A Bengal tiger that went missing after leaving forests in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani on Nov 28 or 29 has not yet been found, but the latest signal from the animal’s collar was detected in a eucalyptus plantation in Kamphaeng Phet province.
Thawatchai Phetcharaburanin, forestry expert and acting director of the Protected Area Regional Office 12, Nakhon Sawan, said on Tuesday that the first satellite signal showed the tiger was near Bang Pangsak village in Mae Poen district of Nakhon Sawan, and a later signal at Ban Khao Nam Oun village in Pang Sila Thong district of Kamphaeng Phet.
However, forest rangers were unable to find the tiger, known as “Vijit”. Only traces of footprints and the satellite signal from the Vijit's collar were found, said Mr Thawatchai.
He has ordered forestry officials from the Mae Wong National Park and the Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station to track down the tiger. The latest signal received on Monday afternoon showed Vijit was in a eucalyptus plantation at Ban Pang Manao village in Pang Sila Thong district of Kamphaeng Phet province, he said.
The signals showed that the animal was moving closer to community areas.
Officials have been asked to launch a public relations campaign to notify local residents about the Bengal tiger and urge them to take care of their animals. Anyone who spots Vijit has been urged to notify forestry authorities at 082-164 6274 or 095-514 7859 around the clock.