Shots in the park threaten nation's endangered species
The Kaeng Krachan National Park chief says if illegal hunting such as that allegedly involving a senior police official is allowed to continue on protected lands it will strike a severe blow to Thailand's biodiversity
- Published: 10 Feb 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Spectrum
It was the shooting of the cat-sized krachong (mouse deer) that really made Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn angry. He and a team of park officials had just arrested a group of illegal hunters who had shot the krachong for sport, along with more than 100 rare giant Asian river frogs, in November of last year inside the park.
CRIME SCENE: A team of police investigators visit the camp site in Kaeng Krachan National Park where a group of men were arrested for illegal hunting.
Mr Chaiwat said it was an important reminder that recreational hunting persists in protected forests, and it adds pressure on the country to wipe it out. This is especially important as Thailand is planning to put forward a proposal to nominate Kaeng Krachan as a World Heritage site.
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