The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is planning to establish new wildlife reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi in an effort to increase the tiger population across the western forest complex.
The wildlife reserves will effectively function as a corridor connecting Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani and Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi.
According to the director of wildlife conservation division for Conservation Area 3, the decision was made after a review of camera traps in the area showed tigers often migrate between the two sanctuaries as they roam their natural range, which covers Uthai Thani, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi.
The latest evidence was acquired in December, when a tiger and her two cubs were seen in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, the first time the large felines were seen in the area. The tigress has been seen roaming between Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuaries.
The establishment of the new reserves will also expand the genetic pool of tigers in Thailand, as at least 22 tigers from southern part of western forest of Thailand have also been spotted in the area, he said.