Wildlife officials in Kathun Wildlife Sanctuary in Nakhon Si Thammarat have recently captured images of the rare great argus bird using camera traps.

Teerawut Noonsung, chief of the wildlife sanctuary, estimates that there are about 20 great argus birds left in the sanctuary adding, however, that a survey will be conducted to determine the exact population.

He said that the presence of the vulnerable bird is a proof of the pristine and unspoiled condition of the sanctuary.

He explained that the use of camera traps can help wildlife officials detect wildlife species which are rarely seen, as well as forest encroachers and poachers.

The great argus is a species of pheasant from Southeast Asia. It is a brown-plumaged peasant with a blue head and neck, rufous red upper breast, black hair-like feathers on the crown and nape and red legs.

Great argus is included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species which are vulnerable to extinction.