Endangered Tigers Spotted in Western Thailand
For the first time in four years, endangered tigers have been spotted in western Thailand — a positive step toward the country’s goal of increasing tiger populations by 50% by 2022.
In late July, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), wild cat conservation organization Panthera, and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) announced the success of their remote camera traps — part of a joint wildlife monitoring program — which captured footage of these magnificent big cats in high definition. The recorded images were taken near one of the only breeding populations of Indochinese tigers in the world. Consequently, all eyes are on the region to observe if the big cats choose to settle and establish territories, according to Dr. Saksit Simcharoen, the DNP’s Wildlife Research Division chief.
Throughout the last century, approximately 100,000 tigers roamed the planet. However, today only about 3,900 tigers remain, and in the area where these tigers were recently discovered, their numbers are so low that scientists have yet to provide reliable estimates.
Moreover, Dr. Eileen Larney, ZSL’s chief technical advisor in Thailand, stated that the return of apex predators like tigers to forests signifies that the ecosystem is on the path to recovery, which is beneficial for all wildlife. Although the global situation for tigers remains critical, success stories like this highlight the positive impacts of collaboration between communities and governments in wildlife conservation.
During the pandemic lockdowns, poaching activities surged in many parts of the world. Nevertheless, the DNP has fortified its patrols, utilizing Panthera’s PoacherCams to detect illegal hunting and promptly alert law enforcement.
Dr. Simcharoen emphasized the precarious situation for these tigers, indicating that “sustained and stronger protection of this area from poaching activity of any kind is crucial to ensuring these individuals survive, aiding in the rebound of Thailand’s tigers.”
Furthermore, Dr. John Goodrich, Panthera’s chief scientist and Tiger Program director, remarked that despite the concerning news surrounding global wildlife, this development brings hope for the endangered tiger in Thailand. The repeated sightings in new areas suggest that suitable habitats and prey exist for this small, yet significant population, indicating that collaborative conservation efforts are yielding results when the species needs them most.
