The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has continuously monitored the status of various wildlife species. An academic committee assists in evaluating which species should be prioritized for intensive conservation efforts, with the goal of protecting wildlife that is critical to the ecosystem in each area.

Over the past decade, the Foundation has focused its wildlife protection efforts on the following species:

Goral: Due to the diminishing habitat of the Goral in Thailand, the remaining population is at high risk of inbreeding, with signs of recessive gene traits beginning to appear. Therefore, the Foundation initiated a project to assess the population size. This involves supporting the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and analyzing the DNA of Goral both in the wild and those housed at wildlife breeding centers. This analysis is crucial for evaluating genetic diversity before releasing Goral back into the natural habitat. Additionally, the Foundation supports habitat protection work, such as establishing checkpoints in vulnerable areas, and continues to support and collaborate with the wildlife breeding centers.

Fishing Cat: The Fishing Cat is an endangered species facing a population decline because its habitat has been degraded by human activity, leading to conflicts arising from overlapping land use. To address this, the Foundation established a Fishing Cat Conservation Project which focuses on three main components: conducting academic research and study on the species; encouraging local communities to participate in conservation alongside staff from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park; and promoting policy and administrative strategies to ensure the Fishing Cat can successfully coexist with local communities in the area.

Somphong’s Rasbora: The Somphong’s Rasbora is a critically endangered species that lives outside protected areas, resulting in a lack of necessary care. The Foundation launched a conservation project focusing on three activities: clearly documenting where this fish species currently resides; building community involvement in the area to help manage and protect the species; and working to increase the natural population of Somphong’s Rasbora in the wild.

Wild Water Buffalo: The last core population of Wild Water Buffalo consists of fewer than 100 individuals, primarily residing within the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The Foundation is therefore collaborating with the Academic Group of the Area Management Office 12 (Nakhon Sawan) to assess the local population. This assessment involves using camera traps to obtain an accurate population count, studying their habitat and food sources, and evaluating the potential of suitable areas to support a larger population. This work aims to create long-term opportunities for restoring their habitat in other areas and to bring the public into the conservation effort.

Red-headed Vulture: A carrion-eating species, has been extinct in the wild for over 30 years. Fortunately, six individuals remain in zoos and at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Center. The project to restore the Red-headed Vulture population in Thailand involves collaboration with several organizations. Efforts are focused on breeding the existing vultures to increase their numbers and successfully encouraging them to nest and lay eggs in natural areas. This work also includes public relations to build understanding among the surrounding communities and the general public. Historically, vultures were viewed as undesirable and a symbol of death, but the project is working to make society recognize their ecological importance as scavengers that help eliminate pathogens from the ecosystem. Finally, continuous fundraising is essential, as this is a required long-term project.

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