“Phu Toei Tiger” Dies While Undergoing Treatment for Snare Trap Injuries

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February 6, 20251 yr

UPDATE

Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

A female Indochinese tiger, known as the “Phu Toei Tiger,” has died while receiving treatment for injuries sustained from a snare trap in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station, Uthai Thani province. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) confirmed the tragic news, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by illegal animal traps in Thailand’s forests.

According to the DNP’s official Facebook page, the tiger had been recovering well, showing normal eating and excretion patterns. However, on 3 February at 15:00 wildlife officials discovered the animal had passed away inside its enclosure.

Angsana Mongsub, head of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station, stated that there were no external signs of venomous bites or attacks from other animals. A post-mortem examination was conducted on 4 February at 10:30 by Dr. Phimchanok Songmongkol, a senior wildlife veterinarian, and her team.

The autopsy revealed that the tiger was at least two years old and had sustained severe injuries to its right ankle and paw from the snare trap. A 2-centimetre wound was found on its right hind foot.

Further internal examination indicated widespread inflammation, including:

• Severe infection and necrosis in the right front leg wound

• Extensive bronchial inflammation with fluid accumulation

• Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart) and inflammation of the heart tissue

• Swollen and inflamed kidneys and renal membranes

Additionally, 250 grams of straw and intestinal parasites were discovered in the tiger’s stomach. Other organs, such as the lungs, spleen, liver, and intestines, showed no signs of disease but had begun to decompose.

Preliminary findings suggest that the tiger succumbed to multi-organ failure, particularly affecting the heart and kidneys, due to severe inflammation. Samples of blood, organ tissues, and parasites have been sent for further laboratory analysis to confirm the exact cause of death.

The remains of the tiger have been preserved in cold storage, awaiting official disposal in accordance with the 2022 DNP regulations on handling protected wildlife remains.

As the tiger was originally seized as evidence in an ongoing investigation, officials have logged the case at Lan Sak Police Station, with Police Lieutenant Mongkhon Rattanaburam overseeing the legal proceedings.

This incident underscores the continued danger posed by illegal snare traps, which remain a significant threat to endangered wildlife, particularly apex predators such as Indochinese tigers. These big cats play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and are an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem.

Despite extensive rescue and treatment efforts, the severity of the tiger’s injuries ultimately led to its demise. Conservationists continue to call for stricter enforcement against poaching and illegal wildlife trapping to prevent further losses of Thailand’s endangered species.