A Bengal tiger that was last spotted leaving the forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani over the weekend has yet to be located, through the signal emitted by the animal's collar was detected in a eucalyptus plantation in Kamphaeng Phet, authorities said.
Thawatchai Phetcharaburanin, a forestry expert and the acting director of the Protected Area Regional Office 12 in Nakhon Sawan, said yesterday that authorities believed the tiger, known as "Vijit", was near Bang Pangsak in Mae Poen district of Nakhon Sawan.
However, the latest signal detected by their tracking device indicated Vijit was near Ban Khao Nam Oun in Pang Sila Thong district of Kamphaeng Phet.
Despite locating the signal, forest rangers were unable to find the tiger. So far, they can still detect the signal from Vijit's collar, though they have only managed to find footprints, Mr Thawatchai said.
He ordered forestry officials from Mae Wong National Park and Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station to track down the tiger. He said it is important to quickly locate the tiger as authorities believed the animal is moving closer to areas inhabited by humans.
A public campaign has been launched to urge residents to call authorities if they spot the animal in their area. Those who spotted the stray Bengal tiger are asked to call 082-164 6274 or 095-514 7859 around the clock.