Kaeng krachan: Tourists captured images of a leopard cat this morning while admiring the sea of mist on Khao Phanom Thung, indicating that the Kaeng Krachan forest remains pristine.

According to Thai News Agency, tourists who were visiting the area in Kaeng Krachan National Park managed to capture photos of the elusive Leopard Cat at 5:00 a.m. as it ventured out to forage.

Mr. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, stated that the sighting of a leopard cat along a tourist route is a positive sign for the ecosystem in the area. He emphasized that the presence of such wildlife reflects the health and abundance of the ecosystem on Khao Phanom Thung.

The leopard cat is classified as a protected wild animal in Thailand and is listed in CITES Appendix II. Its IUCN status is marked as Least Concern, though some regions face risks from hunting and habitat loss. This recent discovery underscores that wildlife foraging routes remain undisturbed by tourism, serving as a crucial indicator of the biodiversity within the Kaeng Krachan Forest.

The park authorities have urged visitors to drive cautiously, remain vigilant for wildlife crossing roads, and avoid using flash photography or making loud noises, to minimize disturbances to the natural habitat.