Wildlife and Animals on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand in Asia. Wildlife and animals on Koh Samui are critical to the survival of Samui’s eco-system and for the islands natural growth. The Wild monkeys, snakes, reptiles and the insects live deep in the jungle of Koh Samui. The non-profit organisation Samui Snake and Wildlife Rescue assist with the recapture and the release of the wildlife from populated areas of the island. There is generally no threat from the wildlife and animals on Koh Samui to the tourists or locals. The threat to the wild animals of Koh Samui is the humans on the island encroaching on their natural habitat. The continued construction of villas and hotels forces the wildlife of Samui into the tourist and the populated areas of the island.

Mosquito and Flies

You are unlikely to develop malaria from a short visit to Samui. Worldwide the mosquito is responsible for more medical admissions to the hospital than any other wildlife or animal. The mosquitoes spread diseases including Dengue and Malaria. Reported cases of malaria in Thailand are focused in the rural jungle areas of the country. Koh Samui is not immune from Malaria or Dengue outbreaks, taking precautions will reduce the risk of an outbreak. The Pharmacist and the 7/11 stores sell insect repellents throughout the island. Malaria tablets are available although not necessary. Speak with your doctor before you leave for your vacation if you have any health concerns that could ruin your holiday.

Jellyfish

Swimming is a popular past time in the warm tropical oceans of Koh Samui. Incidents of box jellyfish stings and fatalities are not common however they do occur. In recent years sightings of Box jellyfish have increased in the Gulf of Thailand. The local authorities are raising awareness of the jellyfish increase in Thai waters. There is clear signage on the beaches warning of the risk of jellyfish in the Gulf of Thailand. The locals are knowledgeable about the jellyfish especially the staff working on the watersports who have a first aid kit at hand. Follow the advice given and if in doubt ask the locals for assistance.

Reptiles – Wildlife and Animals on Koh Samui

Living in their natural habitats the reptiles will avoid contact with humans. Samui is home to the King Cobra and other snakes. On occasion, snakes find their way into the tourist and the populated areas. Iguanas are more common in Samui and vary in size. Handlers with Iguanas encourage the tourists to pose for photographs for a small fee despite being illegal. Insects such as centipedes, scorpions, cockroaches and hornets call Samui home but are not generally a problem. The Iguanas are paraded on Samui’s beach for tourists to take photos for a fee, this practice is illegal in Samui.

Dogs and Cats

Samui has a problem with the increasing numbers of stray dogs and cats roaming the island. The dogs are not intrusive to visitors but they hang around on the off chance of food. Hoteliers do not encourage the guests to feed dogs and cats around their establishments. Increased feeding of animals in tourist areas creates a greater influx of dogs looking for food. Whilst many dogs are not a threat there have been reports of dog bites on Samui Island. Only approach the dogs if you are confident the dog will not attack or bite you. If a dog bites you seek medical advice immediately as a precaution. In Koh Samui’s temple grounds, the monks feed the stray dogs at regular intervals throughout the day. The local community and the visiting tourists donate food for the dogs at the temples.

Wild Monkey

Coconuts are an important part of Samui’s economic survival. The harvesting monkeys live and work with their handlers in their homes they are not wild. It is rare to encounter the wild monkeys in the jungle. The wild monkeys avoid contact with humans at all costs. In Samui’s coconut plantations the monkeys and handlers harvest the coconut crops for transportation to Bangkok.

If you do encounter a wild monkey in the jungle do not panic. Do not attempt to get closer to the monkey they attack if they feel threatened. The wild monkeys carry diseases. Seek medical advice for bites or scratches by a wild monkey. Do not feed the wild monkeys they are unpredictable by nature. The monkeys are exploited for entertaining tourists on the beaches and for monkey shows in the forests. Consider the monkey and the treatment they receive to entertain the tourists. The treatment can be brutal to make the monkeys conform. Furnished with the true facts the tourists are now turning their backs on animal tourism.

Have you encountered any wildlife and animalson Koh Samui in the jungle or the forests? Do you have any stories or experiences of wildlife and animals Koh Samui to share with the We Love Samui readers? Leave a comment or review below.

Note: The We Love Koh Samui team do not represent, advertise, endorse or encourage activities that involve the wild animals.