The aim is for the communities around Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary help protect wildlife under a new scheme to increase the tiger population in the western forest complex. We hope to see the country succeed in increasing the tiger population," he said. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)Uthai Thani - The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has launched an "incentive" package for local communities living around two World Heritage sites to help protect tigers. Saksit Simcharoen, the department's tiger expert, said the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani has already doubled its population from 40 in 2007 to 80. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP's Resident Representative, said the programme will not only protect and preserve the tiger population and their habitat, but also assist local communities as they will benefit from eco-tourism activities.

Source: Bangkok Post July 30, 2016 02:26 UTC