Asian Science and Technology Innovation Journal

Biodiversity and community structure of Ban Non- Hin Phueng community forest, Thailand

2025-12-28T14:28:02+07:00

Community forests play a critical role in conserving biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods, particularly in tropical regions where forest-dependent communities remain prevalent. This study investigated the biodiversity of vascular plants, mammals, edible insects, and edible mushrooms in Ban Non-Hin Phueng Community Forest, Prachinburi Province, Thailand, to provide a scientific basis for sustainable conservation and resource-use planning. Biodiversity data were collected through systematic ecological surveys and participatory fieldwork with local community members. Resource utilization patterns were classified into four main categories: (1) food resources derived from plants, wildlife, edible insects, and wild mushrooms; (2) medicinal plant use; (3) plant materials for housing construction and maintenance; and (4) commercial utilization of biological resources. The results reveal that the Ban Non-Hin Phueng Community Forest constitutes a socio-ecological system characterized by mutual benefits between forest ecosystems and local communities. Forest resources contribute directly to household food security and income generation, while strong community participation enhances forest protection and regeneration. The forest exhibits clear signs of ecological recovery following historical logging, with high regeneration potential reflected by the abundance of saplings and seedlings relative to mature trees. These findings highlight the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation, traditional ecological knowledge, and community-based governance to achieve long-term sustainability in community forest management.

Experimental design of hair sampling: Preparation of hair specimens for taxonomic identification using microscopic morphology

2025-12-28T14:27:36+07:00

Hair morphology provides important class-level information for mammalian species identification in forensic investigations, wildlife law enforcement, and museum-based taxonomy, particularly when biological material is limited or unsuitable for DNA analysis. This study presents a standardised experimental design for hair sampling and preparation to improve the reliability and reproducibility of microscopic hair examinations. The protocol evaluates detergent- and solvent-based cleaning methods, permanent slide mounting, cuticular cast preparation, and transverse cross-sectional analysis to examine diagnostic features of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Quantitative morphometric measurements were obtained from standardised mid-shaft regions, while cross-sectional analysis was used to assess internal structure and pigment distribution. Emphasis is placed on methodological standardisation, defined measurement criteria, and interpretation within a class-level framework consistent with accepted forensic principles. The proposed workflow enhances transparency and comparability in hair morphology analysis. It provides a practical foundation for forensic casework, wildlife forensic investigations, and the development of reference collections, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions where non-invasive sampling is essential.

Termite assemblages across an anthropogenic disturbance gradient at the Sakaerat Biospher Reserve, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

2025-12-26T08:10:00+07:00

Termite communities serve as environmental indicators of the effects of agricultural practices and forest trees. A little knowledge is required to report termite assemblages across an anthropogenic disturbance gradient in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the distribution pattern of termites across an anthropogenic disturbance gradient from natural forest areas to adjacent agricultural areas. Termites were sampled using a subterranean trap baited with baits and direct sampling along three transects of 50 m x 2 m²in three continuous habitats: an agricultural area (AA), a forest area (FA), and an ecotone (ET).

In total, 16 termite species in 12 genera belonging to 4 subfamilies were found at the study sites.

There were no significant differences in termite richness among the study sites during either the wet or dry season (p > 0.05). Microcerotermes crassus was the dominant termite species, as indicated by a larger value in frequency of occurrence with 100% in ET and FA, and 89% in AA. Principal component analysis revealed that the presence of Globitermes sulphureus and M. crassus was associated with increased soil moisture content. Our findings suggest that all mound-building termites and most of the fungus-growing termite species do not persist in areas of relatively high human disturbance (AA, ET). These distribution patterns of termites could reduce ecosystem services at AA and ET, particularly by decreasing enhanced nutrient availability for soil ecosystems.