Phetchaburi —
On June 19th, 2024, Mr. Mongkol Chaipakdee, the Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, announced that a group of tourists had spotted a pair of black panthers in the park in Phetchaburi.
According to Mongkol, the tourists encountered two black panthers at the 20-kilometer mark on their way to Khao Phanoen Thung. The panthers appeared calm and undisturbed by the vehicles, retreating into the forest shortly after being observed.
However, tourists had previously sighted black panthers in January and February of 2024. Researchers have estimated that there are approximately ten black panthers and leopards in the Khao Phanoen Thung area, based on a decade-long survey conducted from 2013 to 2023 in the Ban Krang-Phanoen Thung region.
Mongkol emphasized that sightings of black panthers and leopards are exceptionally rare. These animals are generally harmless to humans and tend to move away when they detect human presence.
Furthermore, Mongkol advised tourists that while it is safe to take photographs of them, they should avoid making loud noises and remain inside their vehicles until the panthers have returned to their natural habitat.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
