The Zoological Park Organisation, Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Forestry and IUCN have announced a new survey of the smaller species of wild cats will be carried out across four major forests in Thailand, including Khao Yai.

Thailand’s forests are home to nine species of wild cats, including the Asian golden cat, the fishing cat, the flat-headed cat, the jungle cat, the marbled cat, the leopard cat, the clouded leopard, the leopard, and the tiger. In the past, less attention has been given to the study and conservation of the smaller members of this family.

Poaching of wild cats has also been described as “rampant” in Thailand and neighboring countries, and conservationists are particularly worried about the number of fishing cats remaining in the wild.

The new initiative was announced during a mini-summit of the world’s leading wild cat experts held in Bangkok late last month, and attended by FREELAND staff.

Other forests to be included in the study are Huai Kha Khaeng, Khao Ang Rue Nai and Phu Khiew.