The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand, a pivotal biodiversity sanctuary, has witnessed an extraordinary resurgence in its wild tiger population. This expansive area, encompassing 11 national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries, has seen the estimated number of wild tigers increase more than threefold from 2007 to 2023. A recent study conducted by the Department of National Parks and the Wildlife Conservation Society estimates the current tiger population in WEFCOM at 143. Spanning along Thailand's border with Myanmar, WEFCOM stands as the largest forest tract in mainland Southeast Asia and is a cornerstone of Thailand's tiger conservation efforts.
The recovery of tigers in WEFCOM is a testament to Thailand's commitment to wildlife conservation, a success slowly mirrored in neighboring countries like India and Nepal. This transboundary conservation area allows tigers to traverse through non-protected lands, necessitating cooperation from local communities and landowners. The Thai government has prioritized the protection of large swathes of land, including WEFCOM, by implementing focused research, species monitoring, and smart patrols. Furthermore, local information campaigns have been instrumental in engaging communities in the conservation mission.
The rise in tiger density rates within WEFCOM is significant, with some regions boasting densities as high as any other in Southeast Asia. Presently, nine known tigers inhabit the area, with conservation officials aiming for a total of 15. The concerted efforts have also led to a marked decline in poaching incidents, with no cases reported since 2013. Surrounding WEFCOM are community forests, privately managed lands, and agrarian reform territories, all contributing to a broader ecological tapestry.
Economic security for local populations has surged alongside these conservation efforts. By supporting food and water systems and empowering communities, tiger conservation has become intertwined with local livelihoods. This achievement reinforces WEFCOM's critical role in Thailand's overarching goal to support up to 2,000 tigers with adequate protection.
Teerawut eloquently captures the national sentiment toward tiger conservation:
"Tigers don’t belong to one individual in Thailand, they belong to everyone."
He further elaborates on this shared pride:
"To see tigers in Thailand, to see them walk in Thai forests, is something to be proud of."
Conservation expert Alex McWilliam underscores the significance of these achievements:
"Conservation in general is a very tough business and when there are successes, I think those successes should be celebrated. And certainly, in Thailand, the situation for tiger conservation in some areas is extremely positive."
McWilliam also highlights the challenges faced by tigers worldwide:
"They only inhabit around 7 per cent of the land area that they once lived in."
However, he notes a crucial area of concern:
"Very negative," he remarks regarding tigers coming closer into contact with humans.
Khomsan Maneekarn reflects on the transformation of these forests:
"Back then, there wasn’t much wildlife and it was hard to find it. After the rehabilitation, these forests have become a place of hope for the wildlife, not just the tigers."
Regan Pairojmahakij offers insight into the delicate balance required in conservation:
"Maybe you do need, in some cases, a kind of a core protected area for certain species. Tigers are one of them that do not happily coexist with people."
He emphasizes the importance of community involvement:
"But then you have the surrounding buffer areas, and whatever benefits associated with biodiversity conservation are, they must be shared and disseminated and made accessible to local communities."
Pairojmahakij also highlights the iconic status of tigers:
"There's very few iconic species or issues quite as compelling as tiger conservation. So it's incredibly powerful. There needs to be a problem as a catalytic point to bring stakeholders together. It's the most beautiful kind of entry point."
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