Bangkok, Thailand - July 27, 2024

In a significant conservation milestone, Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) has reported a staggering 250% increase in tiger numbers over a 15-year span from 2007 to 2023. The success story, revealed in a study published in Global Ecology and Conservation, marks a stark contrast to the plight of tigers elsewhere in Southeast Asia, where populations have plummeted due to poaching and habitat loss.

Under the diligent efforts of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), along with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), rigorous anti-poaching measures and habitat protection initiatives have been pivotal. High-quality patrolling and enforcement have insulated tigers and their prey from illegal activities that once threatened their survival.

"This remarkable recovery is a testament to the effectiveness of enhanced law enforcement and conservation efforts," remarked Pornkamol Jornburom, Director of WCS Thailand. "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."

Central to the success has been a robust monitoring program initiated in 2004, utilizing camera traps to track individual tigers and monitor population trends. "Our monitoring system provided crucial insights into tiger recovery efforts, ensuring data-driven decisions," explained Somphot Duangchantrasiri, senior scientist at Thailand's DNP.

The recovery of tiger populations has also signaled broader ecosystem health, evidenced by the rebound in prey species such as sambar and banteng. "Tigers rely on abundant prey for their survival," noted Apinya Saisamornin of WCS and Kasetsart University. "The doubling of prey species populations underscores the interconnectedness of conservation efforts and ecosystem recovery."

Despite these gains, conservationists emphasize the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained commitment to protect tigers and their habitats. "Long-term dedication and focused interventions are essential," emphasized Dale Miquelle, senior tiger conservationist at WCS. "The recovery of tigers not only safeguards biodiversity but also supports ecosystem services crucial for millions of people and mitigates climate change impacts."

The success in Thailand sets a hopeful precedent for tiger conservation globally, demonstrating that with concerted efforts and effective monitoring, endangered species can rebound from the brink of extinction.

As efforts continue, stakeholders and conservationists remain committed to ensuring the long-term survival of tigers and their habitats, echoing a shared vision for a future where tigers thrive in the wild.