Clouded Leopard Conservation and Research in Thailand

• Thailand Small Carnivore and Clouded Leopard Workshop, Kasetsart University
• Thailand Clouded Leopard Breeding Project, Khao Kheow Open Zoo
• Carnivore Conservation Project, Khao Yai National Park
• Park Ranger and Anti-Poaching Support, Khao Yai National Park
• Ecology and Conservation of the Clouded Leopard, Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary
• Survey for small felid species in Thailand reserves and evidence for competitive exclusion by larger felids
• Thai Education Projects

Thailand Small Carnivore and Clouded Leopard Workshop

Thailand Small Carnivore and Clouded Leopard Workshop, 24-27 November 2009

Kasetsart University, Faculty of Forestry



Investigators: W. Chutipong, N. Tantipisanuh, D. Ngoprasert, G. A. Gale, D. H. Reed, A. J. Lynam, N. Bhumpakphan, V. Chimchome, R. Sukmasuang, Y. Trisurat, and J. W. Duckworth. 2010.

Following the Clouded Leopard and Small Felid Summit held in Bangkok in January 2009, a group of researchers became interested in the the metadata that had been gathered from photo-trapping in Thailand. A group analysis would allow the researchers to understand wide-scale population trends better than they could on their own as well as let the researchers assess the quality of their survey methods and discuss ways of improvement and standardization. In addition to improving their own techniques, it was also hoped that this might also raise awareness of Thai conservation needs and also help integrate Thai conservation projects with those of neighboring countries of Laos and Myanmar.

In November 2009, an international workshop was held, bringing together forty individuals with relevant field-collected datasets and recent photo-trapping experience to review the current status of small carnivores in Thailand. The information compiled covered multiple sites throughout Thailand and was mostly in the form of camera-trap photos, although direct sightings, tracks, or other recorded signs were also taken into account. In addition to compiling information on small carnivores, a number of larger ones (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard) were also included for comparison.



From these data each site was evaluated for species richness and distribution maps were created. Furthermore, the species were grouped into three categories: immediate action required, more information needed, or no current special needs, with specific recommendations or discussions for each species. The list is as follows -





The group also discussed future goals, standardized methods, and to stress the importance of effective law enforcement, trade monitoring, and further surveys and information exchanges. This was in addition to highlighting gaps in basic ecological and phylogenetic knowledge for many species. Discussion was lively and the data set was 'quite impressive'. Research efforts are much more effective when there is a comprehensive plan that all researchers are aware of and in agreement with. This workshop should provide a baseline reference for future research as well as prevent potentially repetitive and fragmented efforts.