Two protected gaurs shot dead, patrols stepped up

Park rangers in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province have stepped up patrols in a bid to curb illegal hunting after two gaurs were found shot dead.

Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said a firefighting unit discovered the two carcasses while attempting to contain forest fires in Ban Tha Salao, Yang Mai Klad subdistrict.

He did not elaborate on when the protected animals were killed, but said one carcass had been examined by a veterinarian at the scene. Several metallic projectiles, believed to have been fired from a shotgun, were found embedded in its body. A spent shotgun shell was also found nearby.

The second gaur carcass is being examined by a veterinarian.

Atthaphon said he had instructed park officials to coordinate with local police to identify those responsible for the animals’ deaths and bring them to justice.

He also urged residents living near the park to report any information about the perpetrators to the department via hotline 1362.

Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in Thailand, covering a largely unexplored area of about 2,900 square kilometres. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021.

The park is home to rich biodiversity, with more than 91 species of mammals and over 460 bird species recorded so far.