found in the mud and brackish water of Mae Yai Bay. Surveys have found: Ninety-one types of birds including 57 local species. Others are migrating species. Twenty-two mammal species including 12 types of bats. Marine mammals such as Bryde's whales live around. Six species of reptiles such as Indian or Bengal monitors, water monitors, skinks, and reticulated pythons. Sea turtles still nest on the Surin islands, with two species coming ashore to lay their eggs, critically endangered hawksbill and green turtles. In the early-1990s some rare olive ridley turtles were spotted. Important Bird Area The national park has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports populations of Vulnerable large green pigeons. Moken people The Surin Islands host two small communities of the small ethnic Moken minority, known as "chao lay" or "sea gypsies". The Moken population of the Surin Island averages around 150 persons. The Moken are three distinct tribes living on the Andaman Coast of Burma and Thailand: the Moken of the Mergui archipelago, the Moklen of Phang Nga Province, and the Urak Lawoi living from Phuket south to Satun. With Austronesian roots, their language, culture, and lifestyle are unique, and they have a history of peaceful coexistence with mainland neighbors. The Moken, proper, have a long history of living in the Mergui archipelago between Burma and the islands of Thailand's North Andaman coast. As sea nomads, the Moken used to spend most of their lives on traditional houseboats known as kabang, moving from bay to bay depending on the wind and weather. During the monsoon rains, families would come together and build temporary villages on protected beaches. The Moken do not have a written language and their history is passed down orally through folklore from generation to generation. Family connections are strong and dependable. Furthermore, the Moken language has no native words for individual possession which is reflected in a culture of sharing and giving. The Moken are animists and have great understanding and respect for their environment and natural resources. In past times, the Moken people were subsistence hunter-gathers, trading shells, sea cucumbers, and fish for rice and other necessities. They use over 80 plant species for food, 28 for medicinal purposes, and 105 for shelter, handicrafts and other purposes. See also List of islands of Thailand List of national parks of Thailand List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand