Thailand's Threatened & Endangered Species

 

Thailand has some of the world's richest natural habitats and is home to some unique plant and animal treasures. The country encompasses diverse kinds of natural ecosystems, ranging from the hill evergreen and coniferous forest, on the higher altitudes in the north and the upper portion of the northeast, through to moist evergreen, dry evergreen, deciduous, dipterocarps, to the lowland rainforest and coastal mangroves plus an abundance of coral reefs around the islands to the south.

Diversity
From a total land area of 513,115 sq. km, Thailand possesses an amazing diversity of living organisms; 280 species of mammals; more than 950 species of birds; 300 species of reptiles; 107 species of amphibians; 1,900 species of fish; approximately 10,000 vascular plants and thousands of insects and invertebrate species. Much of Thailand's diverse wildlife can still be found in more than 180 protected areas, with some 14% of the total land area reserved. These reserved areas consist of 89 National Parks, 47 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and 53 designated non-hunting areas.

Threats
In the face of increasing exploitative pressures, Thailand is attempting to conserve its rich natural resources. Legislative measures, including a total ban on logging activities, the establishment of protected areas and heavy fines for those caught poaching or trading in wild animals have had some success. However, as in so many parts of the world, the main threat to the survival of Thai wildlife is habitat destruction by mankind. Thailand's forest cover has declined remarkably from about 53% in 1961 to only about 20% today. 240,000 hectares of forest are estimated to be lost per year. Human population growth, the loss of much wildlife habitat by modern farming practices, notably rice paddies, the practice of shifting cultivation with slash and burn agriculture and illegal logging have contributed significantly to this alarming deterioration. Road construction, mineral exploitation, hydroelectric projects and resettlement programs, together with the present boom in tourism, have greatly increased the pressure on forest, wildlife and other resources. Illegal hunting and poaching of wildlife constitutes another serious problem. Commercial exploitation for international trade has also severely reduced certain populations of wild animals, some to the point of extinction. Since the introduction of the first National Park at Khao Yai in 1962, the Royal Thai Forestry Department have made tremendous efforts to conserve these protected areas. Wildlife Sanctuaries differ from National Parks in that they are closed areas, not open to the public. However many of these areas are still been encroached by members of society at all levels.

Threatened Species
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed more than 35 species as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable with some species now believed extinct.

Javan Rhino - Rhinoceros sondaicus The Javan Rhino enjoys the dubious distinction of being the rarest large mammal in the world. A solitary animal, weighing up to 1,400 kg., it inhabits lowland rain forest in river valleys and coastal plains, particularly secondary or disturbed growth. The population decline was due to illegal over hunting, to supply parts of the carcass, particularly the horn, to the traditional medicine industry. Formally, more than 20 years ago, the Javan Rhino was seen in remote areas of Ranong, Phangna, Krabi and Trang provinces, in the south of Thailand. Similar in appearance to the Indian Rhino, it is however less massive, with a much smaller head. This animal is now believed to be extinct in Thailand with only a few (believed less than fifty) surviving in Indonesia.

Sumatran Rhino - Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Besides being a declining life form, like other perissodactyls, this otherwise protected rhino has always suffered, like the Javan rhino from the hitherto large market in the Orient for its horn. Because of this market 4 of the 5 rhino species are at a point of near extinction. Habitat destruction due logging and agricultural development is further affecting the species. The Sumatran rhino is extremely sensitive to human presence and readily abandons areas in which it has been disturbed. While the African species use their horns as weapons, the Asian species generally use their incisors, seldom if ever, using their horns for aggressive purposes. The last seen Sumatran Rhino, in Thailand, was over 10 years ago in Surathani province.

Tapir - Tapirus indicus The Malayan or Asiatic Tapir occupies similar habitats to the Central American tapir. It is strikingly marked, being well camouflaged. The Tapir is solitary, nocturnal, both grazing and browsing on grasses and aquatic vegetation, leaves, buds, soft twigs and fruits of low growing shrubs. The body of the tapir is bulky with moderately short legs and a short tail. A short flexible proboscis, small eyes and short ears characterize its head. The animals live in dense forests and swamps and when threatened flee to the water for safety. Their main predator, in addition to humans, used to be the tiger. Hunters, together with the conversion of lowland forest have brought the species to near extinction.

Asiatic Water Buffalo - Bubalus bubalis The Wild Asian Buffalo are classified as endangered by the IUCN. The wild water buffalo is much larger in all proportions, quicker moving and considerably more aggressive than its domesticated namesake. They prefer open forests and grasslands near water, where they feed chiefly on grasses in the early morning and late evening, during the day they are usually lying down in dense vegetation chewing their cud or wallowing in mud. Like so many animals, human population growth, in their primary areas, has put a great strain on their habitat. Horn, used for decorative items, has been found for sale in Laos and Thailand, as well as the Thai-Myanmar border. Apart from poaching, the frequent contacts with the feral buffalo has resulted in whole herd loss by contagious disease. In Thailand, these animals are now confined to just one area, in Uthai Thani province. This buffalo is now fully protected by Thai wildlife law. It is believed that probably only 40 - 50 are left.

Shomburgk's Deer - Cervus schomburgki Schomburgk's Deer, endemic to only Thailand, were once very common in the lush swamps along the Chao Phya River and on several of the great swampy, grassy plains around Chiang Rai and Sukothai. However with the cultivation, primarily of rice, human encroachment and hunting it is believed that this species in Thailand is now possibly extinct. The shoulder height about 1m with a dark shiny brown body and short tail with a light ventral surface. Keeping in small herds in the mating season, after that the bucks tend to stay on their own. The buck has an antler that is quite distinctive in having a very short beam with 10-33 tines arranged in a basket like fashion. This deer was regarded as the one with the finest antler. Feeding on grass shoots and a variety of fruits and leaves in open grassland, as their highly branched antlers prohibited them from moving in dense forest. This endemic deer has been declared as one of the 15 reserved wild animals of Thailand with the purpose to control the possession and export of its antlers.

Marbled Cat - Felis marmorata The Marbled Cat is similar to a miniature version of the clouded leopard. Weighing between 9-18 lb. and reaching a length of 32-46 inches, the animal has a thick, soft fur, varying from brownish gray to reddish brown in color. The coat is covered in large blotches, which are paler in the center. This rare, jungle dwelling cat is solitary and nocturnal, with vocalizations similar to the domestic cat. Habitat destruction throughout their areas remains to be their primary threat.

Brow Antlered Deer - Cervus eldi Twenty-two of the world's 40 deer species are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). All subspecies of Eld's deer fall into this category. Now only found in forested pockets of India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, they once inhabited a much more extensive range, including much of Thailand. In size this deer is larger than a Hog Deer but smaller than a Sambar. Shoulder height 1.2-1.3m and weighing about 100-150 kg. The buck has distinct long hairs on its neck and a brow tine of the antler forming a continuous curve with the beam appearing as a bow-shaped structure in profile, not forming angles as those with other deer. Due to severe hunting pressures, this animal is now quite rare and is yet another on the list of endangered species. Because of the hooked shaped of the end of the antlers and the sharp acute angle the brow tine makes with the head, the antlers easily get caught in branches and vines, so the Brow Antlered Deer generally avoids dense forest areas.

Kouprey - Bos sauveli Confined to two widely separated areas in Cambodia and Vietnam. The last small herd seen in Thailand was in 1975 in Sisaket Province and is probably now extinct. The kouprey was the latest large mammal to be discovered (in 1937) by western science. It is the most primitive of living cattle, being dependent, to some extent, on the slash and burn agriculture that has been practiced for thousands of years. They inhabit low, rolling hills, with open plains and patches of dense deciduous forest. Preferring sandy soil areas with salt licks. Patches of forest are essential to their existence, giving shelter from the hot sun and refuge from predators.

Serow - Capricornis sumatraensis Short bodied, long legged, goat antelope with large donkey-like ears and coarse, rather long body hairs. The shoulder height is about 1 meter. A strongly developed mane is present on neck and extends well along the middle of the back to the tail. Both sexes have horns; each one is rather short and thick with ringed corrugations at its base. In Thailand, serow typically inhabit steep limestone mountains, thickly clad cliffs and generally inaccessible forest. Because of their acute sense of smell, eyesight and hearing, combined with the habitat, serow are difficult to observe. Still found in localized mountain forest areas of Northern Thailand, but are rare with their sites rapidly declining from heavy poaching.

Goral - Naemorhedus goral Another goat antelope, resembling a very small serow in general outline, but has a thinner neck, smaller horns and is a darker shade of brown. The height at its shoulder is slightly more than 50 cm. and its weight around 30 kg, having conspicuous glands in front of the eyes. They keep to dry, mountainous terrain, grazing in the early morning and late evening for twigs, leaves and shoots. They retreat into the bushes and rock ledges during the day. Seldom found below 1,000m, they inhabit areas even more precipitous than the serow, preferring the most difficult possible terrain. Only 4-7 have been seen in recent years at the headquarters of the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai province. As already happened to the serow, the goral are also hunted for their fat, which is believed to help cure broken bones. Goral are one of the 15 reserved wild animals.

Fea's Barking Deer - Muntiacus feae Another animal that is quite rare and is included on the list of endangered species. Little is known about this rare barking deer, even though its habits resemble those of the common barking deer. In Thailand they seem to be confined to hilly mountainous areas covered in evergreen forest. Weighing about 18-21 kg., the upper parts are dark brown, finely speckled with yellow. The under parts are mixed brown and white. Being largely diurnal and solitary, they eat grasses, low growing leaves and shoots. Reasons for the decline of the Fea's muntjac include hunting and increase in human settlement. Because of its restricted range it is very vulnerable to habitat destruction. In addition this barking deer is quite unwary in habit, so it is easily hunted. A legally protected wild animal.

Banteng - Bos javanicus Banteng are found in Southeast Asia and Indo China. The species is extinct in India and Bangladesh and thought to be extinct in West Malaysia and Brunei. Populations in Thailand have declined by at least 80% in the past 20 years. Illegal trade is a major threat to the survival of wild banteng. Banteng horn has been found for sale along the Thai-Laos and Thai-Myanmar border. Habitat loss and diseases from other livestock have contributed to its decline. During a survey in 1995, at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, in Thailand, there were an estimated 240-270.

Clouded Leopard - Panthera nebulosa The clouded leopard is a medium sized wild cat with characteristic cloud-like patterns on its flanks. It has a slim body about 65-95 cm long and a body weight of 16-23 kg. It may be found in the dense forest and scrub of remote parts of Thailand, where often hunting in pairs by day or night often dropping silently down onto its prey from trees. Its prey consists of a wide variety of terrestrial and arboreal animals, from birds and monkeys to small game and snakes. Victims are usually stunned with the forepaw and killed with a bite using its very long canines. This cat is one of the best climbers and can run up and down a tree like a squirrel. Its coat varying from pale to rich brown with large irregular blotches. Another endangered species.

Asian Tiger - Panthera tigris The largest of all the oriental big cats. Fossil remains of tigers have been found as far north as the Arctic Circle. The subspecies in Thailand are smaller than the typical form with darker ground coloration and more numerous, rather short, narrow and rarely doubled stripes. Tigers are able to exist in all kinds of forest that can supply sufficient prey, food and shelter. Tigers prefer a solitary life and it is known that they can live up to 20-25 years. Heavy poaching for skins and skulls, together with the depletion of natural prey species and habitat destruction have combined to greatly reduce the tiger populations to a few isolated areas. All subspecies of tiger are included on the endangered species list and all forms are rapidly declining.

Dugong - Dugong dugon A large marine mammal having no dorsal fin but with sparse hair covering the body. Dugongs weigh 230-900 kg. Its body is adapted for aquatic life by being fusiform in shape, with a broad horizontal and bifurcated tail fluke. The front limbs are modified into flippers. Dugongs have been found along both shallow coastlines of Thailand but are now confined to islands off the West Coast, living in water 1-12m deep. Their numbers have been severely reduced by over hunting and habitat destruction. The tin mines of Phuket, Phangna and Krabi have poured silt into coastal waters reducing the sea grasses on which the animal feeds. Now protected legally as a reserved wild animal and is listed as vulnerable.

Sarus Crane - Grus antigone The Sarus Crane is the world's tallest flying bird, with a male standing up to 6 feet tall. Has a strikingly naked, orange-red head and neck and a long tuft of nearly white drooping feathers over the tail. Their favored habitat being large marshes and wet savannas where they feed in pairs. Once distributed all over Thailand it is now believed to have been totally extirpated. The last sighting of 4 birds was in Si Sa Ket Province in 1985. This crane pairs and remains together for life indicated by the refusal to leave its mate when one of a pair is killed or wounded. Destruction of the breeding grounds by drainage of wetlands, merciless hunting for birds and their eggs have seemingly wiped out this bird from Thailand.

White Eyed River Martin - Pseudochelidon sirintarae First discovered in 1968 from its only known locality at Bung Borapet, a large swamp in Nakon Sawan Province in central Thailand. This bird is just 15cm long with silky black plumage having a glossy bluish/green sheen and prominent white-eye rings. This specie is endemic only to Thailand, roosting among the extensive reed beds within Bung Borapet. All records of appearance are in winter months from November to March. Its summer range and breeding ground are unknown. After its first discovery only a few other sightings have been observed. No sightings have been recorded in recent years. This specie may now be extinct in Thailand.

Gurney's Pitta - Pitta gurneyi The bird has been ranked among the 12 species of the world's most endangered animals. 21 cm long, endemic to a small area from southern Myanmar to peninsular Thailand and south to the Malaysian border. Though it was fairly common at the start of last century, it has not been scientifically reported in the wild since 1952. Its existing habitats of lowland rainforest are few in number and all under heavy pressure from encroachment. Furthermore the declared endangered status plus the corresponding commercial demand in the pet market have raised the price and promoted more hunting. The Oriental Bird Club (OBC) has recently made strenuous efforts at conservation including high profile media campaigns to seek support and assistance.

Asian Elephants - Elephas maximus Asiatic elephants are gregarious animals staying in herds from 5 up to 20 or more individuals. Unlike their African cousins they cannot tolerate the heat of the sun and usually try to stay in cool, shady, spots in the jungle during the daytime. In 1921 elephants were the first species of wild animals in Thailand to be protected by law. Unfortunately even this special law is not well enforced. Wild elephant habitat has been for years, under severe threat from human encroachment. Much of the former elephant habitat has been taken over for rice cultivation and wild elephants soon became extinct in these areas. It is now estimated that there are less than 2,000 elephants left in the wild, most of these living in protected areas such as Khao Yai National Park and in the mountainous forest areas along the Myanmar border and in the forests in the south.

Asiatic Black Bear - Selenarctos thibetanus Asian black bars are severely endangered, even though protected by strict anti-poaching laws. These bears are still widely hunted throughout SE Asia because their meat brings a heavy price from unscrupulous restaurant owners. The export of bear gall bladders has been a major problem in China and Japan continues to trade in Asiatic Black Bear products. This animal has a coat of smooth black fur with a distinctive 'V' shape of white fur on the chest. Its black claws easily distinguish it from the Sloth Bear, which has white claws.

Sun Bear - Helarctos malayanus The sun bear is the smallest bear in the world being about half the size of the Asiatic black bear. Formally widespread in the lowland forests of SE Asia, the species may now be extinct in India, Bangladesh and China. Sun Bears inhabit protected areas in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia although their numbers are decreasing, being threatened by illegal trade both for pets and meat. Legislation to conserve the species is poorly enforced in most countries of its range. It is the least known of all the bears and has a very bleak future due to the lack of management and understanding.

Gaur - Bos gaurus The gaur is a large black animal with a ridge on the back and white or yellow stockings on all four legs. Males have a shoulder height of 1.7-1.9m and a weight of 650-900 kg. Females are about one third smaller than males. Horns are flattened at the base, directed out and the elliptical tips are then inwardly curved. Chief food items are grasses, bamboo shoots, leaves and barks of trees. They occur in herds of 8-12 individuals or more with an old cow as leader. Gaur were once found throughout Thailand, but are now quite rare. Inhabiting forests at all elevations, often far from any open grazing. Hunting, habitat destruction and disease, usually from domestic cattle, have contributed to their decline. In 1995 there were an estimated population 300-350 in Thailand.

Flat Headed Cat - Prionailurus planiceps Little research has been done regarding this animal; it is seldom encountered and believed to be very rare. Fully protected, hunting and trade are prohibited. Seems to prefer swampy areas, oxbow lakes and riverine forest although some recent sightings have been recorded in oil palm plantations in the south and Malaysia, where it apparently feeds on rodents. Water pollution, especially by oil, organ chlorines and heavy metals, associated with agriculture run off poses a severe threat to the flat headed cat through contamination.

Pig Tailed Macaque - Macaca nemestrina Found in forested areas with a diet consisting mainly of fruit, seeds, buds, insects, lizards, frogs, mollusks and crabs. Pig tailed macaques are mischievous, very active Old World monkeys. As a result of been fed by passing motorists these monkeys often sit by the roadside begging for food and thus can be quite dangerous. Although still quite common in many areas of Thailand they are listed as being vulnerable. Assemese Macaque - Macaca assamensis Similar to the pig tailed macaque in that it has cheek pouches to carry its food while foraging. This species has a short tail with no hair on the face. Found in forest habitats throughout its range from mountain to semi-deciduous forests. Listed as vulnerable.

Stumptailed Macaque - Macaca arctoides Same stout body as the pig tailed macaque but somewhat larger. The tail is only a short stump, being about 10% of the head and body. The hairs from the back and sides of the head down the shoulders are very long and shaggy, especially in older individuals. The skin on the face is reddish brown, though in hot weather or when excited the face may become bright red. Listed as vulnerable.

Pileated Gibbon - Hylobates pileatus A gibbon with long white hairs directed outwards from the side of the head. Both sexes are grayish white at birth, two black patches appear at around 6 months, one on the chest and another on the crown. By age 3-4 the male turns black all over except for the circle round the face, the genital area, the crown above the ears and sometimes the backs of the hands and feet. Females turn black by age 2-3 then become buff again by the time they are adults. This animal has declined due habitat loss, hunting and the pet market. It is estimated that before deforestation there were 2-3 million whereas now they may be less than 10,000. On the list of endangered species.

Dhole - Cuon alpinus This animal differs from the jackal in being more reddish and lacking the saddle pattern over the shoulder. Human persecution, as they were regarded as vermin, resulted in many been trapped, shot or poisoned. They are quite rare in Thailand and classified as vulnerable by IUCN.

Hairy Nosed Otter - Lutra sumatrana One of the 4 native otters that can be easily recognized by having hairs covering the entire nose pad except for the nostrils. Fur of the back is short and a velvety dark brown. Its biology is scantily known but the rapid decrease of its habitat and food sources have driven this low population otter to the verge of extinction. Legally declared a protected animal. On the IUCN list of endangered species.

Otter Civet - Cynogale bennetti A civet with a wide, round upper lip, very long white whiskers, short tail and partially webbed feet, specially adapted to life in the water. Dark brown body with hairs having pale tips giving a grizzled appearance. Inhabits dense vegetation along the waterways in the evergreen forest or in the lowland swamp forest in the South. Affected heavily by human colonization and the expanding rice culture. Yet another animal on the endangered list.

Arrow Tailed Flying Squirrel - Hylopetes alboniger A medium sized flying squirrel with creamy white underparts and a grayish or drab brown upperpart. These are typically mountain flying squirrels occurring in mixed forest especially where there are oak trees. Found only in the north of Thailand where they live in hollow trees during the day and forage for fruit and nuts at night. On the endangered list.

Smooth Coated Otter - Lutra perspicillata Smooth coated otters are so named for their shorter, smoother coats. Although little is known of the ecology of the species, it is known to occur in a variety of Asian habitats from mangroves to freshwater wetlands and large forested rivers. Insufficient information is known about the species and is listed as vulnerable.

Kitti's Hog Nosed Bat - Craseonycteris thonglongyai The world's smallest mammal, about the size of a bumblebee, with a pig-like nose, no tail, relatively large ears and small eyes concealed by fur. Only found in small remote caves, far from the entrance and hanging high in the roof where they seem to prefer being well separated from each other. Highly threatened by uncontrolled de-forestation of its foraging habitats, the animal has the dubious distinction of being one of the top twelve most endangered animals in the world.

Old World Leaf Nosed Bat - Hipposideros turpis This group is a specialized one, not closely related to the other group of large bats. The ears are large, broad and pointed. Found only in the south central peninsular of Thailand. Rare and on the list of endangered species.

Big Brown Bat - Eptesicus demissus This bat has short fur, chestnut above, lighter below with some hairs tipped buff brown. The ears are short and narrow with rounded tips. Found only in the southern province of Surat Thani. This species is regarded as vulnerable.

Bourret's Horseshoe Bat - Rhinolophus paradoxolophus Found only in central Northeast Thailand and parts of North Vietnam where it inhabits dry deciduous forest and roosting in small caves. This bat is one of the rarest Thai species that is ecologically distinct inhabiting this dry deciduous forest. The species is rather long with dark brown upperparts. Individual hairs are pale at the base. The ears are large and funnel like. Listed as vulnerable.

Green Peafowl - Pavo muticus Brilliant green males having a tall erect crest and diagnostic blue and yellow facial skin. The female resembles the male except that no train is present and the mottled body plumage lacks the green gloss. Total body length 120-210 cm including the tail. This animal prefers patches of dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forest alongside streams. Once found throughout the country below 900m (except for the Central Plain) it is now very rare. Illegal poaching to serve the demand for the pet market, the fashion of using its brilliantly colored feathers for decoration and the destruction of its riverine habitat are the main causes leading to the endangerment of this bird.

Hume's Pheasant - Syrmaticus humiae This rare native pheasant, 90cm in body length is restricted to a small area in Northwestern Thailand, where it inhabits hill evergreen and pine forests. This pheasant has a very low population confined to isolated hilltops. A number have been known to have been snared or shot for food. This together with the destruction of the forest for farming and resettlement give great cause for concern that the species will be wiped out in the near future.

Siamese Firebacks - Lophura diardi In Thailand this pheasant inhabits lowland areas in the Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast where it lives in the thick secondary growth and dry evergreen forest up to 600m. Slightly smaller than the Humes Pheasant, males and females are strikingly different in appearance. Its preferred habitat has been considerably destroyed and its vivid coloring makes it particularly vulnerable to live trapping for sale in the illegal international pet market.

Deignan's Babbler - Stachyris rodolphei A small insectivorous bird with a body size of 11cm. This is an endemic resident bird that is exclusively known from Doi Chiang Dao, a limestone outcrop north of Chiang Mai Province. At altitudes from 1,000-1,800m it lives in the tall bamboo. Together with human encroachment and competitive pressure between it and other birds have combined to virtually eliminate this blabber from Thailand.

Spot Billed Pelican - Pelecanus philippensis A large grayish/white water bird with plump body and long bill with pouch. Dark brown fully webbed feet. Due mostly to human persecution it has been lost as a breeding bird from this country. Its large size making it an easy target together with the loss of suitable breeding sites are the major causes for its absence here. This pelican is protected by law and is declared (IUCN) a threatened species.

Long Billed Vultures - Gyps indicus All the vulture species in Thailand are legally protected wild animals. All are threatened by modernization, especially now by modern health practice where dead carcasses are disposed of and not left to rot in the open. With this reduction in food supply vultures are all but wiped out.

The Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WAR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the maltreatment of wild animals, relieving their suffering and providing a caring environment in which rescued animals can live. WAR seeks the help and advice of local and international experts in order to try to rehabilitate the animals and return them to the wild. WAR works in conjunction with government and non-governmental agencies to educate people about the need to preserve and protect the environment.

Check out these links:

US wildlife service	endangered.fws.gov/citec.html
Info on endangered species	www.wildlaw.org/Eco-Laws/50-17-11.html
	www.bookitprogram.com/endspec.html
	www.fonz.org
	www.animalinfo.org
World Wildlife Fund	www.panda.org
Conservation	www.conservation.org
	www.unep-wcmc.org
	www.idealist.org/cgi-bin/IS/detail
	www.camacdonald.com/birding/asiathailand.htm
	ultimateungulate.com/index.html