Black leopards confirmed at Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park has confirmed the presence of two black leopards in the Pa La-U Waterfall area for the first time, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation at the World Heritage Site.
The discovery was announced on 26 December by Mongkol Chaipakdee, head of the national park, following a wildlife survey carried out by park rangers. According to Chalong Thongsong, head of Management Zone 5, camera traps installed in the Pa La-U–Huai Chonnat forest area captured the first confirmed photographic evidence of black leopards in this part of the park.
Camera traps confirm healthy ecosystem
The images were recorded by rangers from Park Protection Unit KKJ 3 (Pa Lao) as part of an ongoing effort to monitor wildlife populations. In addition to the two black leopards, the survey documented several other species, including dholes, serows, barking deer and smaller mammals.
Park officials said the range of species observed points to a balanced and functioning ecosystem, with prey animals present in sufficient numbers to support large predators. As apex predators, black leopards are considered strong indicators of forest health, as they rely on intact habitats and a stable food chain to survive.
The finding is particularly significant for a park that forms part of a cross-border forest complex linking Thailand and Myanmar. This connectivity allows animals to move across large areas, supporting genetic diversity and reducing the risk of inbreeding among vulnerable species.
Officials said data collected from the camera traps will be used to support future research into wildlife behaviour and population trends, as well as conservation planning in areas surrounding the park.
World Heritage status reinforced
Kaeng Krachan National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2021, recognising its ecological importance and biodiversity. The confirmed presence of black leopards further underlines the park’s global conservation value and the need for continued protection.
Mongkol described the discovery as an encouraging sign and credited the work of park rangers who patrol and monitor the forest year-round. He said the finding coincided with National Wildlife Protection Day and reflected years of consistent conservation work on the ground.
However, he stressed that long-term conservation cannot rely on officials alone. Continued cooperation is needed from local communities, visitors and relevant organisations to protect wildlife and forest resources.
Despite the positive news, the park continues to face challenges, including forest encroachment, illegal hunting and the growing impact of climate change. In response, Kaeng Krachan National Park is expanding the use of modern patrol technology, increasing wildlife survey coverage, strengthening cooperation with nearby communities to reduce human–wildlife conflict, and promoting forms of tourism that minimise disturbance to animals.
Officials also plan to develop a more comprehensive wildlife database to improve research, monitoring and management decisions in the years ahead.
