Latest news with #ThaiPBSWorld
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
Cameras reveal long-lost creature wandering through national park after years in hiding: 'A beacon of hope'
Park cameras captured rare footage of a critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Thailand. The images marked the first official sighting of the species since 2013. As The Nation reported, the cameras picked up a Siamese crocodile's activity along the Khlong Chomphu River in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. A rare fresh-water Thai crocodile, which is listed as a critically endangered species, has recently been photographed by... Posted by Thai PBS World on Saturday, March 15, 2025 The International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora both classify the Siamese crocodile as an endangered species. Therefore, this sighting provides conservationists with optimism that the crocodile can survive in the wild and contribute to the park's biodiversity. "The continued presence of these crocodiles is a beacon of hope for conservation efforts," said Somkiat Yodmalee, director of the Protected Area Regional Office. "It demonstrates that Thung Salaeng Luang National Park remains a vital sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife." Siamese crocodiles are native to Thailand and once flourished throughout Southeast Asia. However, hunting and habitat loss have caused their population to decline. Fortunately, conservationists have successfully rebuilt their habitats and repopulated the species through captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts. Park cameras like this one are helpful in assessing the health of endangered species populations and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Informed and compassionate management of our parks and their wildlife can ensure the survival of vulnerable species at risk of extinction. The more species we retain on our planet, the greater the biodiversity benefits for all of Earth's creatures, including humans. In other parts of the world, cameras have contributed to the conservation efforts of lynxes in Minnesota, Javan rhinoceroses in Indonesia, and Cross River gorillas in Nigeria. Should tourists be responsible for cleaning up their own trash? Absolutely In most cases It depends on the place No, they shouldn't Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In Thailand, researchers have been conducting wildlife surveys and monitoring crocodile populations since October 2024. Although they are encouraged by the recent crocodile sighting, they remain concerned about potential threats to the species, especially a proposed reservoir construction project that could further impact the animal's habitat. "We must remain vigilant and ensure that development projects do not jeopardise the survival of these magnificent creatures," Somkiat said. "The discovery of the Siamese crocodile in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a call to action to protect this precious species and its natural habitat." In response to a Thai PBS World Facebook post sharing the news, one social media user commented, "Please LEAVE them in PEACE/FREEDOM!!!" "Wishing well-wishers won't disturb it," someone else wrote. 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
15-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Discover 30,000-Year-Old Remains of Child in Popular National Park
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a small child in a popular national park, according to a government report. The chilling discovery was made in the Tham Din Cave within Thailand's Tham Pha Tup Forest Park. The cave first came onto scientists' radar in 2020, when archaeologists identified several ancient paintings on the chamber's walls. Some of these paintings depicted scenes of humans hunting animals such as deer with advanced weapons, indicating the region was one of the earliest occupied by human beings. By 2022, the search had yielded an abundance of artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, and bones. An analysis determined that they were somewhere between 10,000 and 29,000 years old, confirming the theory that the cave was inhabited by prehistoric humans for thousands of years. As the investigation moved to the cave floor, scientists discovered a well-preserved skeleton which appeared to have been buried with ritualistic elements, which indicated a sophisticated cultural practice. After further analysis from U.S.-based labs, which found the skeleton to be fairly well preserved, scientists determined the bones likely belonged to a child aged between six and eight. The body was found face up, lying amongst stones with red pigment covering its face. The presence of charcoal and ash around the body indicates to researchers that the child's remains may have been smoked, or lightly charred, before the burial."It is believed that the way the body was treated involved rituals, including a theory that this was one way to keep it from being eaten by wild animals,' excavation leader Kannika Premaj explained to the Bangkok Post. 'We have learnt from the position and direction in which the body was placed that it was a ritual, meaning the community living here had their own culture and way of living.' The remains, named Pangpod after a popular Taiwanese children's TV character, illuminate a previously untold segment of history. The child's fossil may provide insight as to how prehistoric humans in the Paleolithic era adapted to changes in their environment. "The Din Cave site offers a unique window into the past, documenting the evolution of human societies over thousands of years," a representative for Thailand's Fine Arts Department told Thai PBS World.
