Likely a survivor of an attempted poaching incident, the tiger, who now goes by the nickname “I-Douan,” was documented feeding on a domestic buffalo. The video of the incident has provided more clues about why the big cats and local people have clashed lately, while pointing to a solution.
This happened 10 days after two other tigers were found poached in the same area with their skins and bones prepared for illegal sale. Those poachers were caught and claimed to have killed the big cats after they ate their cattle, which villagers illegally release to roam and graze inside the nature reserve.
Normally, tigers will feed on deer, wild boar, and other animals, but with the decline of these species, it makes the incursions of domesticated animals into their forest homes more tempting for the tigers, especially a wounded hungry one.
Freeland, IUCN, in conjunction with custodians of Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), and other organizations have joined forces to prevent any further killing of tigers, and to help locals graze their domestic animals outside of protected wildlife areas.
Freeland is now working with authorities to try to get the injured female tiger relocated to a rescue center where she may live in safety with adequate food and security.
While not an easy process as the area is very remote and requires a 4WD and boat to reach. General Petcharat Sangchai shared the group’s “hope that the tiger can be successfully rescued and moved to the safety of a rescue center.”
According to the Director of DNP for this area, Mr. Niphon Chamnongsirisak, “the only way to prevent further accidents to both people and tigers is by restricting all access to this area and moving this injured tiger.”
With less than 200 Indochinese tigers remaining in the wild, Thailand is making extra efforts to ensure the future of this critically endangered species, which is also the symbol of this year’s Chinese calendar. Tigers require large pristine areas with abundant wild prey in order to establish territories and breed. Conflicts will occur if the sanctity of the tigers’ habitat is not respected.
Donations to help Freeland sustain this important work to help save Indochinese tigers in the wild can be made HERE!
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