STATUS OF WILD WATER BUFFALO (Bubalus bubalis) IN THAILAND

摘要

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a critically endangered species. Some believe that the total world population is below 200 individuals, while researchers in Northeast India estimate that there are less than 4,000 individuals (Hedges, in press). Accordingly, the species is listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES, 1979) as "Seriously Threatened," and by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) as "Endangered" (IUCN, 2000). Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) in Uthai Thani Province, western Thailand, has recently been identified by IUCN as one of four key areas for the protection of wild water buffalo (Hedges, in press). The other areas are Bastar and Raipur districts of Madhya Pradesh (India), Manas Wildlife Sanctuary/Project Tiger Reserve (India), Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Nepal) and Royal Manas National Park (Bhutan). Elsewhere in South and Southeast Asia there are only feral buffalo (Hedges, in press).