Tiger Conservation in Thailand Shows Results

On the occasion of World Tiger Day, the Thai government has published new population figures for the big cats.

According to the data, the country has recorded an increase in its wild tiger population to between 179 and 223 animals. At the last count in 2022, the estimated number was only 148 to 189 individuals. “This positive development is a historic milestone and the result of years of intensive conservation efforts.

Thailand is thus the first country in Southeast Asia to have successfully increased its national tiger population,” says Axel Krumsiek, Head of the Asia division at WWF Germany. Elsewhere in the region, tiger populations are declining, and in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, tigers have become extinct over the past 25 years.

“Thailand has demonstrated that through continuous and coordinated efforts, positive change is possible. We are proud to have supported this path and will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure the long-term protection of the tiger,” Krumsiek added.

According to WWF's assessment, consistent action against illegal tiger trade and investments in nature conservation and national parks have led to a recovery of the population, particularly in the core protected areas of the western forest complex. A further focus is on the restoration of tiger prey populations such as sambar deer and banteng. Since 2021, WWF, together with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), has released more than 100 sambar deer into tiger habitats. More animals are to follow. The reintroduced sambar deer are monitored after release using GPS collars and camera traps.

"Thailand is a beacon of hope for tiger recovery in Southeast Asia. Restoring wild tiger populations requires significant and sustained conservation efforts over many years. Now is the time to harness this momentum and continue to proactively drive tiger population recovery in Thailand," explains Krumsiek.