Thailand Tiger Action Plan - Global Tiger Initiative

Thailand Tiger Action Plan2010-2022Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant ConservationMinistry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentThailand

ForwardsThis year is the year of tigers. We all recognize that tigers face a very realthreat of extinction as a result of a variety of factors ranging from habitatloss and prey depletion to poaching. This is a challenge not only for tigersbut also for biodiversity conservation and for human welfare – a challengecoming from our misperception in the past that nature’s bounty is unlimitedand thus can be freely exploited. Now we know that nature is not limitless,and both tigers and humans suffer if free and unlimited exploitation isallowed to continue.In January 2010, Thailand hosted the 1st Asia Ministerial Conference tostrengthen political will to conserve tigers and help political leaders fromtiger range countries to define bold programs to avert the threat of thetiger’s extinction. The Thai government gives its full support to therecovering of this threatened species through the development of smartinfrastructure and land use, empowerment of communities in and aroundtiger landscapes, improvement of wildlife law enforcement andgovernance, building professional capacity, and seeking innovativefinancing for tiger conservation. We have incorporated all thesecommitments into our new National Tiger Action Plan, and the challengefor us is to implement this plan to accomplish our goal. We are confidentthat the commitment we have taken into the National Tiger Action Plan willcontribute to regional and global efforts to conserve the tiger.The task before us now is of vital importance. In particular, inaccomplishing this task, all of us will no longer be remembered as part of ageneration that has destroyed tigers but as champions and protectors, andas originators of initiatives for conservation of tigers as well as our entireglobal natural capital that is part of our planet’s life-supporting system.We look forward to working with our neighbors and the internationalcommunity to achieve this goal. The wild tiger is already in crisis – thismay be our last chance to save it.Abhisit VejjajivaPrime MinisterRoyal Thai Government

Tiger conservation has gained a momentum in Thailand in the last decade.In 2004 during my first period as the Minister of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Thailand launched the first Tiger Action Plan thatgovernment agencies and partners have used as guidelines on tigerconservation. Since then, Thailand has made several significantdevelopments in tiger conservation. Our protected area managers at theDepartment of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) haveworked closely with international conservation organizations to establishand run an international standard patrol system known as Smart PatrolSystem in the core area of Thailand’s Western Forest Complex(WEFCOM). The system has become a model to other tiger rangecountries that are striving toward improving their protection systems for thetiger, a protection dependent species. The rigorous long-term tigerpopulation monitoring system in WEFCOM has revealed that WEFCOM isgiving better protection and supporting perhaps the largest tiger populationin Southeast Asia. The system has also a potential to support a largestsingle tiger population in the world.On the illicit cross border trade front, Thailand has been a hub for ASEANWildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) by working with otherASEAN countries to suppress illegal wildlife trade including tigers. InJanuary 2010 Thailand proudly hosted the 1st Asia International MinisterialConference on Tiger Conservation at Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Atthis international conference, our Prime Minister H.E.Abhisit Vejjajivamade an announcement that Thailand was ready to service other tigerrange countries by establishing the Regional Tiger Conservation andResearch Center at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, the natural worldheritage site and the core area of WEFCOM. Colleagues from ourneighboring countries come to experience the models Thailand hascreated for the recovering of wild tigers.With excitement I would like to present Thailand’s new Tiger Action Plan,DNP is the key agency to collaborate with other government agencies andpartners to implement the action plan and strive toward the goal ofrestoring wild tigers in current and potential tiger source sites andlandscapes in Thailand.With dedication, determination, and collaboration, I am strongly convincedthat Thailand will succeed in increasing tigers by 50% and will reach thegoal by the next tiger year of 2022. I would like to thank the hard andrelentless work and support from our partners and organizations to helpThailand restoring wild tigers and contributing to conservation communityin this important concerted effort.Suwit KhunkittiMinister of Natural Resources and EnvironmentThailand

Thailand is one of the fast growing economies in Southeast Asia. Thetrade-off, however, is that the current forest cover is 28% of the countryarea, which is among the lowest in the region. Fortunately, Thailand beganestablishing wildlife and national park laws and a protected area systemalmost 50 years ago. The current protected area system covers about18% of the country area, and the Thai government has already invested inestablishment and running of 123 national parks and 58 wildlifesanctuaries. Besides protection of landscapes and their depending wildlifespecies, the government also undertakes various interventions includingnature education, alternative livelihood, and wildlife crime suppression.Despite the significant efforts and investments, the recent rigorousmonitoring systems have revealed that wild tigers are surviving inrecoverable numbers only in protected landscapes with a strong history ofprotection, especially in areas with active park guards and good patrolsystems. The on-going intensive population monitoring program hasrevealed that only one landscape, the Tenasserim-Western ForestComplex (Tenasserim-WEFCOM) can be counted as a “tiger source site”.More than 100 adult tigers have been photographed in this landscape overthe last 5 years. Tenasserim-WEFCOM about 25,000 km 2 on Thailand’sside, with habitat in Myanmar is a globally important tiger landscape. Thecore area is also a world heritage site.Another landscape that can qualify as a “potential source site” based oncamera-trapping evidence is Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex(DP-KY); also a world heritage site. About 8 adult tigers have beenphotographed from this 6,100 km 2 landscape. These two represent thelandscapes with the greatest potential for tiger recovery in Thailand.The success of the 12-year plan of wild tiger recovery is very muchdependent on: strengthening landscape-scale conservation interventionsin these two landscapes; rigorous research and monitoring; transboundaryconservation ties being strengthened to effectively control cross-bordertrade; and law and policy reforms to support the efforts to reach the visionand goals as stated in the action plan.Chote TrachuPermanent SecretaryMinistry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentThailand

PrefaceAs the Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife andPlant Conservation with the main responsibility to protect and manage thenation’s natural heritage, especially wildlife and its ecosystem, I ampleased with this new Tiger Action Plan. The new plan will be usedeffectively as guidance to implement the conservation intervention andmonitoring programs to reach the goal of increasing the tiger population by50 percent in priority landscapes together with other landscapes inThailand by the next tiger year in 2022.There are many challenges and threats to the tiger that we have toovercome in order to be successful. The most important threats arepoaching of the tiger and their prey in our national parks and wildlifesanctuaries, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trade. We must dealwith these problems with better tools and approaches. In Thailand, thetiger population only exists in a healthy number in Huai Kha Khaeng andThung Yai Wildlife Sanctuaries. This is not only because our managersand park rangers have been dedicated and brave in protecting tigers, butalso because they have been inventive and adopting new concepts andtools in conservation. It has been clearly proved that science-basedconservation and management is a very effective approach to save suchan endangered species as tigers. The successful model needs scaling upto the whole Western Forest Complex landscape and other potential tigerlandscapes. On the international cooperation front the Department ofNational Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will continue working withpartners to reduce trafficking in international wildlife trade that isthreatened tigers and other wildlife in the region.The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation standsfirm in our duty to protect tigers and other wildlife. We are also pleased towork with local and international partners to implement Thailand TigerAction Plan. Together, I am strongly convinced that we can save andrestore wild tigers and other endangered and threatened wildlife and theirhabitats for the benefits of our future generations.Sunan ArunnopparatDirector GeneralDepartment of National Parks, Wildlife andPlant Conservation

AcknowledgementsThe Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP)wishes to thank government organizations, Non GovernmentOrganizations (NGOs), and conservationists who participated in theprocess of formulating the Tiger Action Plan.This plan honors the memory of the late Dr. Saksit Treedej, formerPermanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,for his efforts in developing this plan and his leadership for tigerconservation in Thailand.For reviewing and commenting on the draft of this action plan, DNP wouldlike to thank the participants from government sectors, universities, NGOs,and civil society who attended the Wildlife Conservation Day meeting atFaculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, in 2009.This action plan has been also reviewed and revised through a series ofmeetings, including the national consultation on National Tiger RecoveryPlan. The action plan has benefited greatly from the contributions of theindividuals who participated in the national consultation process.DNP acknowledges the contribution made by many individuals and isgrateful to the following people assisting in the compilation the information,preparation, and publication of this action plan: Dr. TheerapatPrayurasiddhi, Deputy Director General, Royal Forest Department,Mr. Chatchawan Pisdamkham, Director of Wildlife ConservationOffice,Dr. Ronasit Maneesai, Dr. Saksit Simcharoen, Dr. Dave Smith,Ms .Belinda Steward Cox, Mrs. Achara Simcharoen, Mr. SomphotDuangchantrasiri, Dr. Rungnapar Pattanavibool, Mr. Sompoch Maneerat,Ms. Peeranuch Dulkul Kappelle, Ms. Umpornpimon Prayoon, Mr SupagitVinitpornsawan, Dr. Prateep Duengkae, Dr. Nantachai Pongpattananurak,Dr. Narit Bhumpakphan, Dr Vijak Chimchome, Dr. SompoadSrikosamatara, Ms. Mayuree Umponjan, Ms. Angella Smith, Ms.WarapornHirunwatsiri and Dr. Andrey V. Kushlin from the World Bank, Mr.KeshavVarma and Dr. Anand K. Seth from GTI, and Mr. Mahendra K. Shresthafrom Save the Tiger Fund.Special thanks also go to Dr. Anak Pattanavibool, Director of WCSThailand, for the long hours he put into creating the wonderful work foundthroughout the action plan. Dr. Peter Cutter, WWF coordinator, for his helpin compiling comments and put his tireless insistence on developing theinitial draft of the action plan, and Ms Budsabong Kanchanasaka, DNPtiger scientist, for her energetic and great effort to formulate this actionplan.Finally, funding for publishing this action plan was generously provided byDNP Wildlife Conservation Office.

Executive SummaryClassified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(IUCN 1996 amended by Cat Specialist Group 2001), the tiger is facingwidespread extinction in the near future if poaching, habitat loss, and preydepletion continue. Across its range, a significant number of localpopulations have gone extinct in the last 25 years and many others are onthe verge of extinction. Although tigers in Thailand face similar threats tothose in other range countries, tigers still occur within several parts of thecountry. The largest population occurs in one area near theThailand/Myanmar border, the Western Forest Complex, with the highestdensities occurring within the Hui Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai NaresuanWildlife Sanctuaries, Thailand’s first Natural World Heritage site. There aretwo areas where the latest surveys have shown the status of potentialsource sites. One is the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex to the south ofthe Western Forest Complex along the Tenasserim Range next to theMyanmar border. Another is the Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai ForestComplex, also a Natural World Heritage site, near the Cambodian border.The recent country wide surveys for tigers have revealed that tigers occurat very low densities in other parts of the country. After Thailand’s firstTiger Action Plan, several important developments with the focus on tigerconservation have happened and become exemplified for the regional andglobal tiger conservation communities.In 2004, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and PlantConservation issued Thailand’s first official tiger action plan. In the yearssince then, Thailand has increased tiger conservation efforts and hasundertaken more rigorous enforcement, monitoring, and research efforts—especially at the tiger source site in Western Thailand. These effortsinclude the Smart Patrol System for rigorous patrol and law enforcementmonitoring, advanced tiger and prey population monitoring systems asimportant management response indicators, and increased ecologicalresearch to better understand tiger ecology and biology under a SoutheastAsian environment. As a result, Thailand is now regarded as a leader intiger conservation under best practice, science, and policy with much tocontribute to the global tiger conservation effort.Central challenges in the coming years are to (1) ensure that currentprotection and monitoring systems are sustained in source and potentialsource sites, (2) expand these systems to cover the whole prioritylandscapes including the Western Forest Complex – Tenasserim andDong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complexes, and (3) establish thesystems in other sites and landscapes where tigers still occur.Thailand is pleased to present this twelve year revision of Thailand’sNational Tiger Action Plan produced in consultation with other governmentagencies, academics, and non-governmental organizations.

This plan consists of two parts. The first is a review of the ecology andconservation status of tigers in Thailand and a discussion of theconservation challenges that tigers face. The second part is a detaileddescription of the visions and goals, recommended actions for achievingthose goals, details indicators, means of verification, and the anticipatedtimeframe for each action. This section also details a specific strategy forimplementing the plan.The goals and associated actions for achieving them are arranged underthe following five themes:1) Strengthening direct conservation action and enforcement2) Building capacity based on successful models3) Strengthening monitoring, research and information management4) Promoting education, awareness, and public participation5) Strategic financing for tiger conservation.Accompanying each goal are one or more key points meant to provide therationale and context for recommended actions.The success of this plan rests on the effective implementation of therecommended actions through an adaptive management process ofperiodic evaluation and modification of goals and actions. Adaptivemanagement recognizes that learning is a part of management. To thisend, a dedicated Tiger Conservation Committee will be formed andentrusted with ongoing evaluation and implementation of the plan.

Abbreviations and AcronymsASEAN-WEN ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement NetworkCITESConvention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and FloraCCCommunity CommitteeDNPDepartment of National Parks, Wildlife and PlantConservationDP-KYDong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest ComplexGEF-5Global Environment Facility for BiodiversityGPSGlobal Positioning SystemGTIGlobal Tiger InitiativeHKKHuai Kha Khaeng Wildlife SanctuaryHKK-TYHuai Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Narasuan WildlifeSanctuariesIUCNInternational Union for Conservation of NatureKNRKhao Nang Rum Wildlife Research StationKY-TLKhao Yai and Thap Lan National ParkMISTSpatial Management Information SystemMoUMemorandum of UnderstandingNGOsNon Government OrganizationsNPNational ParkNTFPsNon Timber Forest ProductsPAAOProtected Area Administrative OfficePACProtected Area CommitteePAsProtected AreasREDDReducing Emissions from Deforestation and ForestDegradation in developing countries.Smart Patrol System The implementation of a suite of componentsnecessary for effective law enforcement includingstrategic planning, adequate training and staffinglevels, equipment and other resource need,standardized law enforcement monitoring protocolsand full integration of law enforcement monitoring datainto the adaptive management cycle.Thailand-WEN Thailand Wildlife Enforcement NetworkWCSWildlife Conservation SocietyWEFCOM Western Forest ComplexWSWildlife SanctuaryWWFWorld Wild Fund for Nature

Section 1: Background and Context[1 Full title page with image(s)]

IntroductionThe tiger, Panthera tigris, is one of the world's most magnificent animals.Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species(IUCN 1996 amended by Cat Specialist Group 2001) the tiger faceswidespread extinction in the near future if poaching, habitat loss, and preydepletion continue. In the last 25 years, a significant number ofpopulations have gone extinct across the species’ range and many othersare on the verge of local extinction.Tigers in Thailand face similar threats to those in other range states andboth the range and number of tigers have continued to decline in Thailanddue to direct poaching of tigers driven by a thriving illicit commercialwildlife trade, poaching of tiger’s prey driven by local demands on wildmeat as delicacy, and land encroachment within and around protectedareas driven by a mixture of inefficient law enforcement and land use.However, tigers still occur in many protected areas in different parts of thecountry. Unfortunately tigers in most areas exist in the vulnerable stateswith populations far below a viable level. It is clear that only one landscapestands out as the stronghold of the largest tiger populations in Thailandand, perhaps, Southeast Asia. The landscape is very well acknowledgedas the Western Forest Complex along the Tenasserim mountain rangealong the border with Myanmar. The highest density of tigers are at thecore of WEFCOM within the Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai NaresuanWildlife Sanctuaries (HKK-TY), a Natural World Heritage site.Since the last Tiger Action Plan published in 2004, important interventionsand monitoring with the tiger focus have happened in the WEFCOM andsome other protected areas along the Tenasserim. The government ofThailand under the leadership of the Department of National Parks,Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, together with other local and internationalpartners, has modernized the patrol and monitoring systems in wildlifesanctuaries and national parks within Tenasserim – WEFCOMlandscapes. Such systems have been incorporated into this action plan inthe hope of scaling up the systems to safeguard and recover wild tigers inexisting and potential tiger landscapes in Thailand.This plan represents a substantial revision of Thailand’s first Tiger ActionPlan published in 2004 (Tunhikorn et al. 2004). Key additions and changesinclude:• Several new goals and actions that make up the heart of the plan• An explicit specification of a 12 year time horizon for the plan• Formulation of the plan as a mechanism to provide strategicguidance for tiger conservation in Thailand (rather than detailedoperational prescriptions)• A revised “Status of Tigers in Thailand” that reflects recent work todetermine the occurrence, relative abundance, and absoluteabundance of tigers at the national and site levels

• A call for the formation of a national “Tiger ConservationCommittee” in charged with actively guiding the implementation ofthe plan via frequent evaluation and detailed annual planning.The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ledthe revision process with inputs from and consultation with othergovernment agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and individualsrepresenting the private sector and civil society. Its goal is to inspire achange in the way tiger conservation is viewed in Thailand and to guidethe actions of a diverse stakeholder community at a critical time for tigerconservation.This document consists of two parts. The first reviews the ecology andconservation status of tigers in Thailand and includes a discussion of theconservation challenges facing tigers in Thailand. The second partdescribes the goals of the plan and recommends actions for achievingthose goals.Actions are divided into the following five themes:1. Strengthening direct conservation action and enforcement2. Building capacity based on successful models3. Strengthening monitoring, research and informationmanagement4. Promoting education, awareness and public participation5. Strategic financing for tiger conservation.To provide context and rationale for actions, a number of key“Opportunities and Challenges” are identified for each goal.To be successful, this plan will need significant commitment from a widerange of stakeholders, political resolve from the Thai government and arenewed interest among Thai citizens.

Why is it Important to Save the Tiger?• Tigers, as the largest carnivores, have an important functional role inThailand’s forest ecosystems.o Tigers prey upon large mammals, but their role is greaterthan the animals they eat. The entire ungulate communityhas evolved in response to tigers. Hence the loss of tigers inan area has cascading effects on the ecosystems where theyhave become extinct.• As the top predator in the landscapes where they occur, tigers requireextensive habitat and thus serve as an indicator of the integrity andhealth of wild ecosystems and as an umbrella for the conservation ofmany other species and the last remaining large forested landscapesin Asia.• Enhancing and saving the natural ecosystems required by tigersprovides many benefits to humans including:o Water delivery for agriculture, industry, and household useo Maintenance of forest cover to moderate climate change andmaintain local climate regimeso Preservation of biodiversity to enhance long-term ecosystemstabilityo Protection of wild areas that provide irreplaceable aestheticresources and opportunities for spiritual renewal for anincreasing urban human population.• For millennia, the tiger has played a significant role in cultural andspiritual aspects of nearly every Asian society. Today, peoplethroughout the world are inspired by the tiger’s grace, beauty, andpower. If wild tigers disappear from the earth, an important part of ourculture and society will go with them.• In support of the King’s “sufficient economy” initiative, Thailand iscommitted to the sustainable use and conservation of the country’snatural resources. Tigers can serve as an inspirational icon for thiscritical endeavor.

Key Stakeholders in Tiger Conservation inThailandTo be successful, tiger conservation in Thailand must be a national effortinvolving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, theprivate sector, the academic community, and the citizens of Thailand. Thisplan, rather than assigning responsibilities to specific agencies andindividuals, is meant to provide strategic guidance to a diverse andgrowing collection of actors with a stake in tiger conservation.The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible forenvironmental and biodiversity policy and planning. The Department ofNational Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is the leadimplementing agency for tiger conservation. The DNP receives itsmandate from the Wildlife Protection and Preservation Act A.D.1960 (1992Amendment) and the National Park Act A.D.1961. Its main responsibilitiesinclude:• managing activities within the forests and protected area system inThailand• implementing the Convention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)• suppressing illegal wildlife trade within the country• conducting educational outreach to the citizens, business leaders andgovernment organizations of Thailand.Under the Ministry, the Department of Environmental Promotion andthe Royal Forest Department also have important roles in protectingbiodiversity and educating the public about conservation.The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ policies on livestockhusbandry adjacent to protected areas have a direct impact on tiger andprey populations. Promotion of irrigation and burning of agricultural residueinfluences watersheds and forests within protected areas.The Ministry of Interior supervises provincial governors and district andsub-district officials. These senior government officials have a strongimpact on conservation through their influence on road building andtourism development near protected areas.The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through wise promotion ofecotourism in cooperation with local villagers and the DNP, has a crucialrole to play in providing economic incentives for communities to embracetiger conservation and protect the landscapes that support tigers.The Ministry of Education has an important role to ensure that basicconcepts of the tiger’s ecological and cultural significance become part ofThailand’s standard curriculum at several educational levels and also tosupport research that contributes to our understanding of tiger ecology.The Royal Thai Police has an important role to enforce the law related towildlife and other natural resources. The police have the Natural

Resource and Environmental Crime Suppression Divisioninvestigating and enforcing illicit wildlife trades throughout the country. TheBorder Patrol Police have also supported DNP on training park rangersworking in protected areas and conducting joint patrols along the borderareas.Thai Customs Department is in charge of all the check points at theairports, seaports, and border areas around the country.The Royal Thai Army is responsible for the management of some naturalareas and represents an important training resource.The Office of Attorney General is in charge of processing cases relatedto wildlife and natural resources to the court. It has district provincialoffices throughout the country.Provincial Government Offices can play a critical role in guiding andmanaging conservation work happening in their respective provinces.Conservation NGOs such as WCS-Thailand, WWF, FreelandFoundation, Seub Foundation have long supported tiger conservationactivities in Thailand and often serve as a mechanism for ensuring thatdiverse stakeholders have a genuine voice in the conservation process. Inmany cases, NGOs have served as a conduit for new approaches andtechniques, especially with tiger conservation, from around the world.Community leaders and citizen groups organized to address issuesrelated to natural resources and the environment have an importantcontribution to make to the conservation of the tiger in Thailand. Theyrepresent the public will. NGOs raise funds for conservation projects,develop educational programs and publicize the plight of the tiger, supportthe government’s efforts, fund ranger training and research, and act aswatchdogs. Citizen support and participation in decision making is stillmodest and needs to be expanded.Universities contribute to tiger conservation by providing formal trainingand field experience, by managing and directing important researchprograms, and by encouraging the formal dissemination of research andlessons learned through academic conferences, the scientific literature,and other mechanisms. Kasetsart University, Mahidol University, KingMongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in particular are the mainuniversity in Thailand that produce wildlife and conservation biologists toserve in many conservation organizations including DNP.Privates such as Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration andProduction Public Company Limited (PTTEP) has supported researchequipments and fund to the Tiger Project at Khao Nang Rum WildlifeResearch Station.Individual Thai Citizens will ultimately determine where tigerconservation ranks on the list of national priorities. Active engagement withthe public is thus essential if tiger conservation efforts are to succeed overthe long term.

The Natural History of the TigerThe tiger is the world’s largest cat species with wild populations occurringfrom the far east of Russia to the rainforests of Indonesia. Tigers arelargely solitary and territorial; they represent the top of the food chain in allareas where they occur.Although wild tigers have historically been grouped into subspecies,conservation and genetic management objectives support a strongeremphasis on populations and metapopulations. For example, thegeographical distribution of tigers in South Asia represents a continuousdecline from the southern tip of India north and eastward throughnortheast India. The Indochinese tiger extends from Myanmar andsouthern Yunnan through Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia to the Isthmus of Krain Thailand. Each subspecies is composed of discrete, largely isolatedpopulations. Many of these populations are small and threatened, so it iscrucial to maintain the land base that supports the few large populationsso as to ensure a future of tigers. As few as 3,000 to 3,500 tigers remainglobally and only about 1,000 in SE Asia. We must treat every populationof tigers as unique and worthy of our best conservation efforts.For tigers to survive in the wild, they must have sufficient water, cover,and, most importantly, abundant large mammal prey weighing more than50 kgs. On average, tigers make 40 to 50 kills a year when there issufficient large prey available (Chunderwat et al. 1999; Karanth andNichols 2002; Seidensticker and McDougal 1993; Sunquist 1981). A studyof tiger prey in western Thailand found that tigers consume mostly bantengand sambar, and to a lesser degree gaur, wild boar and barking deer(Petdee 2000). Opportunistically, tigers also attack and eat bears, tapir,young elephants, primates, porcupine, and even peafowl (Petdee 2000;Prayurasiddhi 1997).Densities of principal prey species influences tiger densities in severalways. As prey densities decline, breeding female ranges become larger,dramatically reducing the number of such females that an area cansupport. For instance, the size of female home ranges in productive SouthAsian forests and grassland is 10-20 sq. km, whereas in the Russian FarEast it is as large as 200-400 km 2 (Karanth and Sunquist 2000; Miquelle etal. 1999; Sunquist 1981).A long-term study of tigers in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary inThailand has shown that male tigers have home range sizes between 220-291 km 2 and female home ranges are between 63-78 km 2 (Simcharoenpers. Comm; Simchareon et al. 2007). The objective of this study is todetermine tiger carrying capacity based on the size of female home rangesin relation to prey abundance. Five females and 3 males have beencollared with satellite GPS transmitters to determine the size of homeranges and habitat use patterns. These intensive studies arecomplimented by an extensive long term camera trapping study in HuaiKha Khaeng, Thung Yai East, and Thung Yai West wildlife sanctuaries.

Tigers moving through an area usually leave overt and distinctive evidenceof their presence including tracks, scrapes, and claw marks on trees.Tigers also spray urine on trees and deposit urine and feces on the ground(usually in association with visibly distinctive hind paw scrapes). Thesescent marks leave an unmistakable odor that may last for several days.Together, these visual and olfactory cues help tigers communicate theboundaries of their territory to other tigers and a range of other species(Smith et al. 1989).Of the many sounds a tiger is capable of emitting, the most likely to beheard is the awesome moaning, 'aa-oo-mh, aa-oo-mh', used during themating season. This call carries over considerable distances, attracting theresident male to the estrous female. Other vocalizations, which may beheard at close range, include low growling, snarling and coughing grunts.The roar of a tiger is unforgettable in any circumstance.When tigers mate, they usually remain together for 2 to 5 days, copulatingevery 15 to 20 minutes day and night. After 102 to 105 days, the femaledens in dense vegetation and produces on average 3 cubs. During the first2-3 days after birth, the female remains at the den for up to 23 hours aday; she gradually leaves for longer periods until the den is abandonedwhen the cubs are about 2 months old. For the next 2-3 months, thefemale moves the cubs from place to place, but they still remain hiddenmost of the day.Until the cubs are several months old, the cubs go to a kill only after theprey animal has been dispatched by the mother (Smith 1993). By six toseven months of age the cubs begin to accompany their mother on hunts,but the final stalk and kill is by the mother alone. At 11-13 months thecubs’ milk canines begin to protrude, pushed out by the emerging adultcanines that are fully erupted at 16-17 months. Even though they have the“equipment” to kill prey at this point, young tigers require 2 to 3 additionalmonths to learn to kill efficiently on their own. During this time, theygradually become independent from the mother, but continue to huntwithin the security of her territory. During the years of her life when she isreproductively active, a female will typically give birth from 19 to 24 monthsafter her previous litter is born. Two months later, when she and the cubsabandon the den site, aggression between the female and her previouslitter marks the onset of dispersal of the older offspring. The young leavethe territory where they were born and raised and face the most criticalperiod in their lives over the next few months of early independence.Approximately 60% of young males and 40% of females die during thisdangerous dispersal period (Smith 1993).Tigers are territorial. Females protect their area from others of the samesex; males, which have territories overlapping those of 2-7 females, dolikewise. Dispersing young face a gauntlet of resident animals guardingtheir territories and are often forced to reside temporarily in suboptimalhabitat at the edge of protected areas where they may come into conflictwith humans and their livestock. For females, the dispersal stage usuallylasts about 1 year. About 40-50% of daughters settle next to their mother,who will often shift her territory slightly to accommodate a daughter.

However, by the time the daughter is fully established as a resident, thereis little overlap with her mother’s territory. For males, the task ofestablishing a breeding territory is more arduous and dangerous. It maytake more than 2 years and involve a series of aggressive encounters withresident males which can lead to serious, even incapacitating wounds andsometimes even death.Unlike in South Asia, where violent and sometimes lethal encountersbetween humans and tigers are not uncommon, Thailand has few recordsof aggressive interactions between humans and tigers. The most recentcases of direct human tiger conflict are two cases in Khao Yai NationalPark: one resulting in the death of a human and a tiger (in 1976) and theother resulting injuries to a human and subsequent killing of the tiger (in1999). In both cases, the tigers involved were old, had damaged teeth,and were suffering from debilitating wounds that prevented them frompursuing and killing their usual prey.Livestock depredation occurs regularly, but not nearly at the frequencyexperienced in much of South Asia. A few cases of the killing of tigersinvolved in livestock depredation by local villagers have also beenrecorded.

Threats to the TigerThe most significant challenges to tiger survival in Thailand are the sameas those faced throughout the species’ range: habitat degradation andpoaching of prey and tigers. Poaching of tiger prey is primarily driven byan active commercial trade in wildlife to satisfy growing demands byrestaurants. Direct poaching of tigers is expected to increase in areaswhere tigers exist and driven by the traditional medicine market and ritualdemands for amulets.The gradual conversion of forest cover loss over this past century hasresulted in fragmented forest habitat in Thailand that has created isolatedtiger populations. Many of these populations are too small to have longtermviability unless current habitat is protected, the amount of habitatincreased, and habitat fragments connected by corridors (Smith et al.1998; Wikramanayake et al. 1998).Prey depletion is another important threat to tigers (Karanth & Sunquist1995). Poaching of prey species is intensive in many protected areas inThailand. In large portions of many of the protected areas where tigers stilloccur, there is little or no sign of prey species. Reversing the decline ofprey populations within otherwise suitable habitat is crucial not only for thetiger, but also for the ecosystems in which it occurs.In the early 1990s, tiger poaching increased dramatically throughout thetiger’s range. In 2005 the world was shocked with the report that tigerswere extinct from Sariska National Park, one of India’s prime tigerreserves. This story brought the problem to the attention of the globalpublic, but the response did not match the growing threat and tigerpopulations continued to decline. Only about a year later, another ofIndia’s premier tiger reserves, Panha National Park, also reported thattigers had been wiped out. Since then, reports of similar trends havebecome all too common.In Thailand in March 2010, at least 3 tigers were found dead frompoisoning in the interior of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, the site ofThailand’s highest tiger densities in Thailand. While the poachers wereconfronted by a research team at the scene of the crime, they were able toescape arrest and take with them various parts of a poisoned tiger.The prior examples have proved that tigers are a protection dependentspecies. Protection at site and landscape levels is the most immediateaction to save and recover tigers and their prey. Recent scientific findingsreveal that existing protection quality in many protected areas in Thailandis not enough to save them. The inefficiency in patrols and lack of lawenforcement monitoring system is considered a serious threat to tigers inThailand. The system needs to be modernized and the support to parkrangers needs significant improvement.Several other significant factors hinder the survival of the tiger. One is alack of commitment to using rigorous techniques for estimation of manytiger population parameters. Without baseline data on tiger populationsthere is no way to measure the success of management efforts. Another

gap is the lack of a broad-based awareness and support for tigerconservation. The full support of the people of Thailand and cooperationacross institutions and jurisdictional boundaries is vital to securing asufficient land base for tigers in Thailand.

The Status of Tigers in ThailandTo provide an overview of tiger status in Thailand, the Wildlife ResearchDivision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and PlantConservation conducted sign surveys in 149 terrestrial protected areasfrom 2004 to 2007 (Kanchanasaka et al., 2010). Here, the results of thesesurveys were combined with data from several other completed andongoing studies to provide an accurate estimate of the occupancy andestimated numbers of tigers in Thailand. Sources of data used in thiscompilation can be found in the Appendix.For the results of tiger status, surveys generating these data consisted of(1) searching for signs of tigers over 11,411 km 2 of likely tiger travel routesand (2) surveying by using camera traps to record photos of tigers carriedout over 3,000 km 2 within eight protected areas (Appendix 3-4). Bothsurvey approaches focused on the routes most likely tiger travels in givenareas such as dirt roads, animal trails, human footpaths, dry riverbeds,and ridgelines.Track survey data were summarized as the proportion of 500 metersections walked in which tracks were encountered at least once. Cameratrap data were analyzed using capture-recapture techniques to generateestimates of the density of tigers within given survey areas.To the best of our knowledge, tigers in Thailand occur strictly within theboundaries of existing protected areas. In order to express the status oftiger occurrence at the national level, we applied the following criteria atthe resolution of individual protected areas (Table 1):

Table 1 Rules applied to map tiger status at the resolution of individual protectedareas in Thailand. The satisfying of any abundance rule was considered sufficientto apply that status class to a particular area.Status ClassTigers Occur in RelativelyHigh AbundanceTigers Occur in ModerateAbundanceAssessment Method & Definitions(status assigned based on highest class satisfied by any method)Density Estimate fromCapture – RecaptureCamera Trap DataSign Encounter Rate IndexProportion of 500 mEstimated density 2.7‐ 2.1tigers / 100 km 2 segments surveyed withtiger sign ≥ 14Proportion of 500 mEstimated density between segments surveyed with1 tigers / 100‐150 km 2 and tiger sign between 8.3 and1.4‐0.8 tiger/100km 2 3.7OtherIn some areas that haveinformation on tiger abundancefrom both sign survey andcamera trap surveys we use theinformation from camera trapTigers Occur in LowAbundanceSubstantial survey effortindicates that tigers do notoccur in these areasProtected area withoutsurveyingProportion of 500 mEstimated density 1 tigers/ 250‐300 km 2 segments surveyed withtiger sign ≤ 2No tigers encountered after> 500 trap‐nights in sitesrepresenting optimal tigerhabitat for this protectedareaNo tigers encountered afterat least 10 km of signsurvey effort in sitesrepresenting optimal tigerhabitat for this protectedareaThis area contains lesspotential tiger habitat andsign surveys have nottaken placeEvidence for tiger occurrence inthis area is irrefutable but isinsufficient to establishanything but presence in thisprotected areaNo record of tiger occurrenceover the last 10 yearsConclusionIn Thailand, tigers occur in 25 of 188 terrestrial protected areas from thesouthern border with Malaysia to the far north near the borders with Laosand Myanmar. Nine of twenty five protected areas have moderate to hightiger density, and only two of these nine protected areas have a highdensity of tigers. Currently tigers occur in 10 of 17 recognized terrestrialforest complexes. Six of ten forest complexes support low density oftigers, and one has a core area with a moderate tiger density (Thung Yaiand Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage Site) while the other three forestcomplexes (Khaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Dong Phayayen-Khao YaiForest Complex (DP-KY), Hala-Bala Forest Complex) support moderatetiger density.During 2008 and 2009, Thailand’s tiger biologists conducting camera trapsurveys in Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuarydocumented photo-captures of 39 and 14 individual tigers in these areasrespectively. Based on the results and the sign surveys summarizedabove, biologists have reached a consensus conclusion that there arelikely 190-250 tigers remaining in Thailand (Appendix 2).Along the Thai-Myanmar border, the Western Forest Complex and theKhaeng Krachan Forest Complex both support significant tigersubpopulations that are connected by extensive intact forests in Myanmar.

Together, these areas can support one of the largest tiger population inthe world.Figure 1. Map showing relative tiger abundance in Thailand. Boxes indicate forestcomplex management units (Prayurasiddhi et al. 1999). The red box indicates theTenasserim-WEFCOM Tiger Landscape, the only area where tigers occur in highabundance.

Best Practices for Tiger ConservationIn order to succeed in its goals for tiger conservation, Thailand mustcontinue to draw on lessons learned from past efforts. It is important tocritically evaluate what has contributed to successful conservation of tigersin areas where they still occur and to identify what has led to their declineor extinction in other areas.The Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) is the location ofThailand’s highest measured tiger densities and represents a uniqueconservation success story in the region. HKK has experienced highs andlows in protection quality. Through observations of researchers andmanagers, tigers and other prey species in HKK were found to be muchlower than exist today. Gun shots could be heard everywhere deep insideHKK. Relocations of villages inside HKK, which happened more than 20years ago, have given tigers and other wildlife a safer space. Strictprotection is the key to controlling poaching in the area. The recovery oftigers and prey has recently been sped up by the modernized protectionsystem, and HKK is now one of the most progressive and systematic tigerand prey management systems in the region.Another unique development was the application of landscape scalemanagement based on ecosystem management practice. The WesternForest Complex Ecosystem Management Project (WEFCOM 2004) hassignificantly raised the importance of landscape scale conservation byadvocating four main actions including (1) improving protection by trainingpark rangers and strengthening coordination among protected areas, (2)adopting science-based management, (3) establishing provincialconservation fora, and (4) strengthening conservation awareness for localcommunities. This management concept is the key to developing furtherprograms to strengthen management, monitoring, research, andpartnership within WEFCOM.Continuing after the WEFCOM ecosystem management project, a tigerfocus conservation project, started in Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung YaiWildlife Sanctuaries since 2005, has given a best-practice managementmodel to protect tigers and their prey. This model includes high impactinterventions and monitoring systems at different levels as follows:Management and Monitoring at Site Level:• Smart Patrol System: Smart Patrol System is a systematic patrolthat maximizes the power of information to guide the patrolplanning. It currently uses MIST (Spatial Management InformationSystem) as a platform. Park rangers under this system collectimportant information such as patrol routes, patrol coverage, patrolintensity, points of threats, points of key wildlife species, etc. Theinformation is displayed on maps and in tables. Information reportedand discussed among the park rangers and managers is brought tothe monthly patrol leader meeting. This results in high morale and

self esteem among park rangers. Tigers and prey havesubsequently been better protected and are recovering.• Intensive long-term monitoring of tigers using camera trappingand capture-based models: Tiger population monitoring is anintegral part of the management scheme for tiger conservation.Since 2005 the annual systematic camera trapping programcovering about 1,000 km 2 sample area has revealed a density ofabout 2-3 tigers per 100 km 2 and has shown it is stable. Between7-12 new tigers were captured annually. Camera trapping in ThungYai Wildlife Sanctuaries has alternated yearly between Thung YaiEast and Thung Yai West Wildlife Sanctuaries.Management and Monitoring at the Landscape Level:• Wildlife crime units and wild meat restaurant database: Theseare a major intervention to control the demands of wild meat fromoutside Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and other protectedareas next to HKK. A wildlife crime unit was established at theProtected Area Administrative Office (PAAO) 12 (NakornsawanProvince) to gather information and enforce wildlife law outsideWEFCOM. The unit also gathers information from the wildlife crimeweb-based database, created for the public to inform them aboutplaces around WEFCOM where there is suspected trading of illegalwildlife and wild meat. The tracking of illegal wild meat traffickinghas become more systematic and enforcement has become morefocused.• Public campaign with the focus on communities around HuaiKha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary: A focused campaign using thetiger as an iconic species has been launched with strong supportfrom local sub-district administration offices and schools. It focuseson wild meat restaurants, local schools, and communities adjacentto Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The campaign uses themanual “Teachers for Tigers” to work with local schools. Thisfocused campaign has gained clearer and stronger support fromlocal communities on the work to save tigers in HKK and WEFCOM.• Occupancy survey: To survey tigers within WEFCOM a landscapeoccupancy monitoring system has been adopted. DNP researchershave worked with support from NGO partners to conduct thesystematic survey of WEFCOM in 2010-2011 and plan to do this inevery 3-4 years. The teams walk along the designated grid cellslooking for tiger tracks and signs. The monitoring system allows foran understanding of the patterns of tiger distribution in WEFCOMlandscape and the change in patterns following the managementquality.The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation hasstarted to scale up the model to eight other wildlife sanctuaries and fivenational parks.

Section 2: Action Plan(1 Full page with image)

VisionBy 2022 tigers have recovered and thrive in the priority landscapesmanaged under high standard interventions and monitoring systems.Thailand has become a strong support for internationalcollaborations on tiger and wildlife conservation and protected areamanagement in Southeast Asia.Goals2-year goals• High-standard monitoring interventions and monitoring systems areestablished and functioning in Tenasserim-WEFCOM and DP-KYlandscapes.• Tiger occurrence status established at all additional potential tigerlandscapes.• The system to monitor captive tigers strengthened andstandardized with clear penalties in place for violations.5-year goals• Effective management systems in place in the Tenasserim-WEFCOM and DP-KY landscapes.• Key tiger threats in the priority landscape show a clear decline.• Important tiger ecology (e.g., home-range variation) in the prioritylandscapes very well understood and used to guide management.• Tiger populations are stabilized or increasing in Tenasserim-WEFCOM and DP-KY landscapes and possibility for re-establishingin other areas explored.12-year goals• To increase tiger populations of Thailand by increasing thepopulations in the Tenasserim – WEFCOM and DP-KY landscapesby 50%, and reestablish populations in other potential tigerlandscapes such as Phu Khew – Nam Nao Forest Complex, andKlong Saeng – Khao Sok Forest Complex.

Action Plan ObjectivesFor 5 priority actions mentioned in Section 1, 19 objectives are identified.Activity details of the objectives are described in detail in the next section.Priority Action 1: Strengthening direct conservation actionand enforcementObjective 1:Objective 2:Objective 3:Objective 4:Objective 5:Objective 6:Objective 7:Objective 8:Promote conservation efforts at the scale of entirepopulations (e.g., forest complex and associatedcorridors).Provide long-term support for tiger habitatrestoration activities.Ensure that the government policy of protectingtiger habitat from development threats, ascommitted through the Hua Hin declaration, isfollowed.Encourage community participation andcooperation in protected area conservationactivities.Support local communities in developingsustainable economies that reduce dependence onforest resources.Facilitate international cooperation in tigerconservation efforts.Strengthen national laws, policies, and enforcementof tiger related crimes.Support national and international efforts tomanage captive tigers responsibly.Priority action 2: Building capacity based on successfulmodelsObjective 9: Establish a Regional Tiger Conservation andResearch Center at Huai Kha Khaeng WildlifeSanctuary.Objective 10: Ensure national training capacity can deliver highquality tiger conservation training at all levels.

Priority action 3: Strengthening monitoring, research andinformation managementObjective 11: Monitor tiger and prey populations in prioritylandscapes.Objective 12: Maintain long-term tiger and prey ecology researchin priority landscapes.Objective 13: Ensure that relevant information for tigerconservation is well managed and available toinform strategy and planning.Priority action 4: Promoting education, awareness andpublic participationObjective 14: Convey tiger conservation-related messages to adiverse Thai public, policy-makers, and politicians.Objective 15: Ensure that basic concepts of the tiger’s ecologicaland cultural significance become part of Thailand’sstandard curriculum at several educational levels.Objective 16: Ensure that co-benefits of tiger landscapeconservation are understood and appreciated.Priority action 5: Strategic financing for tiger conservationObjective 17: Identify the costs of effective tiger conservation,current expenditures, and efficiency of theseexpenditures.Objective 18: Make use of large scale funding opportunities suchas Global Environment Facility for Biodiversity(GEF) 5, REDD, and other programs, to fund tigerconservation efforts.Objective 19: Develop sustainable funding mechanisms.

Activities to Achieve the ObjectivesActivities to achieve the objectives are very important in this action plan toguide the implementation process and evaluation. To ease the use of theaction plan, activities are grouped hierarchically under each of 5 priorityactions and related objectives. Under each objective, key challenges andopportunities are addressed to set the state of the updated situation inwhich activities that follow are deemed important. An expected outcomeand duration and location of the activities are also addressed under eachobjective.Priority Action 1: Strengthening direct conservation actionand enforcementObjective 1:Challenge:Promote conservation efforts at the scale of entirepopulations (e.g., forest complex and associatedcorridors)Conservation efforts at the landscape scale are themost important in tiger conservation and recovery, butthe majority of areas still lack of efficiency.Opportunity: Systematic management and enforcement systemsunder the Smart Patrol System inside the core area ofTenasserim - WEFCOM and wildlife crime units outsidethe protected area have become a model for Thailand instriving for the recovery of wild tigers.Expected outcome: The real landscape protection cost, actions, andactivities to stop bleeding and to recover wild tigers areunderstood and adopted at the policy level.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 1:Activity 2:Activity 3:Strengthen and standardize the “MIST-based SmartPatrol System” in protected areas of current tiger sourceand potential source sites, including Tenasserim –WEFCOM and DP-KY.Increase the number of competent park ranger teamspatrolling in each protected area of priority landscapesup to the level that can effectively secure tigers andtheir prey.Strengthen wildlife crime units and informant networksaround the Tenasserim – WEFCOM and DP-KY tosuppress local demands of wild meat and illegal wildlifetrade and help apprehend wildlife criminals aroundprotected areas.

Activity 4:Activity 5:Activity 6:Work with district attorneys and judges to ensuresubstantial punishments on wildlife crimes against tigersand large ungulates.Overhaul the park ranger system to a higher living andworking standard, and provide rewards and incentivesto encourage patrolling (e.g., patrolling budgets) andother significant morale boosting programs such asperformance-based promotions.Apply landscape-scale ecological and developmentmodels for tiger conservation and engage stakeholdersin development sectors (i.e., roads, oil and gas, mining,power) to minimize and mitigate impacts in sectoralactivities on tiger habitats.Objective 2:Challenge:Provide long-term support for tiger habitat restorationactivitiesMany areas in tiger landscapes and potentiallandscapes are suitable for tiger recovery, but have lowungulate densities due to poaching.Opportunity: Recovery of wild ungulates as tiger prey and habitatmanagement in the tiger source site has started to helprecovery tiger prey and finally tigers.Expected outcome: Habitat is suitable for other wildlife species andnative biodiversity is restored.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 7:Activity 8:Activity 9:Activity 10:Activity 11:Activity 12:Promote use of controlled burning in potential andmanageable parts of priority landscapes to maintaingrassland for ungulate recovery.Prevent and suppress fires effectively in evergreenforest areas in priority landscapes to provide good coverand watersheds for tigers and wildlife.Strengthen the reintroduction program of ungulate preywith the ex-situ succeeded species (i.e., sambars, eld’sdeer, hog deer) in suitable habitats.Maintain natural and existing artificial water sources thatbenefit tigers and ungulates especially during droughtperiods in priority landscapes.Establish a system to control invasive species (e.g.,Lantana camera, Mimosa pudica) in priority landscapes.Identify priorities for corridor and habitat restoration.

Objective 3:Challenge:Ensure that the government policy of protecting tigerhabitats from development threats, as committedthrough the Hua Hin declaration, is followedLarge development projects (e.g., highways, dams) areunder development and with new proposals oftensuggested.Opportunity: Public disapproval of environmental impacts of largescale development projects such as roads and damsare high in many sectors of Thai society.Expected outcome: Tiger habitats in priority landscapes are intact andconnectivity maintained.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 13:Activity 14:Ensure that no major infrastructure development occursin core tiger habitat.Ensure that infrastructure development in corridors andbuffer zones conform with Smart Green Infrastructuredesigns to ensure minimal impact to tiger habitats andmaintain landscape connectivity.Objective 4:Challenge:Encourage community participation and cooperation inprotected area conservation activitiesCommunity participation and cooperation process is stillweak in substance on the link with wildlife conservation.Opportunity: Protected area committees have been set up in manyprotected areas to be a platform for participation andcooperation.Expected outcome: Communities appreciate value of wildlife and helpsave themDuration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 15:Activity 16:Strengthen and build wildlife conservation networksaround the priority landscape to strengthen tiger andwildlife conservation in the priority areas.Provide Protected Area Committees (PAC) andCommunity Committees (CC) with quality information(e.g., data from Smart Patrol System) on which to basethreat reduction decisions and activities.

Objective 5:Challenge:Support local communities in developing sustainableeconomies that reduce dependence on forestresourcesMany local communities living inside and aroundprotected areas of tiger landscape are still using naturalresources, especially poaching, in an unsustainablerate.Opportunity: Wildlife can generate a significant alternative income forlocal communities from wildlife ecotourism if managedproperly and effectively.Expected outcome: Better livelihood and reduced povertyDuration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 17:Activity 18:Link communities with agricultural science institutes andagencies to promote agro-forestry in buffer zone areasaround priority landscapes to reduce Non Timber ForestProducts (NTFPs) collection inside Protected Areas(PAs).Develop a wildlife-based ecotourism with a concretebenefit sharing with communities in appropriate areas inand around PAs.Objective 6: Facilitate international cooperation in tiger conservationeffortsChallenge: Tiger trade at the international level impacts thepopulations at the site and landscape levels.Opportunity: CITES check points are examples of the structure tocontrol wildlife trade near the border and ASEAN-WENalso helps strengthen the enforcement cooperationamong neighboring countries to fight wildlife crimes.Expected outcome: Stronger international network to fight wildlifecrime.Duration and locations: 12 years, CITES Check points, airports, seaports.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 19:Activity 20:Activity 21:Strengthen enforcement capacity of Thailand's CITESprograms with better interagency-collaboration andstronger protocols and impact monitoring system onwildlife trades.Strengthen and sustain capacity of ASEAN-WEN.Strengthen bi-lateral cooperation with Cambodia, Laos,Malaysia and Myanmar for transboundary enforcementand monitoring and research.

Objective 7:Challenge:Strengthen national laws, policies, and enforcement oftiger related crimesEnforcement and punishment of wildlife crimes are notstrong enough to significantly reduce illegal activities ontigers and wildlife.Opportunity: Wildlife Reservation and Protection Act and NationalPark Act have been in place for Thailand for 50 yearsas the main laws to protect tigers and their habitats.Expected outcome: Wildlife crimes are given priority at the policylevel.Duration and locations: 12 years, National level.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 22:Activity 23:Activity 24:Activity 25:Activity 26:Strengthen enforcement on wildlife crime under the WildAnimal Reservation and Protection Act B.E.2535 (1992)to make sure that an offender convicting the highestpenalty of Wildlife Laws and related legislations.Strengthen Thailand Wildlife Enforcement Network(Thailand-WEN) information sharing capacity.Strengthen investigative capacity and judiciaryeffectiveness on wildlife crime cases.Strengthen communication campaigns on wild tigerconservation.Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with military,police, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education to bestrengthened and implemented for better collaborationand training for enforcement.Objective 8:Challenge:Support national and international efforts to managecaptive tigers responsiblyLegal and illegal tiger zoos in Thailand are becoming achallenge for the government to control illegal tigertrade.Opportunity: DNP has started using the tiger stripe database tocontrol tigers in the zoos and is trying to curb illegaltiger trade.Expected outcome: Public at large have a better understanding of thedifference between wild tiger conservation and illegalcaptive tiger business that harms tiger conversation.Duration and locations: 6 years, places with illegal captive tigers,zoos, and amusement parks.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 27: Design and enforce the control programs for captivebreeding of tigers in legal tiger zoos with a captive tigerdatabase of individual tracking records.

Activity 28: Discourage illegal activities involving captive tigers,using effective public campaigns which highlight theimpacts of tiger conservation.Activity 29: Public campaigns showing the difference between wild& captive tiger conservation.Priority action 2: Building capacity based on successfulmodelsObjective 9:Challenge:Establish a Regional Tiger Conservation and ResearchCenter at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife SanctuaryHigh standard curricula and efficiency in internationalcollaborations are important to run a regional trainingcenter.Opportunity: The Smart Patrol System and tiger and prey populationmonitoring and research programs in WEFCOM havelong been in operation and of good enough quality tocontribute to tiger conservation and research in theSoutheast Asian region.Expected outcome: The skills of tiger conservation and research arebeing shared in the region by using the facility inWEFCOM as one of the best places to encounter tigersigns, tracks, and tiger prey in Southeast Asia.Duration and locations: 12 years, Huai Kha Khaeng WildlifeSanctuary.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 30:Activity 31:Activity 32:Designate staff and design an administrative structureto run the center with shared experiences andadministrations.Ensure that the training center has sufficient facilitiesand equipment to provide high quality training inmanagement, enforcement and research to serve bothThailand and the region.Establish technical and enforcement-related curriculathat will prepare participants to meet protected areamanagement standards.Objective 10: Ensure national training capacity can deliver highquality tiger conservation training at all levelsChallenge:Numbers and capacity of trainers to conduct highquality training courses on tiger conservation at thenational level are still limited.

Opportunity: High standard trainings with tiger conservation focushave existed in Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung YaiWildlife Sanctuaries for many years.Expected outcome: The quality of trainers and trainees are improvedwith high standard courses.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim – WEFCOM as thetiger source site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 33: Strengthen the local instructor capacity for conductingtraining courses for tiger research and conservation forThai and international audiences.Activity 34: Establish a national standard as sufficient resources fortiger conservation training.Priority action 3: Strengthening monitoring, research andinformation managementObjective 11: Monitor tiger and prey populations in prioritylandscapesChallenge:Populations of tigers and prey in the core areas ofpriority landscapes need intensive monitoring systemswith up-to-date technologies to be able to speak withconfidence on population trends.Opportunity: The rigorous population monitoring systems of tigersand prey have been run in the core area of WEFCOMfor many years with collaborative support.Expected outcome: The success of tiger conservation activities canbe strongly linked to the target, which is the occurrenceof tigers and their prey.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim-WEFCOM as the tigersource site and DP-KY as the potential source site andother protected areas for a nation-wide survey.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 35:Activity 36:Activity 37:Maintain and establish high standard annual populationmonitoring systems for tigers and their prey in tigersources and potential source sites in the prioritylandscapes.Establish landscape scale occupancy monitoringsystem for tigers and prey throughout the two prioritylandscapes.Implement a nationwide survey and reporting system ontigers and prey occurrence based on scientific methods.

Objective 12: Maintain long-term tiger and prey ecology research inpriority landscapesChallenge:Understanding the dynamics of tiger biology andecology in different habitats and landscapes is veryimportant for tiger conservation and restoration.Opportunity: Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is the only site inSoutheast Asia with intensive long-term tiger researchwith a strong research team.Expected outcome: Managers and conservation scientists are betterequipped with understanding how tigers use thelandscapes, monitor inbreeding depression, and trackthe source of tigers and tiger parts confiscated fromillegal trade.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim-WEFCOM as the tigersource site and DP-KY as the potential source site andother protected areas for a nation-wide survey.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 38:Activity 39:Strengthen long-term tiger ecology study in prioritylandscapes, especially to determine maximum densitiesthat can be supported in the landscapes to meetrecovery targets.Determine genetic structure of wild tigers at thepopulation level and of captive tigers.Objective 13: Ensure that relevant information for tiger conservationis well managed and available to inform strategy andplanningChallenge:Relevant information for tiger conservation is mostlyscattered and has not been used to inform managersefficiently.Opportunity: Information on tiger conservation in WEFCOM has beenadvanced and well organized in the last 5 years andWildlife Conservation Office of DNP has established aninformation center at the headquarter in Bangkok to bea center for smart patrol database.Expected outcome: The government of Thailand has a high qualitycentral database to cooperate with other organizationson tiger conservation.Duration and locations: 12 years, DNP’s headquarter in Bangkok.Activity necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 40:Develop information structure that facilitates compilationof national tiger related data for improvement of tigerconservation.

Priority action 4: Promoting education, awareness, andpublic participationObjective 14: Convey tiger conservation-related messages to adiverse policy makers, and politicians.Challenge:Most Thai public and policy makers do not perceivetigers as national pride and symbol as elephants.Opportunity: Tiger can be used as an iconic species if promotedproperly and if enough information on the situation oftigers in WEFCOM is available to motivate public andother sectors in the community.Expected outcome: Thai society gives strong support for tigers andwildlife conservation and natural resource management.Duration and locations: 12 years, schools and communities aroundWEFCOM and DP-KY landscapes and Thai society atlarge.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 41:Activity 42:Activity 43:Public campaigns on wild tiger conservation in localschools and communities around priority landscapesusing innovative tools and impact monitoring system.Deliver the message of tiger conservation throughmainstream media channels.Produce quality publications that contain information ontigers and their roles in the ecosystem to the public.Objective 15: Ensure that basic concepts of the tiger’s ecologicaland cultural significance become part of Thailand’sstandard curriculum at several educational levelsChallenge:Unlike elephants, the story of the tiger’s ecological andcultural significance has not been incorporated in anycurriculum at any educational level.Opportunity: Enough information about tigers and their significanceto Thailand’s ecological system is now available to bepart of curriculum in many levels.Expected outcome: The government of Thailand has a high qualitycentral database to cooperate with other organizationson tiger conservation.Duration and locations: 12 years, national level.Activity necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 44:Work with the Ministry of Education to include specificlearning goals in both primary and secondary standardcurricula.

Objective 16: Ensure that the co-benefits of tiger landscapeconservation are understood and appreciatedChallenge:Tiger landscape and potential tiger landscapes inThailand have not been estimated under ecosystemservices in a way that societies can benefit from.Opportunity: Reliable techniques to quantify ecosystem servicevalues have been used and the results can lead togreater attention from policy makers and other sectorsin society.Expected outcome: More support on tiger conservation from othersectors of the society.Duration and locations: 12 years, national level.Activity necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 45:Quantify ecosystem service values and use theinformation to communicate the broader values of tigerconservation landscape.Priority action 5: Strategic financing for tiger conservationObjective 17: Identify the costs of effective tiger conservation,current expenditures, and efficiency of theseexpendituresChallenge:All current tiger and potential tiger sites and landscapesin Thailand still do not have sufficient budgets andmanpower to conserve and recover wild tigers.Opportunity: There are examples of tiger conservation costings fromother tiger range countries and other successfulprojects that can be used to estimate the costs of tigerconservation in Thailand.Expected outcome: The real cost of wild tiger conservation isunderstood and the budget is increased.Duration and locations: 12 years, national level.Activity necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 46:Baseline study of protected area costs and efficiency ofcurrent expenditures.Objective 18: Make use of large scale funding opportunities such asGEF 5, REDD, and other programs to fund tigerconservation effortsChallenge:Large scale funding sources such as GEF 5, REDD,and others are not tiger focused enough to providefunding; to cover too many non-impact activities candetract energy and resources from true tiger

conservation and recovery; and developing large scalefunding opportunities takes a long time to go throughthe government process.Opportunity: If prepared properly and funded, large scale fundingsources can sustain important activities until results ofimpacts are known.Expected outcome: Opportunity for funding is expandedDuration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim-WEFCOM as the tigersource site and DP-KY Forest Complex as the potentialsource site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 47: Utilize GEF 5 programmatic funding opportunity tosecure additional national funding for tiger landscapeconservation support.Activity 48: Develop full REDD+ funding strategy for the DawnaTenasserim landscape.Objective 19: Develop sustainable funding mechanismsChallenge:Tiger conservation and recovery take a long time beforeresults start to be seen and in many areas fundingsustainability is the key problem that has led to failure.Opportunity: In Thailand the government budget is the mostsustainable mechanism for tiger conservation andrecovery. However, the budget allocation andexpenditure need to be overhauled under goodgovernance, which is transparent and monitorable.Expected outcome: Opportunity for funding is expanded andsustained.Duration and locations: 12 years, Tenasserim-WEFCOM as the tigersource site and DP-KY as the potential source site.Activities necessary to accomplish this objective:Activity 49: Identify potential payment for ecosystem servicesmechanism and develop pilot projects to demonstratetheir values.Activity 50: Establish a trust fund for conservation activities inpriority landscapes.Activity 51: Enhance ecotourism opportunities in and around tigerlandscapes and ensure that revenues flow more directlyto tiger conservation efforts.

Policy Change to Support the ObjectivesTo accomplish Thailand Tiger Action Plan, related agenciesshould implement following actions:• Develop the policy on promotion, salaries and social securitysystem for protected area staff and park rangers• Encourage policy makers to develop the policy on career pathfor superintendents of protected areas (national parks andwildlife sanctuaries) for effectiveness and continuity of thework quality• Up list tigers to the reserved species under the Wild AnimalReservation and Protection Act B. E. 2535 (1992)• Strengthen enforcement on wildlife crime under the WildAnimal Reservation and Protection Act B.E.2535 (1992) tomake sure that an offender convicting the highest penalty ofWildlife Laws and related legislations.

Action Plan ImplementationTo be successful in recovering wild tiger populations following the vision,goals, priority actions, objectives, and activities mentioned in this plan, theMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment needs to set up a NationalTiger Conservation Committee. The members of the committee shouldcome from government agencies, education institutes and NGOs involvedwith tiger conservation and recovery under the action plan. Thiscommittee will have the following activities:1. Meet annually to review progress of the National Tiger ActionPlan as follows:• Review progress of key activities, objectives and goals ofpriority actions with focusing on the tiger source sitelandscape of Tenasserim-WEFCOM and potential sitelandscape of DP-KY• Evaluate effectiveness of activities under each priority action• Adjust and adapt approaches to fulfill the objectives andpriority actions• Set up progress targets and timetable of key activities• Consult with experts and scientists on progress toward goalsfor tiger population• Prepare information for next meetings on tiger conservation.2. Convene an annual meeting with stakeholders to report theprogress of action plan.3. Produce and circulate an annual tiger conservation report.

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Petdee, A. 2000. Feeding habits of the tiger (Panthera tigris) in Huai KhaKhaeng Wildlife Sanctuary by fecal analysis. Page 92. Faculty ofForestry. Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.Prayurasiddhi, T. 1997. The ecological separation of gaur (Bos gaurus)and banteng (Bos javanicus) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary,Thailand. Page 230. Wildlife Conservation. University of Minnesota, St.Paul, Minnesota.Prayurasiddhi, T., S. Chawatana, and S. Napom, editors. 1999. ForestComplexes in Thailand. Preuksirin Printing, Bangkok.Seidensticker, J., and C. McDougal. 1993. Tiger predatory behaviour,ecology and conservation. Symposia of the Zoological Society ofLondon 65:105-125.Simchareon, S., A.Pattanavibool, K.U. Karanth, J.D. Nichols, N.S. Kumar.2007. How many tigers (Panthera tigris) are there in Huai Kha KhaengWildlife Sanctuary, Thailand? An estimate using photographic capturerecapturesampling. Oryx 41:1-7.Smith, J. L. D., C. McDougal, and D. Miquelle. 1989. Scent Marking inFree-Ranging Tigers Panthera-Tigris. Animal Behaviour 37:1-10.Smith, J. L. D. 1993. The role of dispersal in structuring the Chitwan tigerpopulation. Behaviour 124:165-195.Smith, J. L. D., S. C. Ahearn, and C. McDougal. 1998. Landscape analysisof tiger distribution and habitat quality in Nepal. Conservation Biology12:1338-1346.Sunquist, M. 1981. The movements and activities of tigers in RoyalChitwan National Park, Nepal. University of Minnesota, St. Paul,Minnesota.Tunhikorn, S., J. L. D. Smith, T.Prayoonsidh,M. Gram, P. Jackson and P.Cutter. 2004. Saving Thailand’s Tigers: An Action Plan. Department ofNational Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.WCS-Thailand Program. 2007. Building a Monitoring System for TigerConservation in the Western Forest Complex, Thailand. A Final Reportto the USFWS-RTCF.WCS-Thailand Program. 2008. Tigers Forever in Thailand: An executivesummary. A summary report on Tigers Forever submitted to WCS,DNP, and Panthera, Bangkok, Thailand.WCS-Thailand Program. 2009. Expanding the monitoring system for tigerconservation to Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Forest Complex,Thailand. A final report for USFWS-RTCF, 28ppWEFCOM. 2004. GIS Database and its applications for ecosystemmanagement. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and PlantConservation, Thailand, 228pp.Wikramanayake, E. D., E. Dinerstein, G. Robinson John, U. Karanth, A.Rabinowitz, D. Olson, T. Mathew, P. Hedao, M. Conner, G. Hemley,and D. Bolze. 1998. An ecology-based method for defining priorities for

large mammal conservation: The tiger as case study. ConservationBiology 12:865-878.WWF. 2008. A report on ecological research for tiger conservation in KuiBuri National Park.

Appendix

Appendix 1 Actions, Indicators and Timelines for Tiger Conservation ActionsPriority Action and Action Indicator Means of Verification 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 20221 Strengthening direct conservation action and enforcement1.1 Promote conservation efforts at the scale of entire tiger populations (e.g., forest complexes and associated corridors)1.1.1 Strengthen and standardize “Smartpatrol system” in protected areas ofcurrent tiger source and potentialsource sites, including Tenasserim– WEFCOM and DP-KYNumbers of protected areas with MISTbasedsmart patrol system;patrol efforts(patrol days, patrol distance, patrolcoverage);threat distribution and trendMonthly reports;meeting minutesx x x x x x x x x x x x1.1.2 Increase the number of competentpark ranger teams patrolling ineach protected area of prioritylandscapes, up to the level that caneffectively secure tigers and theirprey.1.1.3 Strengthen wildlife crime units andinformant networks aroundTenasserim – WEFCOM and DP-KY Forest Complex to suppresslocal demands on wild meat andillegal wildlife trade and helpapprehend wildlife criminals aroundprotected areas.1.1.4 Work with district attorneys andjudges to ensure substantialpunishment on wildlife crimeagainst tigers and other largeungulates.Numbers of park rangers in HKK-TYand KY-TL.Numbers of wildlife crime units inPAAO 1, 3, 7, 12, 14;data quality inwildlife trade database; enforcementcasesProportion of cases resulting inconviction;balance applications ofpenalty rangesProtected areabudget and humanresources;transparentsystem of hiring parkrangersx x x x x x x x x x x xMonthly reports x x x x x x x x x x x xConviction reports;police reportsx x x x x x x x x x x x

1.1.5 Overhaul the park ranger system toa higher living and workingstandard, and provide rewards andincentives to encourage patrolling(e.g., patrolling budgets) and othersignificant morale boostingprograms such as performancebasedpromotions.1.1.6 Apply landscape-scale ecologicaland development models for tigerconservation and engagestakeholders in developmentsectors (i.e., roads, oil and gas,mining, power) to minimize andmitigate impacts in sectoralactivities on tiger habitats.Better performance-basedcompensation and promotion;increasein base salaries and benefits;funds forranger welfare in priority landscapesNumbers of management approachesand development models applied at thelandscape scale1.2 Provide long-term support for tiger habitat restoration activities1.2.1 Promote use of controlled burningin potential and manageable partsof priority landscapes to maintaingrassland for ungulate recovery.1.2.2 Prevent and suppress fireseffectively in evergreen forest areasin priority landscapes to providegood cover and watersheds fortigers and wildlife.1.2.3 Strengthen the reintroductionprogram of ungulate prey with theex-situ succeeded species (i.e.,sambars, eld’s deer, hog deer) insuitable habitats.Areas for control burned;changes inungulate use of the burned areasAreas with fire controlledSpecies, numbers, andlocations;numbers of reintroducedanimals surviving afterreintroductions;breeding successJob performances;regular protectedareas reportssubmitted to DNPx x x x x x x x x x x xDNP reports x x x x x x x x x x xMaps and areasmanaged using firesSatellite imagereportsReintroductionplan;monitoringsystem; breeding andreintroduction reportsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x

1.2.4 Maintain natural and existingartificial water sources that benefittigers and ungulates especiallyduring the drought periods inpriority landscapes.1.2.5 Establish a system to controlinvasive species (e.g., Lantanacamara, Mimosa pudica) in thepriority landscapes.1.2.6 Identify priorities for corridor andhabitat restoration.Numbers of watersources;demonstrated increase in preynumbersNew areas where invasive speciesdetectedAreas identified for corridor and habitatrestorationReport on monitoringresults of wildlife useof water sources andsalt licksProjectsurveys;protectedareas reportsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xMaps of corridors x x x x x x x1.3 Ensure that government policy of protecting tiger habitats from development threats, as committed through the Hua Hin declaration, is followed1.3.1 Ensure that no major infrastructuredevelopment occurs in core tigerhabitats.Numbers of major development projectrejectedGovernment reports x x x x x x x x x x x x1.3.2 Ensure that infrastructuredevelopment in corridors and bufferzones conform with Smart GreenInfrastructure designs to ensureminimal impacts to tiger habitatsand maintain landscapeconnectivity.Number of green infrastructure protectsin cooridors and buffer zones1.4 Encourage community participation and cooperation in protected area conservation activities1.4.1 Strengthen and build wildlifeconservation network around thepriority landscape to strengthentiger and wildlife conservation in thepriority areas.Numbers of wildlife conservationnetwork established; numbers andgroups of people trained as volunteersGovernment reports x x x x x x x x x x x xWildlife conservationactions participatedby members ofnetworks;projectsconducted byvolunteersx x x x x x x x x x x x

1.4.2 Provide Protected AreaCommittees (PAC) and CommunityCommittees (CC) with qualityinformation (e.g., data from SmartPatrol System) on which to basethreat reduction decisions andactivities.Meeting frequency and resolutions fromthe meeting;successful cases ofparticaptorial management approachesPAs reports; PACreports;CC reportsx x x x x x x x x x x x1.5 Support local communities in developing sustainable economies that reduce dependence on forest resources1.5.1 Link communities with agriculturalscience institutes and agencies topromote agro-forestry in bufferzone areas around prioritylandscapes to reduce Non TimberForest Producteds (NTFPs)collection inside Protected Areas(PAs).Incomes from agro-forestry products(eg., bamboo shoots, mushrooms)PAs Reports x x x x x x x x x x x x1.5.2 Develop a wildlife-basedecotourism with a concrete benefitsharing with communities inappropriate areas in and aroundPAs.Numbers of projects, areas, andactivities;revenue flowing to thecommunitiesDNP reports onwildlife-basedecotourism projects;reports on revenuesfrom Ministry ofInteriorx x x x x x x x x x x x1.6 Facilitate international cooperation in tiger conservation efforts1.6.1 Strengthen enforcement capacity ofThailand's CITES programs withbetter interagency-collaborationand stronger protocols and impactmonitoring system on wildlifetrades.Transparent permit system;numbers ofcases resulting from interagencycollaboration;active responses fromCITES checkpoints andinteragencycollaborationCITES ManagementAuthority of Thailandbiennual reports;DNPannual reports andstatisticsx x x x x x x x x x x x1.6.2 Strengthen and sustain capacity ofASEAN-WEN.Enforcement monitoring system;positive response from relevantauthorities from ASEAN countriesProgress and annualreports of ASEAN-WENx x x x x x x x x x x x

1.6.3 Strengthen bi-lateral cooperationwith Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia andMyanmar for transboundaryenforcement and monitoring andresearch.Numbers of collaboration projects,areas, and activities1.7 Strengthen national laws, policies, and enforcement of tiger related crimes1.7.1 Strengthen enforcement on wildlifecrime under the Wild AnimalReservation and Protection ActB.E.2535 (1992) to make sure thatan offender convicting the highestpenalty of Wildlife Laws and relatedlegislations.Numbers of offenders convicted in arange of penalties1.7.2 Strengthen Thailand-WENinformation sharing capacity.1.7.3 Strengthen investigative capacityand judiciary effectiveness onwildlife crime cases.1.7.4 Strengthen communicationcampaigns on wild tigerconservation.Effective monitoring database onperformance;positive response fromrelevant authorities; enforcementmechanism developed; informationsharedProsecution and conviction cases;increasing success in prosecution ofcases; capacity building training heldWild tiger conservation discussed atmeetings;awareness survey;capacitybuilding training heldBiennual reports ofCITES ManagementAuthority of Thailand;DNP annual reportsCourt decisions; DNPreports; DNPStatisticsThailand-WENannual reports;reports onenfocement actionsCourtdecisions;trainingmaterials; DNPanuual reportsMeetingminutes;campaignmaterials;awarenesssurvey resultsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x1.7.5 MoU with military, police, Ministry ofInterior, Ministry of Education to bestrengthened and implemented forbetter collaboration and training forenforcement.Numbers of cooperation projects underthe MoU; meetings and dialoguestowork with military, police, Ministry ofInterior, Ministry of EducationMoNRE annualreportsx x x x x x x x x x x x

1.8 Support national and international efforts to manage captive tigers responsibly1.8.1 Design and enforce the controlprograms for captive breeding oftigers in legal tiger zoos with acaptive tiger database trackingrecords.Captive tiger database established andrun effectively with effective tigerinspection teams.1.8.2 Discourage illegal activitiesinvolving captive tigers, usingeffective public campaigns whichhighlight the impacts of tigerconservation.1.8.3 Public campaigns showing thedifference between wild & captivetiger conservation.Effective enforcement on zoos allowedfor captive tigers but violating the law;information in the public domainStrong campaign and clear publicunderstanding on tigerissues;information in the public domainDNP's reports onstatus of captivetigersEnforcement recordsin DNP annualreports; media pickupsDNP annualreports;media pickupsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x2 Building capacity based on successful models2.1 Establish a Regional Tiger Conservation and Research Center at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary2.1.1 Designate staff and design anadministrative structure to run thecenter with shared experiences andadministrations.Clear structure of shared administrationestablishedMoNRE and DNPexecutive ordersx x x x x x x x x x x x2.1.2 Ensure that the training center hassufficient facilities and equipment tofacilitate high quality training inmanagement, enforcement andresearch to serve both Thailandand the region.Successful pilot training coursesdelivered; a number of projectsparticipated by tiger range countriesDNP annual reports x x x x x x x x x x x x

2.1.3 Establish technical andenforcement-related curricula thatwill prepare participants to meetprotected area managementstandards.A curriculum standard for tigerprotected area managers designed andused; a number of protected areamanagers passed the curriculaDNP executive ordersto regulate acurriculum standardon tiger protectedareas; DNP Trainingrecordsx x x x x x x x x x x2.2 Ensure national training capacity can deliver high quality tiger conservation training at all levels2.2.1 Strengthen the local instructorscapacity for conducting trainingcourses for tiger research andconservation for Thai andinternational audience.Training for trainer courses are welldesigned and launchedDNP annual reports x x x x x x x x x x x x2.2.2 Establish a national standard assufficient resources for tigerconservation training.National standard is agreed andpublished3 Monitoring, research, and information management3.1 Monitor tiger and prey populations in priority landscapes3.1.1 Maintain and establish highstandard annual populationmonitoring systems for tigers andtheir prey in tiger sources andpotential source sites in the prioritylandscapes.3.1.2 Establish landscape scaleoccupancy monitoring for tigers andprey throughout the two prioritylandscapes.3.1.3 Implement a national-wide surveyand reporting system on tigers andprey conditions based on scientificmethods.System of camera trapping andtransect for tiger and prey populationmonitoring established and annuallyrun with rigorous designsSystem of occupancy monitoring fortiger and prey established and runNational-wide survey systemestablished and run with rigorousdesignDNP annual reports x x x x x x x x x x x xDNP reports onpopulation monitoringsystemsDNP reports onlandscape scaleoccupancy monitoringsystemsDNP reports on anational-wide surveyand reporting systemon tigers and preyconditionsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x

3.2 Maintain long-term tiger and prey ecology research in priority landscapes3.2.1 Strengthen long-term tiger ecologystudies in priority landscapes,especially to determine maximumdensities that can be supported inthe landscapes to meet recoverytargets.Tiger and prey ecological studiescontinued with well designed3.2.2 Determine the genetic structure ofwild tigers at the population and ofcaptive tigers.System for collecting tiger scats or hairsamples is established and runefficientlyReports andpublications on longtermtiger ecologystudiesGenetic structuresexisted and updatedregularly3.3 Ensure that relevant information for tiger conservation is well managed and available to inform strategy and planning3.3.1 Develop information structure thatfacilitates compilation of nationaltiger related data for improvementof tiger conservation.Data consolitated from all tigerprotected areas easily accessed andused; mechanism developedInformation structuresexisted and updatedregularly; publishedmanuals4 Education, awareness and public participation4.1 Convey tiger conservation-related messages to a diverse Thai public, policy makers, and politicians4.1.1 Public campaigns on wild tigerconservation in local schools andcommunities around prioritylandscapes using innovative toolsand impact monitoring system.4.1.2 Deliver the message of tigerconservation through mainstreammedia channels.4.1.3 Produce quality publications thatcontain information on tigers andtheir roles in the ecosystem to thepublic.Public campaign on wild tigerconservation designed and usedLong-term strategic communicationprogram developed; publication inmagazine or newspapers; publicpresentationsPublications disigned and producedamong public at large; information inthe public domainDNP fact sheets andpublicationsLong-term strategiccommunication plan;NP fact shets andreports; media pickupsTiger publications;media pick-upsx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x

4.2 Ensure that basic concepts of the tiger’s ecological and cultural significance become part of Thailand’s standard curriculum at several educational levels4.2.1 Work with Ministry of Education toinclude specific learning goals inboth primary and secondarystandard curricula.Tiger conservation included in theschool curriculumReports of the MoUimplementationbetween MoNRE andMoEx x x x x x x x x x x x4.3 Ensure that co-benefit of tiger landscape conservation are understood and appreciated4.3.1 Quantify ecosystem service valuesand use the information tocommunicate the broader values oftiger conservation landscape.Ecosystem service valuesquantified;information in the publicdomainDNP ecosystemservices publications;media productionbroadcastedx x x x x x x x x x x x5 Strategic financing for tiger conservation5.1 Identify the costs of effective tiger conservation, current expenditures, and efficiency of these expenditures5.1.1 Baseline study of protected areacosts and efficiency of currentexpenditures.Cost of conservation identified Study reports x x x x x x x x x x x x5.2 Make use of large scale funding opportunities such as GEF 5, REDD, other programs to fund tiger conservation efforts5.2.1 Utilize GEF 5 programmatic fundingopportunity to secure additionalnational funding for tiger landscapeconservation support.Numbers of proposals submitted Numbers ofproposals fundedx x x x x x x x x x x x5.2.2 Develop full REDD+ fundingstrategy for the Dawna TenasserimLandscape.Funding strategy developed; numbersof proposals submittedNumbers ofproposals fundedx x x x x x x x x x x x5.3 Develop sustainable funding mechanisms5.3.1 Identify potential payment forecosystem services mechanismand develop pilot projects todemonstrate their values.Ecosystem services mechanismsidentified; numbers of projects, areas,and activitiesNumbers of pilotprojectsimplemented; DNPproject reportsx x x x x x x x x x x x

5.3.2 Establish a Trust Fund forconservation activities in prioritylandscapes.5.3.3 Enhance ecotourism opportunitiesin and around tiger landscapes andensure that revenues flow moredirectly to tiger conservation efforts.Trust Fund establishedEcotourism pilot projects developed;proposal submittedVolume and durationof financial supporton tiger projectEcotourism pilotprojects tested andapplied in and aroundtiger landscapesx x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x xx

Appendix 2 Estimation of Tiger Population in Thailand 1Protected Areas1. Western Forest ComplexAreaAbundance(km 2 ) High Moderate LowPopulation- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary 2817 √ 77-59- Thungyai Naresuan (West) Wildlife Sanctuary 2117 √ 31-16- Thungyai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary 1572 √ 13-9- Umpang Wildlife Sanctuary 2587 √- Mae Wong National Park 896 √ 27-23- Erawan National Park 530 √- Khuan Si Nakharin National Park 1843 √- Sai Yok National Park 962 √2. Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex- Kaeng Krachan National Park 2020* √ 20-14- Kui Buri National Park 982 √ 93. Dong phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex- Khao Yai National Park 2260 √ 9-7- Thap Lan National Park 1805* √- Pang Sida National Park 859 √ 26-184. Hala-Bala Forest Complex- Bang Lang National Park 289 √- Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary 422 √ 7-55. Phu khieo-Nam Nao Forest Complex- Phu-khieo Wildlife Sanctuary 1571 √- Nam Nao National Park 975 √ 10-96. Doi Phu Kha-Mae Yom Forest Complex- Doi Pha Chang Wildlife Sanctuary 583 √ 27. Srilanna-Khun Tan Forest Complex- Doi Luang National Park 1212 √- Khun Chae National Park 287 √ 6-58. Lum Nam Pai-Salawin Forest Complex- Mae-Yuam Fang Kwa Wildlife Sanctuary 292 √- Chiang Dao National Park 1146 √- Salawin National Park 735 √9. Mae Ping-Om Koi Forest Complex- Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary 1226 √ 5-410. Khao Luang Forest Complex- Khao Luang National Park 596 √ 2Total 252-1898-7

Remark: Tiger Density in the protected areas.Tiger Abundance - HighHuai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary 2.4 ± 0.32 tiger/100 Km 2 (Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station, 2009)Tiger Abundance - ModerateThungyai Naresuan (West) Wildlife Sanctuary 1.1 ± 0.35 tiger/100 Km 2 (Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station, 2009)Thungyai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary 0.68 ± 0.15 tiger/100 Km 2 (Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station, 2009)Tiger Density (other areas) = 1 tiger/100-150 km 2Tiger Abundance - LowTiger Density = 1 tiger/250-300 km 2* estimated protected area excluded the area of human settlement.1 Data as of 2010

Appendix 3 Encounter Rate of Tiger Signs in Thailand's Protected Areas 1Forest Complex1. Lum Nam Pai-Salawin2. Srilanna-Khun TanProtected AreaTiger Sign Encounter Rate Index(%)1. Chiang Dao National Park 1.62. Salawin National Park 0.53. Mae-Yuam Fang Kwa Wildlife Sanctuary 0.51. Khun Chae National Park 1.12. Doi Luang National Park 1.63. Doi Phu Kha-Mae Yom 1. Doi Pha Chang Wildlife Sanctuary 1.14. Mae Ping-Om Koi 1. Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary *6. Phu khieo-Nam Nao9. Dong phayayen-KhaoYai11. Western1. Nam Nao National Park 0.72. Phu-khieo Wildlife Sanctuary 0.41. Khao Yai National Park 0.52. Thap Lan National Park 3.73. Pang Sida National Park 3.91. Khuan Sri Nakharin National Park 0.42. Erawan National Park 0.83. Thungyai Naresuan (West) WildlifeSanctuary4. Thungyai Naresuan (East) WildlifeSanctuary25.85. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary 14.38.36. Umpang Wildlife Sanctuary 112. Kaeng Krachan7.Sai Yok National Park **8. Mae Wong National Park *1. Kaeng Krachan National Park 5.22. Kui Buri National Park 1.615. Khao Luang 1. Khao Luang National Park 0.617. Hala-Bala1. Bang Lang National Park 9.52. Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary 4.1Remark1 Data between 2004-2007* Reported by Park Ranger(2009)** Data from Camera Trap(2006)

Appendix 4 Survey on Tiger Status in 8 Protected Areas byCamera TrapsProtected AreasStudy Trap No. of EstimatedPeriod night Tiger DensityRemark1. Huai Kha 2010 2935 39 2.4±0.32 (KNR,2010)Khaeng WS 1 2009 2731 39 2.39±0.29 (KNR,2009)2.Thung Yai WS-W 2 2009 629 7 1.1±0.35 (KNR,2009)Thung Yai WS -E 2 2007 629 7 0.68±0.15 (KNR,2009)3.Kui Buri NP 3 2007 1055 2 A 0.8 95%CI=3-102009 1458 2 A 1 95%CI=4-104.Kaeng KraChan NP 4 2001 809 4 2.8(SE0.8)5.Thap Lan NP 5 2008-2010 5552 86.Khao Yai NP 6 2003-2006 6172 0 07.Klong Saeng WS 7 1997-2000 2690 0 0Dec03-Apr04 528 0 08. Mae Nam Pachi 8 May-Sep2005 540 0 0RemarkA"Number of Tiger" reported here are just during capture-recapture samplingperiod, but since 2007 WWF have photographed 9 individual tigersin the park, including 3 cubs.1, 2 - (Khao Nang Rum Research Station, 2009; WCS-Thailand Program, 2007;34567WCS-Thailand Program, 2008; WCS-Thailand Program, 2009)- (WWF Thailand, 2008)- (Ngo prasert, D. and A.J. Lynoum. 2002)- (Bidayabha, unplublished data.)- (Kate Jenks and Peter Cutter, pers. Comm.)- (Kanchanasaka, 2001)7, 8- (Cutter, P. and P.G. Cutter. 2010)