In the lush wilderness of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a camera trap recently captured a captivating glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants, including the majestic tiger known as “Nadech” and an array of other wild animals. This endeavor, orchestrated by the collaborative efforts of Kaeng Krachan National Park and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of the region’s biodiversity.
Under the directive of Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Mr. Mongkol Chaipakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, has mobilized various agencies to safeguard the invaluable forest resources and wildlife dwelling within the park’s boundaries. Intensive patrols, including the implementation of SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) PRATOAL (Protection, Rangers, Apprehension, Technology, Operation, and Law enforcement), have been initiated to curb any threats to the park’s ecological integrity.
Miss Jiranan Charasakul, representing the Academic Department of Kaeng Krachan National Park, unveiled the findings of the recent survey conducted from April 4th to 7th, 2024. Through the strategic placement of camera traps and meticulous examination of animal traces, a diverse array of wildlife was documented thriving along the Phetchaburi River. Among the notable sightings were tigers, pythons, rainbow hawks, and common kingfishers, underscoring the region’s significance as a habitat for a multitude of species.
Further analysis of the camera trap images revealed a rich tapestry of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, smooth-haired otters, tapirs, wild elephants, macaques, buffalo bears, wild deer, and civets. These findings underscore the ecological richness of the upper Phetchaburi River area, affirming its suitability as a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife.
Spanning across Nong Ya Plong District, Kaeng Krachan District, Tha Yang District in Phetchaburi Province, and Hua Hin District in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Kaeng Krachan National Park boasts an expansive territory within the Phetchaburi River Basin and Pranburi River. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes featuring lakes, waterfalls, caves, and stunning cliffs, the park stands as Thailand’s largest national park. Moreover, it forms an integral part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural significance.
