Conservationists in Thailand have reported a 250 per cent rise in the number of wild tigers.

Despite a declining population trend across Southeast Asia, officials in Thailand said they achieved a remarkable increase in population over 15 years from 2007 to 2023.

Through the efforts of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the number of tigers in the country's Western Forest Complex significantly grew from about 40 to more than 140, according to a study published in Global Ecology and Conservation.

Stringent anti-poaching measures and robust habitat protection initiatives have been instrumental in safeguarding tigers and their prey.

WCS Thailand Director Pornkamol Jornburom said: 'This remarkable recovery is a testament to the effectiveness of enhanced law enforcement and conservation efforts.

'Before these measures, illegal hunting and habitat destruction pushed tigers perilously close to extinction in WEFCOM. Today, we celebrate a resurgence driven by strategic conservation actions.

DNP senior scientist Somphot Duangchantrasiri added: 'Our monitoring system provided crucial insights into tiger recovery efforts, ensuring data-driven decisions.'

Conservationists said the recovery of tiger populations has also signalled broader ecosystem health, shown by the rebound in prey species such as sambar and banteng.

Apinya Saisamornin of WCS and Kasetsart University said: 'Tigers rely on abundant prey for their survival.

'The doubling of prey species populations underscores the interconnectedness of conservation efforts and ecosystem recovery.'

Dale Miquelle, senior tiger conservationist at WCS said that despite the positive results, there are ongoing challenges and the need for sustained commitment to protect tigers and their habitats.

He said: 'Long-term dedication and focused interventions are essential. The recovery of tigers not only safeguards biodiversity but also supports ecosystem services crucial for millions of people and mitigates climate change impacts.'