Latest news with #WildlifeandPlantConservation
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Rare majestic predator appears at butterfly viewing area in Thailand park. See it
From March to May, tourists from around the world flock to Thailand's largest national park to catch a glimpse of hundreds of species of butterfly. The park has become a destination for casual tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, but on June 25, it wasn't butterflies that shocked visitors. Around 5 p.m., images of a rare predator were taken from the 11.1-mile water checkpoint in the park, a place commonly called the butterfly viewing spot, according to a Facebook post from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. A black panther made an unexpected appearance at the site, officials said, appearing not only during the day, but in a typically busy spot. Images were taken of the animal peeking through the forest foliage, then walking out onto a road and away from the viewer, according to the post. Officials did not share how long the panther was in the area, or whether the images were taken by a park ranger or visitor. Black panther sightings are becoming more common in the park, including panthers seen with cubs, according to previous reports, a testament to conservation efforts by wildlife officials, they said. Black panthers are not a separate species, but rather a name given to melanistic leopards, found in Africa and Asia, and melanistic jaguars, found in South America, according to Britannica. Leopards, the ones found in Thailand, are listed as a vulnerable species, meaning their numbers are dwindling but they are not yet endangered, according to the International Union on Conservation of Nature Red List. Black panthers can range in size from 110 to 200 pounds, according to Britannica, and can have visible spots like their lighter relatives when viewed in sunlight. While the elusive cats have become habituated to humans in Kaeng Krachan National Park, visitors are encouraged to keep a safe distance from black panthers, avoid making loud noises and never feeding the animals, officials said in the post. Kaeng Krachan National Park is in central Thailand, on the northern end of the Thai peninsula. It is about a 115-mile drive southwest from Bangkok. Chat GPT, an AI chatbot, was used to translate the Facebook post from the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Airport authorities foil smugglers' attempts to board flights with shocking cargo — here's what they found
Two separate wildlife trafficking cases occurred at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in a single week, Khaosod English reported. Airport security intercepted an Indian passenger attempting to transport 20 live blue iguanas and two live sulcata tortoises on a flight from Bangkok to India. Officers discovered the animals in returned baggage from Thai Airways flight TG326. In a second case, authorities arrested a Sri Lankan passenger trying to board a flight to Colombo with two live hyacinth macaws, two live meerkats, and one live prairie dog hidden in their luggage. Both suspects now face charges under Thailand's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, Customs Act, and Animal Epidemic Act. The cases have been handed over to investigators at the airport's police station. Animal smuggling puts entire ecosystems at risk. When exotic species are removed from their natural habitats, it disrupts the delicate balance that keeps environments healthy and stable. For communities worldwide, this illegal trade threatens food security and economic stability. Many of the animals targeted by smugglers, including the hyacinth macaws seized in this case, are natural pest controllers and pollinators that farmers depend on for successful harvests. The smuggling process itself causes immense suffering to individual animals, with many dying during transport from stress, poor conditions, and inadequate care. Those that survive often carry diseases that can spread to local wildlife populations when they are released or escape. Wildlife trafficking also undermines conservation efforts to protect endangered species and restore damaged habitats around the world. Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has strengthened collaboration with airport security and customs officials to catch smugglers before they can transport animals across borders. Enhanced security screening at major international airports now includes specialized training for officials to identify signs of wildlife trafficking and properly handle rescued animals. If you travel internationally, you can help by reporting suspicious behavior to airport authorities, supporting legitimate wildlife conservation organizations, and not purchasing exotic pets or animal products. Which of these groups has the biggest role to play in reducing food waste? Grocery stores Restaurants Individuals The government Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trail cameras capture incredible footage of one-of-a-kind herd for first time in years: 'Let's take care of them'
A golden capture on a trail camera showcased the only herd of wild buffalo left in Thailand. "Officials said Thailand's only population of wild water buffalo — made up of 69 individuals — is found in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province," the Miami Herald reported. The incredible footage was captured and posted to Facebook by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The buffalo were found in the Huai Kha Khaeng, which works to protect endangered species. With only one herd in the country left, the footage is extremely rare. A dramatic population reduction of at least 50% over the last three generations is likely to have occurred, "given the severity of the threats, especially hybridization," according to Thai National Parks. Indeed, the wild water buffalo has reportedly been interbreeding with interbred or feral water buffalo, resulting in a decline in the species' population. Other threats include hunting and severe habitat loss from agricultural development as well as the degradation of wetlands from invasive species. Conservation efforts throughout Thailand seek to protect the species as they are among the 21 protected wildlife species under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019. Capturing the species on camera allows researchers to understand the species more so that they can address ways to support their population. It also enables the public to learn about the threats the animals face, so each individual can do their part to support environmental efforts that keep these species alive. To support animals like these, respecting the rules of national parks and keeping a safe distance from all animals ensures their ability to survive. Further, small, individual efforts to help the environment go a long way in maintaining ecosystems and fostering regrowth. Facebook users who saw the post expressed their support for the herd. "Must preserve the area," wrote one. "Don't let anyone invade the forest." "Let's take care of them," another wholesomely commented. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Enormous horned water mammals make a rare appearance on Thailand trail camera
The only herd of wild water buffalo left in Thailand made a rare appearance on camera at a wildlife sanctuary. The large mammals, with their distinct long curved horns, were captured on camera traps at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, according to a May 14 Facebook post from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Wildlife officials said that although this species, Bubalus arnee, looks like the domestic water buffalo, it is much larger and can be 6.5 feet tall when fully grown. The species lives in small herds and can be found in floodplains, swamps and riverside forests. They forage day and night for grass, tree leaves and bamboo shoots, officials said. Officials said Thailand's only population of wild water buffalo — made up of 69 individuals — is found in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province. The wild buffalo are at high risk of extinction, according to officials. They are one of 21 protected wildlife species under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019. The species faces threats from hunting, habitat loss, interbreeding with domestic cattle, and disease spread by domestic livestock, according to experts. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is about a 185-mile drive northwest from Bangkok. Google Translate was used to translate the Facebook post from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Rare bear among creatures spotted on trail cam in Thailand park. See them forage
Spanning nearly 100 square miles, the forests of Si Phang Nga National Park are home to some of Thailand's most interesting creatures. From the forest floor to the tree canopies, wildlife officials are trying to get a better picture of the animals that call the park home, and a set of trail cameras are helping the cause, according to a May 12 news release from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Park officials recently looked through the images collected by the cameras spanning from April 10 to May 10 and were surprised by what they found, according to the post. The cameras caught five different major animal species foraging in the area, including some rare species. Most notably, an Asian black bear spent some time in front of the lens, officials said. The species is vulnerable and their numbers are decreasing, making their appearance in the park good news. Asian, or Asiatic, black bears have black to slightly brownish fur with a crescent moon shaped white mark on their chests, according to Britannica. They are found throughout southern Iran and into the Himalayas, as well as throughout southeastern Asia and Japan, Britannica says. The bears spend most of their time at higher elevations but spend their winters at lower elevations after putting on fat. The bears only forage in abundant, undisturbed environments, officials said, making their appearance in the park an indicator of successful conservation efforts. But while the black bear may be the giant of the forest, other much smaller animals also made their presence known. Officials said two male sambar deer, three female sambar deer, two large mouse-deer or tragulus, one male great argus pheasant, one female great argus pheasant and a troop of pig-tailed macaques were all recorded on the cameras. There has been a noticeable decline in poaching since regular patrols were performed in the park, officials said, and this work is evident through both male and female deer appearing on the cameras. Si Phang Nga National Park is located on the southern peninsula of Thailand, near the coast of the Andaman Sea. ChatGPT, an AI chat bot, was used to translate the Facebook post from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
