Thailand has a diverse animal population, including both native and introduced species. Some of the more well-known native animals include elephants, tigers, gibbons, and various species of monkeys. Thailand is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Additionally, there are several species of large mammals that have been introduced to Thailand, such as water buffalo and wild boar. The country is also known for its marine life, including a variety of fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Overall, Thailand's diverse animal population is a major draw for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
There is no exact number for how many types of animals live in Thailand, as the biodiversity of the country is constantly changing due to various factors such as habitat destruction and climate change. However, it is estimated that there are around 13,000 species of animals in Thailand, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. This number includes both native and introduced species, and it is believed that there may be many more species yet to be discovered. Thailand is home to more than 10% of the animals that are found across the world.
Let us dive into the diverse wildlife in Thailand...
Tigers
Tigers in Thailand are primarily of the Indochinese subspecies (Panthera tigris corbetti), which is found in several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. According to a recent survey, the total population of wild tigers in Thailand is estimated to be around 189 individuals. The population of tigers in Thailand has been declining for many years due to habitat loss, poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, and human-tiger conflict. Tigers are apex predators and play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of their ecosystems. Tigers in Thailand are found primarily in the Western Forest Complex and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries. The tigers in Thailand are considered as an endangered species, due to habitat loss and poaching.
Indochinese Leopard
The Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) is a subspecies of leopard found in Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The Indochinese leopard is a medium-sized wildcat, with a distinctive golden-yellow coat covered in black spots and rosettes. They are also known to be one of the most adaptable leopard subspecies and can be found in a variety of habitats such as tropical evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and even in mountainous regions.
Like tigers, Indochinese leopards are also considered as an endangered species, with the population numbers being critically low. Habitat loss and poaching are the main threats to their survival. According to the recent estimates, the total population of Indochinese leopards in Thailand is around 200-250 individuals.
Gibbon
Gibbons are a group of small, arboreal primates found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are known for their distinctive long arms, which they use to swing through the trees, and their loud, complex vocalizations. Gibbons are diurnal and spend most of their time in the canopy of the forest, where they live in small family groups consisting of a monogamous pair and their offspring.
There are several species of gibbons found in Thailand, including the white-handed gibbon (Hylobatidae laosensis), the pileated gibbon (Hylobatidae pileatus) and the black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor). These species are considered as critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The population of gibbons in Thailand has been declining for many years, and it's estimated that only small populations remain in the wild.
Elephant
Elephants are an iconic species in Thailand and have been an important part of Thai culture for centuries. Historically, they were used in logging and transportation and were also trained for ceremonial and entertainment purposes. However, as the logging industry declined and the use of elephants in tourism increased, many elephants were left without work and were often subjected to poor living conditions.
There are two main populations of elephants in Thailand: wild elephants and captive elephants. The population of wild elephants in Thailand is estimated to be around 2,500 individuals, which is considered to be relatively small. Wild elephants in Thailand face several threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict.
Captive elephants in Thailand are often used in the tourism industry, performing in shows and giving rides to tourists. However, many of these elephants are subjected to poor living conditions and mistreatment. They are often kept in chains and are trained using cruel methods such as bullhooks and deprivation of food and water.
There have been several efforts to improve the welfare of captive elephants and to phase out the use of elephants in the tourism industry. These efforts include regulations, sanctuary and rehabilitation centers, and educational programs to raise awareness of elephant welfare and conservation.
Overall, the situation of elephants in Thailand is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach, including conservation of wild elephants, improving the welfare of captive elephants, and changing the way that elephants are viewed and treated in Thai culture.
Malaysian Sun Bears
Malaysian Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) are small bears that are native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. They are also known as the honey bear because of their fondness for honey. Sun bears have distinctive creamy-yellow crescent markings on their chests, which give them their name. They are the smallest bear species in the world and are also the most arboreal of all bear species, spending most of their time in trees.
Asian Golden Cat
The Asian Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii) is a medium-sized wild cat that is native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as the Temminck's cat and is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as grasslands.
Asian golden cats have a distinctive golden-brown coat with black spots and stripes, and they have a stocky build. They are solitary animals and are primarily active at night. They have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Asiatic Black Bear
The Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), also known as the moon bear, is a species of bear that is native to Asia. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions in countries such as China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
Asiatic Black bears are typically smaller than their North American and European counterparts, but they have a similar body shape, with a large hump on their shoulders, and a distinctive crescent-shaped white patch on their chest. They are omnivorous and their diet includes a wide variety of foods such as fruits, insects, small mammals, and bird eggs. They are also known to opportunistically feed on human food and garbage.
Banded Linsang
The Banded linsang (Prionodon linsang) is a small, carnivorous mammal that is native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as the tiger linsang or banded linsang. It is a small, slender animal with a distinctive banded pattern of dark and light fur and large eyes.
Banded linsangs are arboreal animals and are found in a variety of tropical forest habitats. They are nocturnal and primarily eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also known to eat insects and fruit. They are solitary animals and are known to be elusive, making them difficult to study.
Bumblebee Bat
The Bumblebee bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) is a species of bat that is native to Thailand and Myanmar. It is also known as the Kitti's hog-nosed bat. It is one of the smallest mammals in the world, with a wingspan of only 6 centimeters and a body length of 3 centimeters.
Bumblebee bats are found in limestone caves and forested areas, they are crepuscular, meaning they are active during the dawn and dusk. They feed on small insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. They are known to roost in colonies of up to a few hundred individuals.
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized wild cat found in the forests of Southeast Asia, including parts of Thailand. They are known for their distinctive cloud-like patterns on their fur, which are used for camouflage in their forested habitats. They are arboreal animals and are skilled climbers, using their long tails for balance. They are also known for their agility and strength, which allows them to take down prey larger than themselves. Clouded leopards are an elusive species and are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. They are protected by law in Thailand and hunting them is strictly prohibited.
Colugo
The Colugo, also known as the flying lemur, is a mammal native to Southeast Asia. It is not a lemur, but it is able to glide through the air using a large membrane of skin, called a patagium, that stretches between its front and hind limbs. This allows it to glide from tree to tree over long distances.
Colugos have a furry, grayish-brown body and a long, thin tail. They are arboreal animals and are primarily active at night. They are herbivores and have a diet that primarily consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. They have large eyes, which help them navigate through the dark forest canopy, and sharp claws, which allow them to cling to branches.
Sumatran Rhinoceros
The Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is a species of rhinoceros. It is one of the smallest species of rhinoceros and is characterized by its thick, haired skin and a single horn on its snout. The Sumatran rhinoceros has a dark brown or black color, with a thick layer of hair covering its skin. The hair on its body is short and stiff, while the hair on its ears and tail is longer and hairier. This color helps them to blend into the dark, dense forest of their natural habitat, providing them with camouflage to avoid predators and poachers.
Pteropus
Pteropus, also known as fruit bats, are a genus of bats that are found throughout the world, including in Thailand. They are large bats, with wingspans that can reach up to 1.5 meters. They are primarily fruit eaters, and play an important role in seed dispersal and pollination.
In Thailand, Pteropus bats are considered as common resident species and not considered as threatened. They are found in a variety of habitats including primary and secondary forests, scrubland, and mangroves.
However, in recent years, the population of Pteropus bats in Thailand has been declining due to the destruction of their habitats and hunting for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some cultures.
Gaur
The Gaur (Bos gaurus) is a species of wild cattle that is native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as the Indian bison and is the largest wild cattle species in the world. They are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Gaurs have a distinctive appearance, with a dark brown or black coat, a large hump on their shoulders, and long, curved horns. They are herbivores and have a diet that primarily consists of grasses and bamboo. They are also known to eat fruits, leaves, and bark. They are social animals and live in groups, which can include up to 100 individuals.
Malayan Tapir
The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), also known as the Asian tapir, is a large mammal native to Southeast Asia. They are the largest of the five tapir species and have a distinctive black and white coloration, with a black body and white face and ears. They are herbivores and have a diverse diet that includes leaves, fruits, and small branches. They are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, swamps, and grasslands.
Malayan tapirs are active both day and night and are known to be solitary animals. They are excellent swimmers and are known to submerge themselves in water to escape from predators.
Binturong
The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) is a species of mammal that is native to Southeast Asia. They are also known as bearcats, although they are not related to bears or cats. Binturongs have a distinctive appearance with shaggy, black fur and a prehensile tail. They are arboreal animals and are most commonly found in tropical rainforests, but they can also be found in other types of forested habitats.
Binturongs are primarily active at night, and they are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, insects, and small animals. They are known to have a strong sense of smell and are able to locate food by scent. They are also known for their vocalizations which include loud, growling calls.
Slow Loris
The Slow Loris (Nycticebus spp.) is a group of primates that are native to Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. There are several different species of slow lorises, including the Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang), the Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis), and the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus).
Slow lorises have a distinctive appearance, with round heads, large eyes, and thick fur. They are arboreal animals and are primarily active at night. They are also known for their slow, deliberate movements, which is where they get their name. They have a diverse diet that includes fruits, insects, and small animals. They are also known for their venomous bite, which is used for self-defense.
King Cobra
The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a species of venomous snake that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are the largest venomous snake in the world growing on average to 10-12 feet. Some individuals have even been recorded growing up to 18 feet in length. They have a distinctive hood and are known for their striking coloration, which can range from olive to yellow to black. They are solitary animals that are primarily active during the day, and they feed on other snakes, lizards, and small mammals.
Civet
Civets are a group of mammals found in Asia, Africa and some islands in the Oceania, that belong to the family Viverridae. There are different species of civets, the most common in Thailand is the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) also known as the toddy cat or musang. They have a distinctive dark fur with white spots and stripes. They are arboreal and nocturnal animals and they are known to be opportunistic feeders, they feed on a wide range of fruits, insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Common Krait
The Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) is a species of venomous snake that is found in Asia, including Thailand. They are medium-sized snakes, reaching an average length of about 1.5 meters. They are characterized by their smooth, glossy scales and a distinctive black and white banded pattern. They are nocturnal and are known for their powerful neurotoxic venom.
The Common Krait is considered to be a dangerous species, and their venom is considered to be highly toxic. They are known to be a common cause of snakebite in Southeast Asia, and their venom can cause severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death if not treated promptly.
In Thailand, Common Krait is considered as a common resident species and not considered as threatened. However, due to their venomous nature and their potential to cause harm to humans, conservation efforts for Common Krait in Thailand focus on educating people about how to avoid snakebites and what to do in case of a bite.
Reticulated Python
The Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) is a species of python found in Southeast Asia. It is the longest snake in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 30 feet. They are typically found in rainforests, swamps, and near water sources. Reticulated Pythons are primarily nocturnal and are known for their excellent camouflage, which allows them to blend in with the forest floor. They are also excellent swimmers and are known to hunt in water. Their diet primarily consists of birds, mammals and reptiles. They are non-venomous and rely on constriction to subdue their prey. They are considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the world due to their large size and strength.
Green Pit Viper
The Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) is a venomous snake species found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. It is a small to medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length. They are known for their bright green coloration and triangular-shaped head. Green Pit Vipers are arboreal and primarily active during the day. They are found in a variety of habitats including rainforests, gardens, and agricultural areas. They are known to be highly aggressive and will defend themselves when threatened.
They are venomous and their venom is known to cause severe pain, swelling, and bleeding. In extreme cases, their venom can cause death, though fatalities are rare due to the availability of antivenom. They are considered a highly dangerous species and should be avoided if encountered in the wild.
Common Musk Shrew
The Common Musk Shrew (Suncus murinus) is a species of shrew that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are small mammals with a body length of about 7-10 cm and a weight of about 5-10 grams. They have a dark brown fur and are known for their strong musky odor. They are active both day and night, and feed on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates.
The Common Musk Shrew is considered to be a common resident species in Thailand, and is not considered to be threatened. They are found in a variety of habitats including primary and secondary forests, scrubland, and mangroves.
Large-tailed Nightjar
The Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) is a species of nocturnal bird that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are known for their distinctive long tail and their camouflage plumage, which allows them to blend into the forest floor during the day. They are active at night, and feed primarily on insects.
The Large-tailed Nightjar is considered to be a common resident species in Thailand, and is not considered to be threatened. They are found in a variety of habitats including primary and secondary forests, scrubland, and mangroves.
Dusky Langur
The Dusky Langur (Trachypithecus obscurus) is a species of leaf monkey that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are also known as the "dusky leaf monkey" or "dusky leaf langur". They have a dark grey-brown fur with a pale belly and a white tail tuft. They are arboreal and are typically found in evergreen and deciduous forests, including mangroves and coastal forests.
Dusky langurs are considered as near-threatened species, as their population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and hunting. According to recent estimates, there are around 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild in Thailand.
Whales
Thailand is not known as a traditional whale-watching destination, but its waters do play host to a variety of whale and dolphin species. These include the Bryde's whale, the sperm whale, and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. These species are considered as migratory, and their presence in Thai waters is seasonal.
Bryde's whale is the most common whale species found in Thailand, and they are typically found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. They are baleen whales, which means they feed on plankton, small fish and krill. Sperm whales are also found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, but they are less frequently seen than Bryde's whales. They are known to be deep-diving species and mostly feed on squid.
Daurian Redstart
The Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) is a species of small passerine bird that is native to Asia, including Thailand. It is a small bird with a length of around 15 cm and a wingspan of around 25 cm. It has a striking appearance, with a dark gray head and back, white breast, and orange-red tail and rump. Daurian redstarts are found in a variety of habitats, including forest, scrub, and grassland.
In Thailand, Daurian redstarts are considered as a common resident species and not considered as threatened. They are known to be a hardy species and adaptable to various habitats, and they are also known to be resident in a variety of human-altered habitats.
Dolphin
Thailand's waters are home to a variety of dolphin species, including the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, and the Irrawaddy dolphin. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are found in the Andaman Sea and are considered as a unique subspecies. They are known for their acrobatic displays and are often seen riding the bow waves of boats.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) are found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. They are highly social and are known for their intelligence and trainability. They are also considered as a threatened species, as they are facing threats such as pollution, habitat loss and accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are found in the Mekong River and its tributaries in Thailand. They are considered as endangered species and are facing threats such as habitat loss, pollution and accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
Conservation efforts for dolphins in Thailand include protecting and restoring their natural habitats, as well as enforcing laws to prevent hunting and illegal trade of dolphins. Some organizations are also working to educate local communities about the importance of dolphins and how to coexist with them. It's also important to monitor and research their populations to understand their behavior, habitat needs, and population trends to better protect them.
Sunda Pangolin
The Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) is a species of pangolin that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Pangolins are mammals that are covered in scales made of keratin (the same substance that makes up human hair and nails). They use their scales as a defense mechanism against predators, rolling into a tight ball when threatened. Sunda pangolin are nocturnal and mostly feed on ants and termites.
Ussuri Dhole
The Ussuri Dhole (Cuon alpinus) also known as Asiatic wild dog, is a species of canid found in Asia, including in Thailand. They are a medium-sized mammal, with a reddish-brown coat and a white chest. They are social animals that live in packs and are known for their high level of cooperation and communication. They are apex predators, and their diet mainly consists of ungulates such as deer and wild boar.
Water Buffalo
Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are a domesticated mammal that is found throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are large animals, with a typical weight of around 600-1000 kg. They have a distinctive hump on their shoulders, and their coat can vary in color from black to gray to brown. They are known for their strength and endurance and are used for a variety of purposes, including plowing fields, transportation, and as a source of milk and meat.
Mongoose
Mongooses are a group of small carnivorous mammals that belong to the family Herpestidae. They are found throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. There are several species of mongooses found in Thailand, including the Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), the Javan Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) and the Common Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii).
Small Indian Mongoose is an invasive species that was introduced to Thailand in the late 19th century to control the rat population in sugarcane fields. They are known to be very adaptable and can survive in a variety of habitats including forests, scrubland, and human-altered landscapes. They are also known to prey on small animals such as reptiles, birds, and mammals, and can have negative impacts on native wildlife.
Javan Mongoose and Common Grey Mongoose are native to Southeast Asia and are found in Thailand. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, feeding on a wide range of foods including insects, small mammals, reptiles, and fruits.
Conservation efforts for mongooses in Thailand mainly focus on controlling the population of the Small Indian Mongoose which is an invasive species and managing their impact on native wildlife.
Arowana
Arowana (Scleropages formosus) is a large, predatory fish that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are known for their shiny scales and elongated body shape. They are also known for their ability to jump out of the water, which makes them a popular species in the aquarium trade. Arowanas are also considered as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and wealth in some cultures, which increases their demand in the ornamental fish trade.
Thailand is home to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are unique and interesting. From large mammals such as elephants and tigers, to smaller animals like the Dusky Langur and Sunda Pangolin, there is a lot of biodiversity to be found in Thailand. Unfortunately, many of these species are facing threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. Conservation efforts are crucial in order to protect and conserve these animals and their habitats. It's important to educate local communities about the importance of these species, and to enforce laws to prevent hunting and illegal trade. With the right conservation measures in place, it is possible to ensure that these animals will continue to thrive in Thailand.
Comments