Thailand will create a “tiger corridor” along its western border by establishing new nature reserves and joining existing forest areas in a protected region that environmentalists hope will foster a rising population of critically endangered tigers in the Kingdom’s forests.

“The new reserves will also help expand the genetic pool of tigers in the Kingdom” said Officials at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. At least 22 tigers from neighboring Myanmar, which borders the new sanctuary, have also been spotted in the area, they added.

Thailand and India are the only countries where wild tiger populations have increased in recent years. A decade ago, fewer than 50 tigers were spotted in the Kingdom’s forests.

“Very exciting news for wild tigers!” said Edwin Wiek of the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand, which provides open-air sanctuaries for dozens of tigers rescued from breeding farms and zoos in distress.

“By connecting these two national parks, [tiger] populations will be less isolated and fragmented, and genetic pools can expand, which is critical to the species’ survival. With only around 170–200 individuals left in the country, we applaud this step taken by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation,” Wiek said.

The government will create new reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces that will effectively serve as a corridor and connect the existing Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani with Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. The entire area is known as the Western Forest Complex.

The decision to protect and link the areas was made after a review of camera traps showed tigers often migrate between the two sanctuaries as they roam across their natural habitats. Among other measures the government has taken to reverse declining numbers and boost tiger populations have been increased anti-poaching patrols.

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