An injured leopard was rescued by a ranger in a forest in Thailand.

The big cat had been resting near a building when it was discovered by the wildlife officer in the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province on November 1.

The animal had wounds on its back believed to have been inflicted by another leopard during a fight for a mate.

Somjet Chanthana, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3, ordered the area to be cordoned off from tourists and deployed rescuers and vets to administer treatment.

Sittichai Nuchailek, chief of the Wildlife Conservation Office, said there were an estimated 200 to 300 panthers and leopards in the wild in Thailand.

Kaeng Krachan National Park officials said the apex predators can be seen along the park's Khao Sam Yod-Ban Krang-Phanoen Thung route.

Leopards are listed as 'vulnerable' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Their population is decreasing due to trophy hunting and human encroachment on their habitats.