Good news for conservation: The Department of National Parks and Panthera confirm the return of the "Flat-headed Cat" to Toh Daeng Peat Swamp Forest after nearly 30 years of absence.
On 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation together with Panthera Thailand announced significant good news confirming the presence of the "Flat-headed Cat" (Flat-headed Cat), one of the rarest and most endangered wild cat species globally, within the Chalerm Phrakiat Somdet Phra Theparat Ratchasuda Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Toh Daeng Peat Swamp Forest, Narathiwat Province. This discovery provides invaluable concrete evidence, as there have been no official reports of this species in Thailand for nearly 30 years, and it also confirms the remaining richness of the peat swamp ecosystem, which now survives in only a few locations.
Data from automatic camera trap surveys show remarkable success, recording 13 flat-headed cat appearances in 2024 and increasing to 16 in 2025. This is the highest frequency of sightings compared to other global areas where this species is distributed. Furthermore, the survey team captured images of a flat-headed cat accompanied by its young, a key piece of evidence confirming that the species is reproducing and living safely in the natural environment of Toh Daeng Peat Swamp Forest.
Although the species is still classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated global population of only about 2,500 individuals, the IUCN previously listed the flat-headed cat in Thailand as "possibly extinct." This finding is a powerful testament to the success of ongoing conservation and habitat protection efforts.
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, said that after years of continuous protection and surveying of potential habitats where no images had been recorded for nearly 30 years, the rediscovery of the flat-headed cat in southern Thailand marks a major conservation achievement for the country and Southeast Asia. The discovery of an animal once thought lost from the region highlights the dedication of the department's staff in protecting the few remaining natural peat swamp forests in Thailand.
Ms. Krisana Kaewplang, Director of Panthera Thailand, added that after nearly three decades of absence, this discovery demonstrates how combining science with strong protection can achieve what once seemed impossible. This success results from the commitment of the Department of National Parks and relevant agencies to safeguard the wetlands and local communities’ livelihoods, which represent one of the most biodiverse yet threatened habitats in the country.
Plans are underway to expand research and strengthen conservation measures in these critical areas. The flat-headed cat is one of the smallest wild cats in Asia, characterized by webbed feet adapted for catching aquatic prey. It faces a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss. This discovery will lead to expanded research to effectively plan conservation of both its habitat and population.
The "Flat-headed Cat" is named for its distinctive flat and elongated skull. It is the smallest wild cat species in Southeast Asia, nocturnal, and has webbed toes that enable it to thrive in wetlands, peat swamps, and aquatic environments rich in prey. Its primary threats are habitat loss from human activities such as agricultural conversion, hunting, and water pollution.
This discovery provides vital information for the Department of National Parks and Panthera to plan effective conservation. Their cooperation will focus on enhancing patrol capacity in Toh Daeng Peat Swamp Forest through tactical training, use of the SMART Patrol system, and provision of field equipment and camera traps to monitor and deter illegal intrusions. Additionally, they will develop community intelligence networks to better understand human threats and other factors.
Thanks to the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.