Yala: A recent discovery of tiger footprints in the Than Nam Thip Subdistrict of Betong District has left villagers in the area apprehensive. Rubber tappers alerted authorities after finding what they suspected to be tiger tracks, prompting an investigation by officials from Bang Lang National Park.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Harong Baso, the head of the Bang Lang National Park Protection Unit, led a team of park officials and local volunteers to inspect the tracks found in a rubber plantation in Ban Batae Tueng. The inspection confirmed that the footprints belonged to a Malayan tiger, estimated to weigh around 200 kilograms. The discovery of the tracks, which number in the hundreds and span nearly one kilometer, supports the theory that the tiger crossed into Thailand from Malaysia, possibly in pursuit of prey such as deer and wild boar.
The officials noted that the tiger's presence might be temporary, as no new tracks were found to suggest it was lingering in the area. This movement across borders is attributed to the logging activities in neighboring countries, which force wildlife to migrate. The dry soil conditions in the region have also made it difficult for officials to track the tiger further, as the footprints eventually disappear.
Villagers have been advised to report any sightings or tracks to authorities for safety and to avoid harming the animal, as an injured tiger could pose a significant threat. Betong District's rich forest landscape frequently witnesses such wildlife activities, with monitoring cameras capturing tigers and other wildlife like black leopards in the area. In particular, a female tiger was recently recorded in Aiyerweng Subdistrict, while tiger tracks have been observed moving between forested areas in Thailand and Malaysia.