Kaeng Krachan National Park has recorded two black panthers for the first time in the area at Pa La-U Waterfall reflecting the success of World Heritage conservation efforts
On 26 December 2025, Mr. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, announced positive news from a wildlife survey. Mr. Chalorng Thongsong, head of Administrative Zone 5 of Kaeng Krachan National Park, reported the sighting of a leopard (black panther) in the Pa La-U Waterfall area, marking the first confirmed photographic evidence in this location.
Officials from Wildlife Protection Unit GK3 (Pa Lao) installed wildlife cameras to survey animal populations in the Pa La-U-Huai Chon Nat area, discovering a variety of species living there. Notably, two black panthers were recorded, which is important data indicating the area's ecosystem richness.
In addition to black panthers, other wildlife species such as dhole, serow, barking deer, and many others were found, demonstrating the completeness of the food chain and biodiversity in the region.
This discovery holds significant conservation implications, especially confirming Kaeng Krachan National Park's status as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The presence of black panthers confirms that this area deserves the highest level of protection. Furthermore, having top predators present indicates a balanced ecosystem, from plants and herbivores to carnivores at all levels. Since Kaeng Krachan connects to forest areas in Myanmar, wildlife can move and exchange genes, preventing inbreeding issues. This information will benefit research on wildlife behavior, conservation management, and planning for nearby area development.
Despite this encouraging news, conservation still faces challenges such as forest encroachment, illegal poaching, and impacts from climate change. Kaeng Krachan National Park has ongoing plans to enhance patrol efficiency using modern technology and equipment, expand survey areas to monitor wildlife distribution and population, foster cooperation with communities to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, promote sustainable ecotourism that does not harm wildlife, and develop a wildlife database to support effective research and management.
Mr. Mongkol said the discovery of black panthers is a precious gift from nature on National Wildlife Protection Day and a result of dedicated efforts by all staff protecting this forest. However, conservation is not the responsibility of officials alone; it requires cooperation from all sectors, including the public, local communities, and organizations, to jointly preserve this valuable natural heritage for future generations to witness and take pride in.