Thailand’s Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (DPKY-FC) has been recognized as the country’s second breeding population of Indochinese tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti) since 2016. A new study shows that the population is holding steady, but habitat fragmentation and human activities still pose serious challenges to its expansion.
Researchers found that tigers in the western side of the DPKY-FC were thriving, while the eastern side continues to suffer from low population density and breeding issues. Efforts like improved patrolling, better connectivity between forest patches, and reduced poaching risks have been crucial for stabilizing the tiger population.