Wildlife authorities have confirmed a rare sighting of the critically endangered Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) in Bang Lang National Park, located in the southern province of Yala – a significant step forward in the nation’s ongoing conservation efforts.

The elusive tiger was captured on camera by motion-activated traps installed by park rangers as part of a long-term wildlife monitoring initiative. Bang Lang National Park spans 163,125 rai across the districts of Bannang Sata, Than To, and Betong.

This marks only the second time a Malayan tiger has been recorded in the area, following the first confirmed sighting in 2023, according to Chalerm Phoommai, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office. The tiger previously seen was nicknamed “Bang Lang 01.”

Malayan tigers are native to the southern forests of Thailand and the Malaysian Peninsula, distinguishing them from the Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti), which roams central and western Thailand, including Kaeng Krachan, Huai Kha Khaeng, and Khao Yai national parks.

“This discovery highlights the ecological richness of Bang Lang National Park and Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Yala,” said Mr. Chalerm. “These areas are vital habitat corridors that link protected forests across the Thai-Malaysian border.” 

The sighting forms part of the SMART Patrol project, a strategic ranger patrol and data collection program aimed at identifying threats and enhancing ecosystem protection. Alongside the tiger, the camera traps have also captured images of other rare wildlife, including elephants, gaur, and tapirs.

The Wildlife Conservation Office, together with the 6th Forest Conservation Office in Pattani, continues to monitor the Malayan tiger population. The data gathered is vital for informing long-term conservation plans in collaboration with both national and regional stakeholders.

Source: Bangkok Post