Estimates of the wild tiger population in Thailand and Myanmar range from 250 to 300 individuals. They are found in several separate forest landscapes, and have been recorded in many of these areas using camera trap surveys.
The promise of the Western Forest Complex
The Western Forest Complex, a 18,000-km
2 area that is part of the
Kayah Karen Tenasserim ecoregion, has the
largest number of tigers in Thailand, and probably in all Southeast Asia.
The Complex is believed to be one of the Greater Mekong region’s best chances to recover tiger numbers, if its remaining habitats are maintained and if anti-poaching efforts are increased.
Huai Kha Khaeng National Park
Within the Western Forest Complex,
Huai Kha Khaeng National Park has an estimated 113 tigers—the
highest population density of tigers in Thailand.
Taking this number to the full scale of the Western Forest Complex, it is estimated the Complex could harbour 2,000 individuals if the prey numbers (species eaten by tigers) were restored to historic levels.
Kuiburi National Park
Kuiburi National Park (969 km
2) is a globally significant area for tigers.
- Tigers use about 50% of the park’s area, centred on the central portion of the park. Low prey abundance remains the main obstacle to increasing tiger numbers in Kuiburi
- It is estimated that the park has 10 adult tigers, with a density of 1 tiger per 100 km2. Tiger distribution and abundance has been stable since 2006
- Tigers are breeding in the park—several cubs have been photographed since 2006
Other Thailand forest landscapes, including the Hala-Bala and Dong Phayayen-Khai Yai protected area complexes, also support regionally significant tiger populations with the potential to support the expansion of current tiger populations into large areas of connected habitat.
