FREELAND recently donated 21 new GPS units to Khao Yai National Park and trained rangers in GPS navigation techniques. Using the upgraded technology, rangers will be able to patrol the park more effectively and better protect Khao Yai’s natural ecosystems and diverse wildlife.

FREELAND’s full-day training course equipped 39 Khao Yai rangers with the knowledge they’ll need to use the new GPS units, as well as basic patrol planning techniques.

While many rangers have local knowledge of forest routes and can patrol without navigation aids, the new GPS units will allow them to vary patrol routes more, making it harder for poachers to avoid detection – good news for Khao Yai’s protected plant and animal species.

The new equipment and training will also allow rangers to accurately record their patrol routes, data that will inform future patrol planning and strategies for better park protection.