Ecological monitoring of large mammals and birds at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Information on status and threats to wildlife provides the basis for developing plans to conserve and manage their populations. However, research programs to get this information are usually lacking for Thailand protected areas. System of ecological monitoring for threatened large mammals and birds was introduced at Khao Yai National Park in January 2000. Large fauna have low reproductive rates and slow growth rates and so are sensitive to poaching and other human disturbances. The project is part of an integrated Wildlife Protection Program called the Khao Yai Conservation Project. Line transect observations, track and sign counts and camera-trapping were used to monitor 37 species, including primates, ungulates and carnivores, hornbills and pheasants, at an intensive sampling plot at Klong E Tao , and at eighteen sampling locations across the park. Strong spatial trends occur across Khao Yai, with wildlife abundance decreasing from park head quarters to the perimeter. Encounter rates of wildlife and their sign, and camera-trapping showed the same significant pattern. The pattern is partially a result of historical neglect of more remote parts of the park, and increased poaching in these areas. Information on poacher activity was gained using the same methods, and from direct encounters with poachers by the research team. A decrease in wildlife encounters at Klong E Tao after September 2000 was consistent with an increase in poacher activity. Photographs of wildlife offenders were given to park authorities to supplement efforts to suppress poaching. Park rangers and graduate students were trained in wildlife monitoring methods and received on-the-job training. A geographic Information System (GIS) database was designed for archiving field data and to serve as a management tool. Information on wildlife trends can aid in the adaptive management of protected areas.