PHETCHABURI, Thailand – A rare and striking sighting of a leopard (Panthera pardus) has been captured inside Kaeng Krachan National Park, drawing excitement among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts after clear photographs showed the elusive predator in its natural habitat.
The images were taken by wildlife photographer Kittipong Ngamjing along the Phaen Thung access road between kilometres 12–13 on 20 May. The first set of photographs shows the leopard calmly crossing the road, revealing its distinctive golden coat with black rosettes in sharp detail. Another image captures the animal crouched in forest vegetation, observing its surroundings with alert focus.
Park officials said the sighting is a strong indicator of ecological health in the protected area. Mongkol Chaiphakdee, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, said the presence of a top predator such as the leopard reflects a well-balanced and abundant ecosystem. He noted that Kaeng Krachan has continued to strengthen wildlife protection through intensive patrol operations and conservation measures, including SMART Patrol systems and widespread deployment of camera traps across the forest. Authorities also reiterated the importance of strict visitor compliance with park rules, urging tourists to avoid disturbing wildlife, reduce vehicle speed especially at dawn and night, and refrain from feeding or approaching animals. Visitors are also reminded to keep noise levels low and properly dispose of waste to protect the natural environment.
The leopard is a protected species under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Thailand, sightings are rare and mostly confined to well-preserved forest reserves, making Kaeng Krachan one of the country’s most important strongholds for big cat conservation. Officials say continued protection efforts are essential to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife populations in the park, which remains a critical biodiversity hotspot in Thailand.
