More About Thailand
Thailand is bordered by Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. It’s terrain includes plateaus, plains and high mountains. The country’s largest river is Chao Phraya, which flows from Bangkok into the Gulf of Thailand. There are three seasons, with the hottest part of the years from February to May, followed by six months of rain, including monsoons, from May to October.
Thailand Wild Cat Species
The Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is an Endangered tiger species. More than half of the Indochinese tiger population lives in the country’s Western Forest Complex, which also straddles Myanmar. There are 19 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in this complex, which is home to Indochinese leopard and clouded leopard populations as well. The tiger preys on deer, boar, goat-like serows and wild cattle. There are approximately 200 wild Indochinese tigers inhabiting Thailand. The cat is being hunted to extinction for its fur and body parts.
The Malayan tiger is a Critically Endangered big cat. They are a bit smaller than Bengal tigers. The tiger preys on deer, boars, pigs, bears and serows. Loss of habitat and poaching are the top Malayan tiger conservation threats.
The Indochinese leopard has a somewhat reddish coat with small rosettes (rose-looking spots). The biggest threat to the Indochinese leopard is habitat destruction.
Small wild cats native to Thailand include the Asian golden cat, fishing cat, flat-headed cat, jungle cat, leopard cat and marbled cat
Big Cats in Thailand
Indochinese Tiger
Panthera tigris tigris
Conservation Status: Endangered
Native to Southeast Asia. It is estimated that there are less than 350 Indochinese tigers in the wild. Somewhat darker coloring with narrow stripes.
Malayan Tiger
Panthera tigris tigris
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Native to the Peninsular Malaysia. Less than 150 Malayn tigers still live in the wild. Also known as the southern Indochinese tiger. Generally smaller than Bengal tigers.
Indochinese Leopard
Panthera pardus delacouri
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Indochinse leopard can be found in Southeast Asia and southern China. It is believed there are less than 1000 Indochinese leopards living in the wild.
Hey guys, any idea on how i can get involved in wild cat conservation here in Asia. I am a veterinarian currently working as a small animal physiotherapist in Singapore.