Populations of domesticated cattle and buffalo in the Western Forest Complex of Thailand and their possible impacts on the wildlife community.
The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) of Thailand is comprised of many protected areas and has one of the highest wildlife populations in the country. Populations of wildlife in the WEFCOM have decreased dramatically over recent years. Rapid economic development has resulted in the conversion of forest into agricultural and pastoral land, which has directly and indirectly impacted the wildlife community. This research aimed to evaluate populations of domesticated cattle (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the WEFCOM and their possible impacts on the wildlife community. Domesticated cattle and buffalo keepers from 1561 (or 3.3%) of houses in and near WEFCOM were interviewed. The average number of animals per household was 15.6 cattle and 8.5 buffalo. Most villagers released domesticated cattle and buffalo to forage in the protected areas. This tended to have a high impact on the wildlife community in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. The least impacted areas were Luam Khlong Ngu National Park, Thong Pha Phum National Park and Chaleam Ratanakosin National Park. With a high risk to the wildlife community, law enforcement should be used in combination with a certain level of co-management with local communities.
Chaiyarat
Rattanawat
R
Faculty of Environmental and Resource Studies, Department of Biology, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon Road, Phuttamonthon, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand. scrcy@mahidol.ac.th
Srikosamatara
Sompod
S
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D002020:Buffaloes; D002417:Cattle; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D016468:Forestry; D011156:Population Density; D013785:Thailand; D014197:Trees