Officials are investigating the death of a wild gaur found outside the boundaries of Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with preliminary evidence indicating it had been shot, authorities said on Wednesday.
Nithat Nunsong, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), said he was alerted by Kui Buri National Park chief Bamrungrat Ploydam after local residents reported discovering the carcass on Tuesday morning. Park rangers were immediately dispatched to the scene in Village Group 8, Ban Phu Bon, Hat Kham sub-district of Kui Buri district.
On arrival, officials found the carcass of a male gaur aged between 21 and 25 years. The animal measured 240 centimetres in length and 160cm in height, with a horn span of 77cm at its widest point. Examiners discovered multiple 1cm circular wounds along the left side of its lower back.
An initial scan with a metal detector returned positive signals, indicating metallic objects resembling bullet fragments embedded within the wounds.
Nithat said a team of veterinarians from the Phetchaburi office was scheduled to conduct a detailed necropsy today to identify the exact cause of death and extract any bullet fragments as physical evidence.
If the necropsy confirms the gaur was shot, the Kui Buri National Park chief will file a formal complaint with local police. The perpetrators, if caught, will face prosecution under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019).
The regional director added that all units under his jurisdiction have been instructed to intensify ‘Smart Patrol’ operations and strengthen cooperation with local community leaders bordering protected forests to prevent further illegal attacks on wildlife.
Anyone with information on wildlife crimes is urged to contact the department's 24-hour hotline at 1362.
