Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [67]
Thailand’s most famous animals are also its most endangered. The Asian elephant, a smaller cousin to the African elephant, once roamed the forests of Indochina in great herds. The elephant’s massive size and intelligence made it a reliable beast of burden, often corralled during important cultural festivals for the purposes of domestication. The elephant is still a national symbol and has served many roles in Thailand’s history: war machine, timber logger, royal transport and godlike character in the Hindu-inherited myths. But both the wild and domesticated elephants face extinction and displacement as Thailand’s human population increases and modernises. The population of wild elephants in Thailand is estimated at about 2000, but agricultural villages often border the few remaining stands of elephant habitat resulting in battles between farmers and wild elephants who are prone to raiding crops instead of foraging in the forest. Despite the animals’ protected status, retaliation or poaching is often seen by struggling farmers as the only solution to this threat to their livelihood.
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A Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand (2002), by Craig Robson, is the must-have guide for birders.
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The domesticated elephant has become increasingly obsolete in modern society. No longer employable in the timber industry or honoured in ceremonial processions, these elephants and their mahout handlers often wander the streets of the kingdom’s major cities reduced to beggars and sideshows. See (Click here) for information about elephant sanctuary programs.
Reclusive wild tigers stalk the hinterlands between Thailand and Myanmar but in ever-decreasing numbers. It is difficult to obtain an accurate count of surviving tigers, but experts estimate that around 200 to 300 wild tigers remain in Thailand. Although tiger hunting and trapping is illegal, poachers continue to kill the cats for the lucrative overseas wildlife trade.
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THAILAND’S BEST NATIONAL PARKS: BEACHES & CORAL GARDENS
Similan Islands (Click here) A well-protected preserve famed for snorkelling and diving; it is best visited November to May.
Ko Tarutao (Click here) A series of islands that range from deserted to developed for back-to-naturalists, coral exploration and hiking; best visited November to May.
Khao Lak/Lamru (Click here) A coastal park with blonde beaches, crystal-clear water for snorkelling and rainforest hikes; it is best visited January to May.
Ko Lanta (Click here) A low-key island combing rainforest hiking with beach-bum activities.
Khao Sam Roi Yot (Click here) A coastal mangrove forest filled with birdlife.
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The rare dugong (also called manatee or sea cow), once thought extinct in Thailand, is now known to survive in a few small pockets, mostly around Trang in southern Thailand, but is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and the lethal propellers of tourist boats.
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Of Thailand’s 280 species of mammals, the smallest is called the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, and the largest is the Asian elephant.
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Roughly 250 animal and plant species in Thailand are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of endangered or vulnerable species with fish, bird and plant species being the most affected. However, the Thai government is slowly recognising the importance of conservation, perhaps due to the efforts and leadership of Queen Sirikit. Many of the kingdom’s zoos now have an active breeding and conservation