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Phu Pha Man
Northeast
National Park Phu Pha Man is named after a landmark mountain range which towers elegantly like a huge rock curtain. The park once was rich in flora and fauna, but number of wildlife and forest area has shrunk dramatically by logging concession. However, its beautiful caves, waterfalls, and watershed forest urged the government to conserve the place.nd Established in 1991, the countryûs 72 national park acquires total area of 350 square kilometres in Amphoe Chum Phae, Khon Kaen and Phu Kradueng, Loei.
Geography Rugged and long limestone range dominates the park. The park is situated at the elevation between 200-800 metres above sea level. Its watershed for-
est fills up many stream that are tributaries of Nam Phong River, Huai Phuhi, Huai Chomphu, Huai Chok and Huai Khahao.
Climate The park is rather hot with mean temperature at 39 degrees Celsius.
Flora and fauna The park comprises hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Its major plants include Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Afzelia xylocarpa, L.calyculata, Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Xylia xylocarpa, Shorea obtusa, S. siamensis, Alpinia malaccensis, Vietnamosasa pusilla, Calamus spp. and Musa acuminata. These forests are home to Serow, Common Wild Boar, Common Muntjak, Macaque, Siamese Hare, Pangolin, Porcupine, Tree Monitor and different birds over 200 species such as Barbet, Bulbul, Prinia, Tailorbird, Coucal and Malkoha.
Attractions ◆ Pha Puang Cave. Formations of stalagmite and stalactite decorate this cave. A chimney leads to the mountain summit where cave trekker can witness the stunning view. ◆ Phaya Nakkharat Cave. The most beautiful cave in the park whose chambers are decorated by glittering stalagmites and stalactites. ◆ Lai Thaeng Cave. The caves houses ancient cave painting on its wall. At the size of 2 metres by 2 metres, it was assumed as treasure map in the past. Actually, the painting comprises 70 pictures of men and animals in red. Its age is being estimated. ◆ Phu Ta Lo Cave. The huge cave with flat ground can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Its
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