Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya has established the Life on Land Policy (Revised Edition), A.D. 2025. Under Policy 3: Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystem and Species Protection, the University seeks to identify and monitor species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and relevant national conservation lists, and to protect such species where their habitats are found in areas affected by University operations. The University implements this policy through its formal Memorandum of Understanding with Thung Song Municipality, which supports research, academic-service, and community-engagement activities in local terrestrial ecosystems. This includes limestone-hill habitats within Thung Song Municipality, which provide important habitat for amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife. The University’s activities aim to generate reliable biodiversity information, support habitat conservation, and promote the use of scientific evidence in local environmental planning.
To support the identification of species of conservation concern, the University developed the e-book Amphibians and Reptiles in Thung Song. The publication provides information on local amphibian and reptile species, including their conservation status under the IUCN Red List where applicable. It supports local residents, schools, students, and partner organizations in recognizing species of conservation concern and understanding the ecological importance of local habitats. University staff also participated in national technical meetings on biodiversity conservation and the assessment of the conservation status of amphibians and reptiles in Thailand using IUCN assessment categories.
To support species monitoring, the University conducts field surveys through herping and night-walk activities in collaboration with snake-ecology specialists, local nature-conservation groups, and Thung Song Municipality. Surveys conducted on 25 April, 12 June, and 1 July 2025 documented amphibians and reptiles associated with limestone-hill ecosystems, with particular attention to the beautiful pit viper (Trimeresurus venustus), a limestone-associated species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
These activities also contribute to the protection of threatened species and their habitats by generating biodiversity information for conservation, increasing awareness among schools and local communities, and supporting the use of scientific evidence in local environmental planning. Together, species identification, field monitoring, conservation information, and community engagement demonstrate the implementation of the University’s Life on Land Policy for the identification, monitoring, and protection of species of conservation concern.
Related Links / Supporting Evidence:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=28973418168940469&set=a.109517569090580
Information Provider: Asst.Prof.Dr.Worawitoo Meesook