Nature Trail | Santiburi Koh Samui

Welcome to our nature trail! This trail takes you on a journey through the local ecosystem, showcasing the rich and diverse flora and fauna that can be found in the area. As you walk along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn about various plants and animals, from towering banyan trees to tiny stingless bees. Our hope is that this trail will provide you with a greater appreciation for the natural world around us and the important role that each of these species plays in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. So, take your time, enjoy the scenery, and be sure to keep an eye out for the many wonders that await you along the way.

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Coppersmith barbet

The Coppersmith Barbet is a small bird found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. With its bright green plumage and red forehead, it is a striking sight in the forest canopy. Its distinctive call sounds like a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer, hence its name. These birds are mainly fruit-eaters, feeding on figs, guavas, and other fruits. They are also known to nest in tree cavities, excavating their own holes with their strong bills. Listen for their calls and keep an eye out for their vibrant colors on your nature walk!

Pink necked Green pigeon

The Pink-necked Green Pigeon is a beautiful bird found in Southeast Asia and parts of India. The males have a bright green plumage with a distinctive pink band around their necks, while the females have a more muted green and lack the pink band. These pigeons mainly feed on fruit, and can often be found in fruiting trees. They are known for their soft cooing calls, which are a common sound in the forest canopy. Keep an eye out for these stunning birds as you walk through the trees, and listen for their gentle calls echoing through the forest.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is a striking bird found in South and Southeast Asia. Its long, black tail feathers end in two elongated, webbed feathers, giving it a distinctive "racket" appearance. These birds are known for their impressive mimicry skills, imitating the calls of other birds and even some mammals. They are also skilled hunters, catching insects on the wing and occasionally stealing food from other birds. Listen for their varied calls and keep an eye out for their unique appearance as you explore the forest.

Red-headed lizard

The Red-headed Lizard, also known as the Red-headed Rock Agama, is a species of lizard found in the rocky areas of Eastern and Southern Africa. They have a distinct appearance with bright red heads and bodies that range from brown to gray, allowing them to blend in with their rocky surroundings. These lizards are diurnal and feed on insects and other small animals. During the breeding season, the males become more colorful and territorial, displaying their bright red heads to attract mates and deter rivals. Keep an eye out for these fascinating lizards basking in the sun on rocks during your nature walk.

Tailed Jay

The Tailed Jay is a beautiful butterfly found in South and Southeast Asia. With its striking black and electric blue wings, accented by a long, trailing tail, it is a stunning sight in flight. These butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and can often be seen fluttering about in gardens and forest clearings. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of citrus trees, making them an important pest species in some areas. Keep an eye out for the Tailed Jay's striking colors and unique tail as you explore the natural beauty of the region.

Rustic butterfly

Cupha erymanthis lotis, also known as the Lotus Cupid, is a subspecies of the Chinese Cupid butterfly (Cupha erymanthis) found in Southeast Asia. It has similar bright orange wings with black spots and lines as the Chinese Cupid, but with a larger white patch on its hind wings. These butterflies feed on the nectar of various flowering plants and are commonly found in forests and wooded areas. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of plants in the family Acanthaceae. The Lotus Cupid is a beautiful and striking species of butterfly and is a wonderful sight to see during your nature walk.

Yellow-vented Bulbul

The Yellow-vented Bulbul is a small bird found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It has a distinctive yellow patch on its underside, which contrasts with its mostly brown and gray plumage. These birds are common in gardens, parks, and wooded areas and can often be seen flitting about in trees and bushes. They feed on a variety of fruits, insects, and small animals. Yellow-vented Bulbuls are known for their pleasant, melodic songs, which can be heard throughout the day. Keep an eye out for these lively and vocal birds during your nature walk.

Southern Treeshrew

The Southern Treeshrew is a small, arboreal mammal found in Southeast Asia. They have a pointed snout and large, round ears which allow them to navigate their forested habitats with ease. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and other small animals. Despite their name, they spend much of their time on the ground, foraging for food and occasionally climbing trees. They are an important part of the ecosystem, serving as prey for larger predators and aiding in the dispersal of seeds. Keep an eye out for these elusive creatures on your nature walk!

Monitor Lizard

The Monitor Lizard is a large and powerful reptile found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. These lizards have long, muscular bodies covered in tough scales and are known for their keen senses and sharp claws. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, birds, small mammals, and even other reptiles. Monitor Lizards are often found near water and are strong swimmers. They are also skilled climbers and can be seen basking in the sun on rocks and trees. These fascinating and formidable creatures are a remarkable sight to see during your nature walk. However, it's important to keep a safe distance as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened.

Little cormorant

The Little Cormorant is a small species of waterbird found in many parts of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. They have dark brown to black feathers and a distinctive hooked bill that they use to catch fish and other small aquatic prey. Little Cormorants are skilled swimmers and divers, and can often be seen diving into water and propelling themselves with their webbed feet. They are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, and are often seen perched on trees or rocks with their wings outstretched, drying their feathers. Keep an eye out for these agile and adaptable birds during your nature walk around bodies of water.

Dragonfly larvae

Dragonfly larvae are the aquatic nymphs of dragonflies, a type of flying insect found throughout the world. These larvae are a fascinating sight to behold as they swim through the water with their elongated bodies and large, bulging eyes. They are voracious predators, feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, including mosquitoes, small fish, and tadpoles. In turn, they serve as an important food source for larger fish and birds. Dragonfly larvae are an important part of the local ecosystem as they help to regulate the population of other aquatic organisms. Keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures in the shallow waters during your nature walk, and appreciate their role in maintaining the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

Beach morning glory

Beach Morning Glory, also known as Railroad Vine, is a beautiful flowering plant that is found on sandy beaches and coastal dunes around the world. It has distinctive lavender or pink flowers that bloom in the morning and close up in the afternoon. The plant has long, trailing stems that can stretch for several feet along the ground and help to stabilize the sand dunes. Beach Morning Glory is an important plant for coastal ecosystems, as it provides food and shelter for a variety of insects and birds. Look for this stunning plant during your nature walk along the beach or dunes, and enjoy the delicate beauty it brings to the coastal landscape.

Ghost crab

The Ghost Crab is a small, agile crab species found on sandy beaches around the world. They are known for their quick movements and are named after their pale coloration, which helps them blend in with the sand. Ghost crabs are primarily active at night and can often be seen scurrying across the sand in search of food, which includes small invertebrates and detritus. They are important members of the coastal ecosystem as they help to aerate and fertilize the sand, and provide food for a variety of predators such as birds and fish. Keep an eye out for these fascinating crabs during your nature walk on the beach, especially at dawn or dusk when they are most active.

Moon Snail

The Moon Snail, also known as the Shark Eye, is a large sea snail found in the intertidal zones of the world's oceans. These snails have a round, flattened shell with a spiral pattern of ridges and grooves. They use their strong foot to move along the sandy ocean floor and burrow into the sand in search of prey, which includes clams and other bivalves. Moon Snails are voracious predators and can drill through the shells of their prey using their radula, a specialized feeding structure. These snails are an important part of the intertidal ecosystem and play a role in regulating the population of bivalves. Keep an eye out for these fascinating snails during your nature walk on the beach, especially after a storm when they may have washed up on the shore.

Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree is a majestic and iconic tree found in many parts of the world, including India, Southeast Asia, and Hawaii. It has a distinctive aerial root system that grows down from its branches, creating a network of trunks that give the tree a striking and dramatic appearance. Banyan Trees can live for hundreds of years and can grow to enormous sizes, making them an important part of many ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects, and their aerial roots help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Banyan Trees have cultural significance in many societies and are often considered sacred or symbolic. Take a moment during your nature walk to admire the grandeur of these impressive trees and appreciate the important role they play in the environment.

Sugarcane White Grub

The Sugarcane White Grub, also known as the Sugarcane Beetle Larva, is an interesting and unique animal to observe during your nature walk. These grubs have a creamy white body with a brown head and can grow up to 5 cm in length. They spend several months feeding on the roots of sugarcane plants before pupating and emerging as adult beetles. Although they can cause damage to crops and reduce yields, they are an important part of the ecosystem and provide food for a variety of predators such as birds, mammals, and other insects. During your nature walk, take a moment to appreciate the interesting life cycle and ecological role of the Sugarcane White Grub as an important member of the local ecosystem.

Lichen

Lichen is a fascinating organism that is a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and tundra, and is often seen growing on rocks, trees, and soil. Lichen comes in many different forms and colors and can be a beautiful addition to any landscape. It plays an important role in the ecosystem as it provides food and habitat for a variety of organisms, including insects and small mammals. Lichen is also used for medicinal purposes and has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. During your nature walk, take a closer look at the diverse forms and colors of lichen and appreciate the unique and vital role it plays in the environment.

Two tailed spider

The Two-tailed Spider, also known as the Daddylonglegs Spider, is a small and harmless spider commonly found in gardens and wooded areas. It gets its name from the long, thin extensions at the end of its abdomen, which resemble tails. These spiders are known for their unique courtship behavior, in which the male vibrates his body and drum-like pedipalps to attract a mate. The female lays her eggs in a silken cocoon and attaches it to a leaf or other surface. The Two-tailed Spider feeds on small insects and other spiders and is considered beneficial for controlling pest populations. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these fascinating spiders and appreciate their important role in the local ecosystem.

Variable Squirrel

The Variable Squirrel, also known as the Asiatic Brush-tailed Squirrel, is a common tree-dwelling rodent found in many parts of Asia. It has a bushy tail and a reddish-brown coat that can vary in color and pattern. These squirrels are active during the day and feed on a variety of foods, including nuts, fruits, insects, and small animals. They play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and providing food for predators such as birds of prey and large snakes. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these agile and acrobatic squirrels as they scamper through the trees and appreciate the important role they play in the local ecosystem.

Batik golden web spider

The Batik Golden Web Spider, also known as the Giant Wood Spider or Nephila, is a large and striking spider found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has a distinct pattern on its abdomen that resembles batik cloth, hence its name. These spiders spin large, intricate webs that can reach up to a meter in diameter, and use them to catch flying insects such as flies, bees, and butterflies. The female is much larger than the male and can often be seen sitting in the center of her web, waiting for prey. Despite their size and intimidating appearance, these spiders are not dangerous to humans and are considered beneficial for controlling insect populations. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these beautiful and fascinating spiders as they spin their intricate webs.

Stingless bee

The Stingless Bee, also known as Meliponines, is a group of bees found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. As their name suggests, they do not have a stinger, so they are not dangerous to humans. These bees are smaller than the common honeybee and have a unique pattern of black and yellow stripes on their abdomen. They play a vital role in the local ecosystem by pollinating flowers and plants, which helps in the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. In addition, they also produce a small amount of honey that is highly prized for its medicinal properties. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these tiny and industrious bees as they buzz from flower to flower, and appreciate their important role in the local ecosystem.

Red Dwarf-honey bee

The Red Dwarf Honey Bee, also known as Apis florea, is a small species of honey bee found in many parts of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. They are distinct from other honey bees in their small size and reddish-brown color. These bees are known for their ability to build their hives in unusual locations, such as in tree branches, on walls, and even inside buildings. They play an important role in the local ecosystem by pollinating flowers and plants, which helps in the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. In addition, they also produce honey that is highly prized for its medicinal properties. Despite their small size, these bees are known for their fierce defense of their hive and can become aggressive if their hive is disturbed. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these small and industrious bees as they go about their work, and appreciate their important role in the local ecosystem.

Giant honey bee

The Giant Honey Bee, also known as Apis dorsata, is one of the largest species of honey bees in the world. They are found in many parts of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These bees are known for their impressive size and distinctive yellow and black stripes. They play an important role in the local ecosystem by pollinating flowers and plants, which helps in the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. In addition, they also produce honey that is highly prized for its medicinal properties. During your nature walk, keep an eye out for these fascinating bees as they buzz from flower to flower, and appreciate their important role in the local ecosystem. And always remember, whether it's the tiny stingless bee or the giant honey bee, each of these creatures has its unique contribution to the natural world.

Red Breasted Parakeet

The Red-breasted Parakeet, also known as Psittacula alexandri, is a colorful bird species that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These parakeets are known for their striking green plumage, red bills, and red patches on their chests. They are a common sight in urban and suburban areas, where they often nest in tree cavities and feed on a variety of fruits and seeds. Red-breasted Parakeets play an important role in the local ecosystem by dispersing seeds of the fruits they consume, thus contributing to the growth and regeneration of plant species in the area. During your nature walk, listen for their distinctive calls and look up to catch a glimpse of these vibrant birds as they fly overhead. And always remember, every creature, whether big or small, has its unique role to play in maintaining the delicate balance of the natural world.

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