Rare predator not seen in forest for years captured on trail camera in Thailand
Wildlife officials have confirmed a rare sighting of the critically endangered Malayan tiger and several other elusive species in a forest in Thailand.
Between April 23-30, camera traps captured images of the tiger, tapirs, wild elephants, gaurs and several other species passing through Bang Lang National Park's Hala-Bala forest, according to a May 3 Facebook post from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Officials said the images showcase the forest's abundance and ability to sustain a variety of species.
Wildlife experts said Malayan tigers are solitary predators with very large territories, according to a May 2 Facebook post from Bang Lang National Park officials.
Male Malayan tigers can occupy a territory between 103 and 115 square miles, while females may inhabit an area roughly 23-27 square miles, according to park officials.
There is no evidence of Malayan tigers living or hunting in groups except for mothers raising their young, officials said.
This is the second Malayan tiger sighting in the area, according to an article from the Bangkok Post. The first confirmed sighting happened in 2023, the outlet reported.
The species is only found on the Malaysian Peninsula and Thailand's southern forests. Fewer than 150 individuals are believed to exist in the wild, according to experts.
Google Translate was used to translate the Facebook posts from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and officials at Bang Lang National Park.
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