UTHAI THANI, Thailand – Authorities are tracking a young tiger involved in a recent fatal attack on a forest ranger at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani province, where tourism and nature study activities have been temporarily suspended. Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered maximum safety measures for personnel working in the area. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation identified the animal using a camera-trap database of tiger stripe patterns developed over more than 30 years. The approximately 18-month-old male is one of three cubs born to a tigress named Apinya, whose family occupies an area of about 40 square kilometers around the site of the August 5 attack.
Wildlife experts believe the incident was an accidental encounter rather than deliberate predatory behavior toward humans. The ranger was reportedly asleep on the ground when the tiger approached, and experts believe the animal may have mistaken him for natural prey. There is no evidence that it has repeatedly targeted people or ventured into nearby communities. Additional camera traps have been installed to monitor the tiger, with plans to fit it with a tracking device. It will remain in the wild if monitoring shows normal hunting behavior, but authorities plan to capture the animal for behavioral management and rehabilitation if it attempts another attack. Rangers have also been instructed to work in pairs and rest only in secure areas. (NNT)
