gibbon!

       Each individual is different with regard to allergic reactions. Materials in the forest may induce an allergic reaction in some people, and the reaction magnitude depends on personal immunity. It may affect some people violently even with minimum contact, while others might be fine to touch it.

       Ecologist lecturers will always bring a first aid kit on the forest treks. However they cannot be held responsible for accidents to visitors or for damage to/loss of personal property or equipment. Visitors should therefore make their own insurance arrangements. Upon arrival, please pay careful attention to the briefing given to you by the ecologist lecturer. See below for some more things to watch out for on your trek:

        Cuts and Scratches
      These are the most common wounds, typically caused by thorns and spiky plants one is likely to encounter in the forest, including rattan palm, Caesalpinia sp, Acasia sp. The wound can quickly become infected due to the humidity. It is important to promptly and carefully remove any thorns stuck inside the wound, and then it should be kept scrupulously clean, dry and covered with an antibiotic cream. If there are any signs of serious infection, seek further medical attention.

The thorns of rattan palm can tear the skin and clothes.
Here it is pictured with a tiny Pearl-shaped big-jawed spider
adjacent, whose sting may cause minor and temporary pain.
(P0010 @Suwit Punnadee)

        Mosquitoes
       Mosquitoes are common in KPT forest, and as you probably know, their bites are quite itchy. Swelling can occur in those who develop an allergic reaction, and if not treated properly the wound may inflame and become seriously infected. The best protection against mosquitoes is to cover up and use insect repellent on skin and clothing. This forest is not considered a high risk zone for any of the mosquito borne diseases such as malaria or Japanese encephalitis. However, in the communities surrounding the forest, there have been incidences of Dengue fever.

        Leeches
       Land leeches (Haemadipsa spp) are less common in KPT park, but they can be found deep in the forest during rainy season. The presence of leeches indicates a healthy population of wildlife and a clean environment, as they live away from areas with traces of industrial chemicals, acid rainfall and urban waste. 

"A land leech sucking blood on a White-lipped frog." (O0002 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

       There is no guaranteed method of preventing leech bites in leech-infested areas. The best protection against leeches is to cover up and use insect repellent on clothing. There are many home remedies to help prevent leech bites including a dried residue of bath soap and tobacco leaves between the toes, pastes of salt or baking soda, citrus juice, and eucalyptus oil.

       Although there is no evidence that leeches transmit disease and the blood loss doesn't affect most people, their bites are potentially irritating for some people and if not treated properly, the wound may become infected. Knowing how to remove leeches properly helps prevent a serious allergic reaction or wound infection. The first option is to wait about 20 minutes. Leaving the leech on your skin is not harmful. Once the leech is full, it will release itself and drop off. However if absolutely necessary to remove the leech before it has finished feeding , you can easily remove it by gently easing it off with a flat, thin object. Your fingernail will work if you have nothing else. Firmly slide this under the oral sucker, found at the narrow end of the leech. Keep sliding your tool under until the leech is completely detached from your skin. Then treat the affected area to prevent infection. Bandage the wound, which will be bleeding profusely, and keep checking on it every 15 minutes. You may need to replace the bandage. The bite mark will itch for the next few days while it heals. Try not to scratch and bruise the spot, as this could lead to infection.

        Ticks
       Ticks such as Ixodes spp., Haemaphysalis spp., and Rhipicephalus spp. are less common in KPT forest. They live on the forest floor, and are often found in rotten logs and at sleeping sites of mammals such as wild boar. Therefore it is advisable to avoid these sites and not to sit on fallen logs without first inspecting them. While larval ticks have six legs, adult ticks have eight, with the front legs curved forward similarly to crabs. The bite wound from an adult is more serious, but they occur less frequently because the tick is easier to detect before the bite occurs. Larval tick bites occur more often because they are too small to see and not easy to remove from the skin after they bite.

 "Ticks are often found as external parasites
on wildlife, such as this tick hitching a ride on a baby
Spiny turtle. Sharp spines on all marginal plates
of their shells may deter predators, and they certainly
help to conceal the turtle. (R0012 @Owart Maprang)

       There is no guaranteed method of preventing tick bites in tick-infested areas. The best protection against ticks is covering up, using insect repellent on clothing, and always checking your skin carefully. Prompt removal of attached ticks and use of repellents to prevent tick attachment provide the best preventions against tick typhus. Signs of a bite include an itchy, raised, crater-like swelling which may be followed by a headache and numbness or pain in the affected area.

       Wasps and bees
      Usually the nests of wasp/hornets (Vespa spp) and bees such as the Asian hive bee or the Giant honey bee (Apis spp) are located high up in the tree. Bee activity is generally restricted to the canopy where flowers are most abundant, but they can be found around streams. Some wasp and hornet nests are found close to the ground but you are unlikely to disturb them if you stick to the established trails.

      
       "Greater Banded hornets (Vespa tropica) protect their nest, which is built under the forest floor. A Giant honey bee comes down to a stream in the dry season. (I0009, I0007 @Suwit Punnadee)

     The results of a sting can vary from a single area of localized inflammation to a generalized urticarial rash. Remove any stingers remaining in the skin immediately to avoid additional poison entering the wound. Wash the sting with soap and water. Place an antibiotic ointment on the area surrounding the sting. Although most stings require no additional medical care, more serious reactions may need immediate medical attention. If you have been stung previously and had a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention. Consider taking an antihistamine and pain reliever as soon as possible, and consult a doctor for additional information.

        Scorpions, spiders and centipedes
       The sting of a Thai scorpion or spider will cause only minor and temporary pain, unlike some species of other regions of the world which can have fatal stings. Scorpions are non-aggressive nocturnal creatures including the Giant Black scorpion (Heterometru spp.) and Chaerilus scorpion (Chaerilus spp.) They hunt during the night and hide in crevices and burrows during the day to avoid the light. Thus, accidental human stinging occurs when scorpions are touched while in their hiding places, with most of the stings occurring on the hands and feet. It is also advisable to shake out your clothes, boots or shoes before putting them on. Centipedes have a painful bite, but are not toxic enough to be deadly.

      
       "A tropical centipede feeding on a snail, and the Golden web spider who spins extremely strong, sticky, yellow webs between the undergrowth. Such webs can entrap very large insects such as the cicada in above right photo, and sometimes even small birds and bats. (I0006, I0003 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

        
       "In the above left photo, the Giant black scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) appears more dangerous than it is. The poison is not fatal, though the swelling will hurt for a few hours. Some people keep these scorpions as pets. In contrast, the tiny Chaerilus scorpion (Chaerilus celebensis) pictured in the above right photo has more painful stings." (I0008 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr; I0005 @Suwit Punnadee)

       The Golden web spiders and Orb web spiders are the most common species in the forest, and can be found along the forest trails, while tunnel spiders are less common. If you see spiders, do not be scared, but simply admire their natural beauty and color.   Although most people are not affected by bites from these species, some may be allergic to the venom. Pain at the site of the sting can sometimes be lessened with an ice cube. Consider taking pain relief as soon as possible and in the case of more severe symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.

        Caterpillars
       Some caterpillars are conspicuous and brightly colored, but others such as Tiger moths and Malay viscount caterpillars, are well camouflaged on the leaves and bark. They have urticating hairs or spines to protect them from predators, which may also cause skin irritation in humans after accidental contact. Irritation is caused by a poison released when hair-tips break in human skin. The severity of the irritation are variable. Symptoms may begin immediately after contact or may be delayed for hours or days, and are usually temporary, lasting about a week. They include itching, typically followed by a rash. In severe reactions symptoms may include malaise and mild fever. Caterpillar hairs in the eye can cause conjunctivitis and even inflammation of the whole eye.

         
       "A camouflaged Malay viscount carterpillar and brilliantly coloured moth carterpilars feeding on young leaves." (I0002, I0004 @Suwit Punnadee)

       To remove irritating caterpillar hairs on skin, apply adhesive tape (such as duct or masking tape) to the site and pull off. Repeat as needed until all hairs are removed. Follow with anti-histamine lotion, and apply ice to the affected area. In the event of hairs in the eye, flush the eyes immediately with plenty of water before seeking professional medical help.

       Snake bite

      The most common venomous snakes in this forest are:

Elapidae, including King cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah), Monocellate cobra (Naja Kaouthia), White-banded krait (Bungarus candidus) and Small-spotted coral snake (Calliophis maculiceps).

Viperidae, including Pope's pit-viper (Trimeresurus (Popeia) cf. fucatus), Wagler's pit-vipers (Tropidolaemus wagleri).

"The largest venomous snake is a King cobra, which are almost always found near the stream. Usually the young are more dexterous and aggressive than adults. Shown in this photo is a young male in a characteristically alert pose, confronting a potential threat." (R0005 @Suwit Punnadee)

Apart from the above two groups, a third group is the Colubridae, including Red-necked keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus), Speckle-bellied keelback (Rhabdophis chrysargus), Green keeplback (Rhabdophis nigrocinctus) etc. Some species of this sub-family are venomous, although we do not have enough information to say which species. Nonetheless, snakes should be treated as though they were dangerous. Human bite victims have suffered severe symptoms, but no fatalities have been reported.

       Snakes do not try to bite people, but only react to a perceived threat to their own safety. Most prefer to flee from humans. If they feel disturbed or threatened, they will warn the intruder by hissing or threat displays such as rearing up and flattening the neck.

            
       "Monocellate cobras are uncommon in deep forest but can be found outside the surrounding area. A Malayan krait foraging during the night along the Bang Pae nature-education trail. (R0010 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr; R0014 @Suwit Punnadee)

         
        "A Small-spotted coral snake can be found both in deep forest and outside, and a female Wagler's pit-viper yawning. (R0015 @Suwit Punnadee; R0011 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

         
       "A male Pope's pit-viper is quick to strike and is highly venomous, seen here awaiting its prey close to a creeper herb (Hoya sp). A Red-necked keelback hiding close to a rock." (R0007 @Owart Maprang; R0013 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

         
       "A juvenile Speckle-bellied keelback foraging along a bamboo branch close to the forest floor. A juvenile Green keelback foraging along the stream bank.” (R0008 @Suwit Punnadee; R0009 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

      If you are bitten by a snake, it is important that you try to remain calm. Most snakes you will encounter are not venomous, and even those that are venomous will not always inject in a defensive bite. If possible, try to remember the appearance of the snake, which could be useful in deciding the best treatment. The bite area should be cleaned to prevent infection. Your lecturer will be trained to deal with such events. Remember to try and slow blood flow from the affected area by loosely tying a bandage or piece of cloth. Make sure you should still be able to run two fingers under the bandage. You should try to find medical attention as soon as possible.

"Stinging hairs coat the whole part of Dendrocnide sinuate, as the photo shows an inflorescence and fruits.(P0011 @Suwit Punnadee)

       If you come into contact with a cobra, be aware that they are able to spit venom into the eyes from as far as 2 meters. Try to keep your distance, and if venom is sprayed into your eyes, clean them immediately with water and seek further medical attention.

        Plant allergies
     Some plant substances can cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis. There are several species that can be problematic in this forest. Irritatants include itchy lashes caused by the painful stinging hairs of Dendrocnide sinuate (Miq.) Chew, bamboo, and the dark sap exudate of Semecarpus spp tree which can cause eye irritations and severe dermatitis or allergic reactions. The pollen from trees, shrubs, weeds and grasses is one of the main causes of allergy. Susceptible individuals can suffer from rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hay fever, asthma, dermatitis and even anaphylactic shock upon exposure to pollen.

      We hope you find these guidelines helpful. And we hope you have a very enjoyable and memorable experience at the Khao Phra Park. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

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