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= Lampi Marine National Park = The Lampi Marine National Park (Burmese: လန်ပိအဏ္ဏာဝါအမျိုးသား ဥယျာဉ်) which covers an area of 20,484 hectares and has a wealth of biodiversity from over 1200 species of sea and land, is the first national park in Myanmar to be created in 1996.It is a protected area in the Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar, and it contains islands throughout the Myeik Archipelago. In the Andaman Sea, more than 800 islands spread across approximately 600 km of coastline are part of a Myeik Archipelago. The characteristics of the Marine National Park are the tropical evergreen rainforest, the vast coral reef systems that protect a wide range of aquatic ecosystems, and significant biodiversity in this area.

Geography
The island of Lampi is generally flat, rising steeply from the sea level to 270 meters. Although the coast is mainly rocky, it also includes a number of beaches and inlets which are covered by sand. There are vast caves in the park, as well as many freshwater sources on the island. It covers an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers and lies between 98 04'E, -98 18'E latitudes with a longitude of 10 41'N,10 49'N. Mangrove forests, especially during hurricanes, protect coastal regions from erosion and storm surge impacts. In order to slow down the flow of tidal water, the mangroves' extensive root systems effectively disperse the energy of incoming waves.

Flora
The island is made up of a rocky shoreline, with undisturbed sandy beaches and sheltered bays. Evergreen trees abound on the thickly forested island. The island is home to several unique species of trees and plant life. Mangrove forests grow along rivers and fresh water sources on the island too. There are rich coral reefs surrounding the islands, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.The meadows of sea grass, which are an important food source for species such as dugongs and sea turtles, can also be found. The importance of coral reefs that provide habitat to a variety of marine organisms. The abundant habitats that serve as homes to a diverse range of plant species, a variety of species found in sea grass meadows and how they serve as habitats for many kinds of marine life. In lowland forests, dipterocarps include Dipterocarpus alatus; epiphytes including lianas pureCalamus; stands of Casuarina equisetifolia, Dillenia, and Calophyllum; wild orchids and ferns. In addition, seventeen endangered trees were discovered in the National Park by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are 50 mangrove species, 6 types of seagrasses, and 60 different species of corals.

Fauna
Fauna on the island include a huge variety of birdlife, including many threatened species like the plain-pouched hornbill and the Wallace Hawk Eagle. The presence of dugong (Dugong dugon) on Lampi island was confirmed for the first time in March 2008. Since then, trails left by dugong to dugong grass patches have been observed repeatedly. Dugongs in the wild are extremely difficult to observe, but it is possible to find evidence of their existence by looking for feeding tracks on seagrass beds. On the eastern coast of the park, feeding lines have been observed. Lampi Island, in the area where Halophila ovalis, one of the Dugong's favorite seagrass species, is found. Evidence of Dugong on some islands in the Myeik Archipelago, La Ngan and Bo Local people confirm Lut's existence. The island is also home to a variety of amphibians, turtles and mammals such as sunda pangolins. A wide range of fish species, including shelters, feeding and rearing, crustaceans and mollusks, as well as a variety of different aquatic organisms, including invertebrates and vertebrates can be found. The International Union has also identified seven new bird species for the Conservation of Nature. Pope’s tree pitviper (Trimeresurus popeiorum), water monitor (Varanus salvator) and Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) were observed. Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) occurs as well.

A camera trapping survey between November 2015 and May 2017 revealed the presence of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), northern pig-tailed macaque (M. leonina), dusky langur (Trachypithecus obscurus), Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis), lesser mouse deer (Tragulus kanchil lampensis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), northern treeshrew (Tupaia belangeri), red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolour), grey-bellied squirrel (Callosciurus caniceps), Pallas's squirrel (C. erythraeus), Berdmore's ground squirrel (Menetes berdmorei), long-tailed giant rat (Leopoldamys sabanus) and red spiny rat (Maxomys surifer).

Unique fauna: Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica); edible-nest swiftlets (Callocalia fuciphaga); small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinera); crab-eating macaque (Macaca fasicularis) and langur ( Presbytis sp.); Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak); elephants; the green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea); whales; dolphins; dugong (Dugong dugon); beautiful butterflies; and estHuarine crocodiles.

Habitation
The Myeik Archipelago features rich coral reefs, seaweed beds, and seagrass meadows that are essential habitats for the richness of aquatic life. It is encircled by a variety of fish species and includes mollusks, crabs, chinoderms like sea urchins, among others. There are two major perennial rivers and small seasonal streams and swamps on the island of Lampi, providing abundant freshwater resources. There is a high diversity of both terrestrial and marine resources due to the variety of habitats.

Habitat Degradation
The primary hazards facing sea turtles in Lampi include habitat deterioration and fishing gear (nets and trawls) as well as direct removal of the turtles from their natural habitats by fishermen and locals for their consumption (people kill sea turtles and eat their eggs for food) and commercial gain. The main source of income in the area is fishing, but hunting is an illegal industry that appears to be very profitable. This is especially true for individuals who travel from outside the island to hunt and sell mouse deer, pangolins, wild pigs, and common water monitors to fishing boats or to inland markets. Locals, on the other hand, typically hunt primarily for subsistence purposes.

== Activities ==

Canoeing in the mangroves
Lampi Island, located in Myanmar, is known for its two perennial rivers, namely the "crocodile" and "tourist" rivers, situated on its western side. The island's mangrove forests are considered to be highly protected and well-preserved, providing habitat to a diverse range of flora and fauna including birds, reptiles, and marine life. Visitors can explore the intricate mangrove creeks via canoe rides, allowing them to observe the wildlife and admire the stunning landscapes peacefully and unobtrusively. The island's natural beauty and biodiversity make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Hiking in the jungle
Lampi Island's forest area has no official jungle trails, but it is possible to explore it by joining the park rangers or locals who know their way around the thick vegetation. For those who want to see an amazing view of the rainforest, white sand beaches, and the ocean, hiking up the hills of Lampi Island is highly recommended. While hiking, visitors can encounter a wide range of wildlife, such as birds, small mammals, and reptiles. These hiking trails are teeming with various species of flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers looking for an exciting experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Diving with the Moken
Lampi Island is a place where tourists can observe and participate in the traditional fishing methods of the Moken people, who are known as hunter-gatherers rather than commercial fishermen. The Moken use spears to hunt large fish that they spot from the bow of their boats while the women dive into the sea to catch sea urchins using their bare hands. This method of fishing highlights the Moken's well-established cultural customs and their close connection to the sea.

Snorkeling and Diving
Within the confines of the park, visitors can explore numerous locations ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and observing an array of marine life, such as hard corals, a variety of coral fish, and with some luck, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks. Diving activities are primarily conducted by licensed agencies that offer live aboard opportunities outside the marine national park.

Observation of sea-turtles
Around the area of Lampi, several locations serve as nesting sites for sea turtles. From the months of January to March, the tracks of these turtles who lay their eggs can be observed. During the night, it may be possible to witness baby turtles emerging from their eggs and making their way into the ocean.

Visiting to the local villages
The Moken people have two traditional villages: Makyone Galet and Nyaung Wee. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the sandy beaches between the stilt houses, exploring the local monastery, and engaging in conversations with the locals by drinking fresh coconut water or traditional tea. This provides an opportunity to interact with the locals and gain insights into the lifestyle of Lampi.

Boat trip
Lampi Marine National Park offers the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and witness the local culture by boarding a traditional long-tailed boat. This activity provides an immersive experience as the locals guide visitors to the most scenic and noteworthy spots within the park. This is an excellent way to witness the park's ecosystem while also supporting the local community.

Bird watching
Lampi Island is a nature enthusiast's haven, particularly for those with a passion for avian life. The island is home to an impressive collection of over 230 bird species, including large congregations of Plain-pouched hornbills, which can be observed at dawn and dusk on Ko Phawt Island.