A rare black panther sighting has excited tourists and wildlife enthusiasts at Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province. The elusive animal was spotted by tourists calmly walking along the road to Panoen Thung, showing no fear of nearby vehicles.

 

Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of the national park, confirmed that a tourist named Amy captured images of two black panthers near Kilometre 20 on the way to Panoen Thung. Amy recounted the surreal experience of seeing the big cats strolling without any panic in their natural habitat before they gradually vanished into the dense forest.

 

Mongkol explained that the presence of black panthers and leopards around Panoen Thung has been under study for years. Since 2013, camera traps have been installed in strategic locations around Ban Krang and Panoen Thung to monitor these rare creatures.

 

Research conducted over the past decade has revealed a population of approximately 10 black panthers and leopards in the area.

 

“Spotting a black panther in the wild is a stroke of luck since these animals are notoriously difficult to find,” Mongkol noted. “They are generally not dangerous to humans and tend to avoid contact by retreating into the forest if they encounter people.”

 

National park officials advise tourists to remain in their vehicles upon spotting these majestic creatures. It’s recommended not to honk or create loud noises, simply waiting for the animals to move away from the road to ensure safety for both visitors and wildlife.

 

“The experience of witnessing such a rare sight is overwhelming for visitors. Seeing black panthers in their natural habitat is a unique opportunity,” added Mongkol.

 

The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) also shared photographs of the black panthers on its Facebook page, sparking considerable enthusiasm among wildlife enthusiasts and prompting many to consider visiting the park.

 

TOP Picture courtesy of บ้านกร่างแคมป์ อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกระจาน Facebook

 

 

-- 2024-06-19

 

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Gorgeous beasts.

 

Note to self - do not go to a NP on the motorbike!

 

Just don't tell the president of any multi-national construction companies

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Mongkol explained that the presence of black panthers and leopards around Panoen Thung has been under study for years. Since 2013, camera traps have been installed in strategic locations around Ban Krang and Panoen Thung to monitor these rare creatures.

So no real surprise then?

AWESOME

They are looking for Premchai to make a soup out of his appendage like he did to their relative for his perverted pleasure.

Melanistic leopards!  In 2003, Bob Mantz and I were employed to work a classified radio jamming test.  We put up a 50 foot antenna for HF.  We then turned on and calibrated the automated broadcast and jamming equipment.  We were driving the 'bread truck' on the East Range of Fort Huachuca, Cochise County, Arizona about 0630, along a dirt road.  We saw the black animal crossing from right to left and not turning its head towards us as we approached about 200 feet away.  No cameras allowed.  It was about five feet from head to end of tail.  It was either a melanistic jaguar or mountain lion (puma).  The latter is not accepted as melanism is unknown in that population throughout the Americas.

On 6/19/2024 at 3:22 AM, Crossy said:

 

Just don't tell the president of any multi-national construction companies

 

Did he get any jail time?

On 6/19/2024 at 5:22 AM, Crossy said:

 

Just don't tell the president of any multi-national construction companies

Dinner time? 

On 6/20/2024 at 10:28 AM, watchcat said:

Did he get any jail time?

 

Yup, on December 8, 2021, the Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court sentenced Premchai to two years and 21 months in prison without suspension, he was released on 17th October 2023.

 

On 6/19/2024 at 11:22 AM, Crossy said:

 

Just don't tell the president of any multi-national construction companies 

 

What's the Thai word for Safari?

 

That will now be on someone's dinner plate by the end of next week.