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Published on December 20, 2007

Director of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department's Wildlife Conservation Office Samart Sumanochitraporn said most forest wildlife encountered many dangers these days as its habitat was under increasing threat.

The intention is to boost the size of the wildlife habitat by the use of corridors.

"We will initially join adjacent forests by building tunnels for wild animals to cross under [roads]. Our officials are now surveying animals' movements in order to build the tunnels in appropriate locations," Samart said

"We'll also promote eco-tourism by providing tree-houses from which tourists will be able to pay to observe the animals."

This will provide employment for local villagers and in turn help counter smuggling of animals out of the forests.

The department plans to raise wild animals for economic gain, and will discuss with with related government organisations and the private sector on Wildlife Protection Day, December 26, department director-general Chalermsak Wanichsombat told a press conference yesterday.

"We will host a seminar on the trend of raising wild animals for economic gain because there are conflicts between organisations which we need to be discussed and resolutions sought," he said.

Wannapa Phetdee

The Nation