A recent wildlife survey in Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park has captured images of rare species, highlighting the ecological richness of this UNESCO World Heritage Site during a mid-2025 expedition.
Kaeng Krachan National Park, located in western Thailand, remains one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse regions, according to data gathered during a recent field survey jointly conducted by the Department of National Parks and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand.
From June 8 to June 11, 2025, a research team traveled by inflatable raft along a 10-kilometer section of the upper Phetchaburi River near Panoenthung. Over four days and three nights, the team documented wildlife activity through camera traps installed along the riverbanks.
Images captured during the expedition included rare and elusive species such as leopards, Asian elephants, Malayan tapirs, and smooth-coated otters. These findings reinforce the park’s status as a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife and underscore its role in regional biodiversity.
Officials noted that the images serve not only as scientific evidence but also support ongoing efforts to monitor and deter illegal poaching activities. Kaeng Krachan forest complex serves as a crucial watershed for both the Phetchaburi and Pranburi rivers, and its ecological importance was a central factor in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Participants in the survey included the head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Mongkol Chaiphakdi, and personnel from the Wildlife Conservation Society Thailand.
