Honors & Awards

2010	Recipient of “ 2010 Alumni Honor Award ” from Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University
2009	Recipient of “ 2008 Faculty of Graduate Studies Outstanding Alumni Award (Innovation) ” from Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University
2008	Recipient of “2007 The Dushi Mala Medal for Great Eminence in science, awarded by His Majesty King Bhumibhol (King Rama IX) http://www.sc.mahidol.ac.th/award/Pilai.htm
2007	1) Recipient of “ 2007 National Outstanding Person Award (Natural Resources and environment)” from Prime Minister Office, Royal Thai Government http://www.identity.opm.go.th/identity/doc/nis01940.PDF
	2) Recipient of “ BCST-Swarovski Award 2007 (Outstanding Bird Conservationist)” from Bird Conservation Society of Thailand & Swarovski Optik , Austria
	3) Recipient of “ 2006 Outstanding Lecturer Award (Science & Technology)” from the Council of the University Faculty Senates of Thailand http://www.sc.mahidol.ac.th/tha/news/senate_news0750.pdf
2006	1) The first Thai Laureate of “ The 2006 Rolex Awards for Enterprise ” from Rolex SA, Switzerland . http://rolexawards.com/en/the-laureates/pilaipoonswad-the-project.jsp
	2) The first Thai recipient of “ The 52 nd Annual Chevron Conservation Awards ” from Chevron Corporation, USA. http://investor.chevron.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=130102&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=913458&highlight=
	3) Recipient of “ 2006 Faculty of Science Outstanding Lecturer Award (Professor level) ” from Faculty Senate of Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
	4) Recipient of “ 2005 Mahidol University Prize for Excellence in Research ” from Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand
2003	1) Recipient of “Professional Research Group Award” from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand.
	2) Recipient of “ Conservation & Environment Grants in “Hornbill Conservation Villages at Budo Mountain Project” from Ford Operations ( Thailand ) Company Limited.
2002	Recipient of “ Conservation & Environment Grants in “Hornbill Conservation Villages at Budo Mountain Project” from Ford Operations ( Thailand ) Company Limited.
2001	Recipient of “ Conservation & Environment Grants in “Hornbill Conservation Villages at Budo Mountain Project” from Ford Operations ( Thailand ) Company Limited.
1996	Recipient of “ Distinguished Conservationist Award” in “Wildlife Research” from the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University and the Royal Forest Department, Thailand
1994	Recipient of “ Distinguished Environmental Concern Award” from the Siam Environmental Club , Thailand .
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Wildlife biology, ecology and conservation

         Our team is interested in the breeding biology and ecology of hornbills, the group of birds which is considered as keystone/umbrella/flagship species, to determine basic and limiting factors for their breeding in the wild. The data obtained is very useful for management to enhance hornbill breeding status. Our interest is recently expanded to cover the interaction among hornbills, plants and other animals. This includes hornbills as seed disperses, the dynamic of seedling survival in tropical forest, top-down effects on large frugivorous birds and mammals and woodpeckers as hornbill nest cavity creators. By the way, as field researchers who encounter various groups of arthropods, we pay attention to the ecology of the most harmful ones for instance, the ticks. We are currently focusing on the characteristics of genetic variation of hornbills, their population and habitat status in fragmented forest landscape in Thailand. Integration of this information will allow us to prepare a practical and efficient management plan toward the conservation of hornbills and their habitats and eventually the conservation of forest ecosystem.

         Presently, one of the ongoing projects is to determine the core area utilized by using GPS Satellite Telemetry, in the forest habitats of World Heritage sites, Khao Yai National Park and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

         Throughout these years, we have collaborated with several academic institutes, both national and international levels. Our team has continuously received funding from government, non-government agencies and private sectors. We have trained a number of young field researchers from both national and international, particularly in Asian region. We produced a number of publications in forms of scientific, popular articles, books and booklets and other forms of education materials for students and publics.

         http://www.sc.mahidol.ac.th/research/hornbill.htm

         http://www.coraciiformestag.com/Conservation/Conservation.htm

         http://en.thaihornbill.org/

         http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/THAILAND-HORNBILL-PROJECT/123945877628621

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Acknowledgements

         Recent research grants and conservation fund received from the following sources. In Thailand, received from The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), The Thailand Research Fund, The Government Lottery Office, Mahidol University's Research Grant (Government budget), Hornbill Research Foundation, Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation, Worldphone Shop (DTAC), United Communication Industry PCL (UCOM), I.C.C. International PCL. (HORNBILL), Ford Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Siam Cement Foundation, Siam Cement PCL, Michelin Siam Group Co. Ltd, TOYOTA Motor Thailand Co., Ltd.; USA, from American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), Woodland Park Zoo Society, Audubon Zoo, Zoological Society of San Diego, Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Avicultural Society, Jungle Party for the Conservation Fund (JPFC); UK, Chester Zoo and Cotswold Wildlife Park; others, from Sitama's Children Zoo, Center for Ecological Research of Kyoto University and Swarovski Optik, Austria.

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Received Grants

        >> 2007-2010: Study of the biology and ecology of hornbills in Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex Thailand granted by PTTEP: 12,000,000THB .
        >> 2003-2008: Thailand Hornbill Project granted by Hornbill Research Foundation (9,496,550.00THB)
        >> 2003-2008: The characteristics of genetic of hornbills in fragmented-forest landscape and their population and habitat    status in Thailand granted by The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) (15,299,660.00THB)
        >> 2005-2007: Assessment of the effect of hornbill loss in the seed dispersal process in tropical forest: comparison of the fruit removal, seed predation and seedling dynamics of hornbill-dispersed plants between intact forests and degraded forests granted by Mahidol University's Research Grant (Government budget): 1,419,400.00THB and Hornbill Research Foundation (1,260,000.00THB)

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Representative publications (1998 - present)

Kitamura S, Thong-Aree S, Madsri S, Poonswad P. 2010. Mammal diversity and conservation in a small isolated forest of
         Southern Thailand . The Raffled Bulletin of Zoology 58: 145-156.

Kitamura S, Suzuki S, Yumoto T, Wohandee P and Poonswad P. Evidence of the consumption of fallen figs by Oriental
         Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris on the ground in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Ornithological Science.
         2009 Jul; 8: 75-79.

Chamutpong S, Saito S. Saichi, Viseshakul N, Nishiumi Isao, Poonswad P and Ponglikitmongkol M. Isolation and
         characterization of microsatellite markers from the great hornbill, Buceros bicornis. Mocecular Ecology Resources.
         2009 Mar; 9:591-593.

Kanwatanakid-Savini C, Poonswad P, Savini T. An assessment of food overlap between gibbons and hornbills. The Raffles
         Bulletin of Zoology 2009 Feb;57(1):189-98.

Kitamura, S., Yumoto, T., Poonswad, P., Suzuki, S., & Wohandee, P. (2008) Rare seed-predating mammals determine
         seed fate of Canarium euphyllum, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand. Ecological
         Research 23:169-177

Kitamura S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Wohandee P. Frugivory and seed dispersal by Asian elephants, Elephas maximus,
         in a moist evergreen forest of Thailand. J Trop Ecol 2007;23:373-376.

Suzuki S, Kitamura S, Kon M, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Yumoto T, Noma N, Maruhashi T, Wohandee P. Fruit
         visitation patterns of small mammals on the forest floor in a tropical seasonal forest of Thailand. Tropics Jan
         2007;16(1):17-29.

Suzuki S, Kitamura S, Kon M, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Yumoto T, Noma N, Maruhashi T, Wohandee P. The
         foraging activity patterns of frugivorous or omnivorous animals on the forest floor of a tropical seasonal forest in
         Thailand, with reference to seasonal changes. Nat Hist Bull Siam Soc 2006;54:177-194.

Kitamura S, Suzuki S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Maruhashi T, Noma N, Suckasam C. 2006.
         Dispersal of Canarium euphyllum (Burseraceae), a large-seeded tree species, in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand.
         Journal of Tropical Ecology 22: 137-146.

Poonswad P, Sukkasem C, Phataramata S, Hayeemuida S, Plongmai K, Chuailua P, Thiensongrusame P, Jirawatkavi N.
         2005. Comparison of cavity modification and community involvement as strategies for hornbill conservation in
         Thailand. Biological Conservation 122: 385-393.

Kitamura S, Suzuki S, Yumoto T, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Poonswad P , Noma N, Maruhashi T, Suckasam C. 2005.
        A botanical inventory of a tropical seasonal forest in Khao Yai National Park , Thailand : implications for fruit-frugivore
        interactions. Biodiversity Conservation 14:1241-1262.

Kitamura S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Maruhashi T, Noma N, Wohandee P. 2005. Fruit-frugivore
         interactions in a moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Tropics 14: 345-335.

Ouithavon K, Poonswad P, Bhumbhakpan N, Laohajinda V. A comparative study of the feeding ecology of two sympatric
         hornbill species (Aves: Bucerotidae) during their breeding season in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary 2005.
         In: Lum S, Poonswad P (eds). The ecology of hornbills: reproduction and populations. Bangkok: Pimdee Karnpim
         Co. Ltd. p 59-74.

Thiensongrusamee P, Poonswad P, Hayeemuida S. 2005. Characteristics of Helmeted Hornbill nests in Thailand.
         In: Lum S, Poonswad P (eds). The ecology of hornbills: reproduction and populations. Bangkok:
         Pimdee Karnpim Co. Ltd. p 51-54.

Ouithavon K, Poonswad P, Bhumbhakpan N, Laohajinda V. 2005. Some characteristics of food of two sympatric hornbill
         species (Aves: Bucerotidae) and fruit availability during their breeding season in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary,
         Thailand. In: Lum S, Poonswad P (eds). The ecology of hornbills: reproduction and populations. Bangkok: Pimdee
         Karnpim Co. Ltd. p 75-86.

Plongmai K, Poonswad P, Sukkasem C, Chuailua P. 2005. The availability of ripe fruits in the annual hornbill life cycle.
         In: Lum S, Poonswad P (eds). The ecology of hornbills: reproduction and populations. Bangkok: Pimdee Karnpim
         Co. Ltd. p 131-140.

Kitamura S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Maruhashi T, Noma N, Wohandee P. 2005. Fruit-frugivore
         interactions in a moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Tropics 14: 345-335.

Shawn, L. and Poonswad, P.(eds.) 2005. The ecology of hornbills: reproduction and populations. Pimdeekarnpim,
         Bangkok. 248 pp.

Kitamura S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K. 2004. Characteristics of hornbill-dispersed fruits in a tropical
         seasonal forest in Thailand. Bird Conservation International 14: S80-S88.

Poonswad P, Tsuji A, Jirawatkavi N. 2004. Estimation of nutrients delivered to nest inmates by four sympatric species of
         hornbills in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Ornithological Science 43: 99-112.

Kitamura S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Noma N, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Maruhashi T, Suckasam C. 2004. Pattern and
         impact of hornbill seed dispersal at nest trees in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand. Journal of Tropical Ecology
         20: 545-553.

Kitamura S, Suzuki S, Yumoto T, Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Noma N, Maruhashi T, Suckasam C. 2004.
         Dispersal of Aglaia spectabilis, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand. Journal of
         Tropical Ecology 20: 421-427.

Kitamura, S., Yumoto. T., Poonswad, P , Chuailua, P., Plongmai, K., Maruhashi, T. and Noma, N. 2002. Interactions
         between fleshy fruits and frugivores in a tropical seasonal forest in Thailand. Oecologia, 133 : 559-572.

Poonswad P. Jailbirds. BBC Wildlife 2002. April 2002; 62-67.

Poonswad, P, Chimchome, V., Plongmai, K. and Chuailua , P. 2000. Factors influencing the reproduction of Asian
         Hornbills. In Adam, N. J. & Slotow, R. H. (eds) Proc. 22 Int. Ornithol. Congr., Durban : 1740-1755. Johannesburg :
         BirdLife South Africa.

Round, P. and Poonswad, P. 2000. An Overview of Ornthological Studies in Thailand. Review of Biodiversity Research in
         Thailand. 172-202.

Poonswad, P. 2000. Hornbills: Masters of Tropical Forest. Sarakadee. Bangkok. 108pp. (In Thai)

Poonswad, P. 1999. The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Volume 1: Nonpasserines. By: Well, D. R.
         London: Academic Press. New York. 648 pp. In Conservation Biology 14(2) 588-589.

Liewviriyakit R, Poonswad P, Kutintara U. Nests and environment. 1999. In: Poonswad P, editor. Manual for Training in
         Asian Hornbill Research. Bangkok: Hornbill Research Foundation. p 9-37.

Poonswad P, Phatarametra S, Chimchome V, Thiensongrusame P. Breeding cycle of some hornbill species in
         Thailand.1999. In: Poonswad P, editor. Manual for Training in Asian Hornbill Research. Bangkok: Hornbill Research
         Foundation. p 41-53.

Poonswad P, Chimchome V, Plongmai K, Chuilua P. 1999. Factors influencing the reproduction of Asain hornbills.
         In: Adams N, Slotow R, editors. Ornithological Congress. Durban: University of Natal.

Poonswad, P. (ed) 1999. Manual for Training in Asian Hornbill Research: Breeding Biology and Field Techniques. Hornbill
         Research Foundation, Bangkok. 146pp.

Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Poonswad P. 1998. Status of nest cavities of hornbills in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. In:
         Poonswad P, editor. The Asian Hornbills: ecology and conservation. Bangkok: Thai Studies in Biodiversity No. 2.
         p 219-226.

Chimchome V, Vidhidharm A, Simchareon S, Bumrungsri S, Poonswad P. 1998. Comparative study of the breeding
         biology and ecology of two endangered hornbill species in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. 111-336 pp.
         In: Poonswad, P. (ed). The Asian Hornbillls: Ecology and Conservation; Bangkok. Thai Studies in Biodiversity
         No. 2: 1-336 pp.

Poonswad P, Chuailua P, Plongmai K, Nakkuntod S. 1998. Phenology of some Ficus species and utilization of Ficus
         sources in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. p 227-244. In Poonswad, P. (ed). The Asian Hornbillls: Ecology and
         Conservation; Bangkok. Thai Studies in Biodiversity No. 2: 1-336 pp.

Poonswad P, Tsuji A, Jirawatkavi N, Chimchome V. 1998. Some aspects of food and feeding ecology of sympatric
         hornbill species in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. P 137-158. In Poonswad P. (ed). The Asian Hornbillls: Ecology and
         Conservation; Bangkok. Thai Studies in Biodiversity No. 2: p 1-336.

Poonswad P. (ed) 1998. The Proceedings of the 2nd International Asian Hornbill Workshop 10-18 April 1996, Thailand.
         Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 46(1): 3-62.

Poonswad, P. (ed.) 1998. The Asian Hornbills: Ecology and Conservation; Bangkok. Thai Studies in Biodiversity
         No. 2: 1-336 pp.

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