Rare black leopard struts its stuff in Kaeng Krachan park
Visitors to Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province were left awestruck when a rare black leopard made a rare and regal appearance, strutting along the roadside for more than half an hour. This extraordinary encounter, which occurred yesterday morning, January 6, was revealed by Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, the park’s chief.
The elusive feline was spotted at kilometre markers 20 to 23, an area nestled deep within the lush forest of Phetchaburi province. Known for its nocturnal habits and aversion to humans, the black leopard’s prolonged daytime stroll is being hailed as a testament to the park’s flourishing ecosystem.
“This is an incredibly rare sighting. It reflects the abundance and health of Kaeng Krachan’s forest. Encounters like this are truly special and remind us of the wonders of our natural world.”
The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reiterated its commitment to wildlife conservation and safety. Officials are urging tourists to adhere strictly to guidelines, including maintaining a minimum distance of 30 metres from animals, avoiding flash photography, and keeping noise levels down to prevent distressing the wildlife.
Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest, is home to an array of protected species. This unforgettable moment with the “phantom of the forest” has sparked hope for greater awareness of conservation efforts, reported Channel 7 News.
The park has seen regular sightings of leopards with a recent one on the morning of December 19 where a leopard calmly sitting on a road within the park left tourists in awe as the big cat appeared unbothered and at ease.
The encounter, which occurred at around 6.50am, was captured by a tourist who was fortunate enough to witness the moment as the leopard posed casually at the 3-kilometre mark from Sam Yod checkpoint heading towards Ban Krang camp.
In a related story, a clouded leopard named Mangpor, residing in Chiang Mai Night Safari, has captured the hearts of social media users with its chubby appearance and playful nature.
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