Tigers Recovering in Western Thailand

hanging out at the local pool

Good news from Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM). New survey data shows that the population of Indonesian tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti), has doubled in the last two decades. Western Thai forests are the last stronghold of the subspecies that has been extirpated in neighboring Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Only 200 are thought to survive in protected areas. The most important of these is the Huai Kha Khaeng Thung Yai (HKK-TY) a UNESCO World Heritage Site that accounts for a third of the WEFCOM landscape. HKK-TY consists of three separate reserves.  Here, healthy tiger families find prey and reproduce. The most recent survey concluded in 2023 photographed 94 individuals, up from 75 last year. [photo courtesy: Thailand National Parks]

Tiger recoveries are few in Southeast Asia, so the increase in WEFCOM is significant. Researchers installed camera traps at 270 different locations, amassing 98,305 photos over a 19 year period.  Using software that is able to identify distinct stripe patterns, researchers compiled a database of 291 igers over one year old, and 67 cubs. Study authors concluded that each of the three reserves have a solid breeding population, and could be a source of tigers for relocation to extinct zones in the future. HKK-TY tigers have been known to disperse as far as Myanmar. Currently there are about 3 tigers per km². Conservationists would like to see that rise to 5 tigers, or 350 in HKK-TY.

Poaching still poses a danger to wild tigers. Trade in their body parts and pelts remains robust. But increasing anti-poaching patrols are producing results. Major tiger poaching cases were successfully prosecuted in 2012, stopping gangs from poaching in HKK-TY. It still occurs on the periphery in isolated incidents. Rangers have not detected major activity since 2013. Anak Pattanavibool, study co-author and country director of Wildlife Conservation Society, said continued vigorous law enforcement is necessary to protect recovering tiger populations. Thailand has a substantial budget for wildlife conservation, unlike other SEA countries. In HKK-TY alone there are some 20,000 patrol personnel and 57 ranger statons.

Tigers need large herbivores on which to feed if they are to thrive. Surveys have also recorded a rebound in large herbivore numbers that indicate a healthier ecosystem thanks to restoration of water sources. Banteng, Bos javanicus,have doubled in number in one reserve and are dispersing into a neighboring reserve. Sambar deer numbers have also increased. The other requirement for healthy tiger numbers is connected safe habitat. Establishing corridors and connected habitat to allow tigers to roam freely and insure genetic diversity will require advocacy and cooperation at the international level. Tigers are ready, are humans?