Local Fauna
In the rainy season, bird life is most abundant. The Red-wattled Lapwing can be heard with its distinctive cry which has given rise to its Thai name ‘kratae-tae-waed’, and Hoopoe, even the occasional kingfisher or egret frequent the water’s edge. Wild fowl comes down from the hill. More common are magpies and turtle doves. Owls and nightjars can be heard in the evenings.
The lower reservoir in particular is a breeding ground for species of frogs and toads and after a rainfall their noise reaches symphonic level. They also attract snakes. Other garden residents include cicadas, species of butterflies and other insects, such as emerald jewel beetles, while the Villa is home to geckos which are found in all parts of Thailand.
Keeping a watchful eye on all this are the Villa’s Thai dogs, adopted when they were abandoned at a nearby Wat. When the mango trees are laden with fruits, around March, they are joined by a troop of macaques who make their home in a cave on Khao Hin Lek Fai.
Read more about this topic: Chom Dong
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