Khao Sam Roi Yot Wetland on the Gulf of Thailand is internationally important because of its combination of freshwater marsh and coastal wetlands, which is rare in Thailand and in the Malayan Rainforest biogeographic region. In addition, the Site supports the largest area of marshland including Phragmites karka reedbeds in Thailand. The freshwater marsh is a biodiversity hotspot with at least 292 plants species in 233 genera, 92 families including 174 aquatic plant species. Moreover, the marsh supports at least 113 wildlife species including at least 41 freshwater fish species. Many of the species recorded are included in the IUCN Red List, with globally endangered species such as the Afzelia xylocarpa tree, the yellow-headed tortoise Indotestudo elongata and the fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus. The local people (about 5,000 households as of 2007) are heavily dependent on the marsh for its freshwater fisheries, seasonal wild food gathering, crop growing, grazing grounds and water for livestock. Aquaculture is becoming increasingly important, as is tourism given the wide variety of natural attractions at the Site.