National parks officials have stepped up efforts to protect the red-whiskered bulbul by adding the species to the list of wildlife that may not be hunted in 40 additional no-hunting areas in Thailand.
A regulation issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Sept 1 effectively extends hunting restrictions for the bird across all protected forest areas, including national forest reserves.
The move followed the removal of the red-whiskered bulbul from Thailand’s protected wildlife list, which took effect on Sept 1, said Atthapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The government reclassified the bird as an economic species to support local livelihoods, cultural traditions and job creation, especially in southern border provinces where the songbird trade is popular.
Official surveys recorded 44,421 wild red-whiskered bulbuls nationwide, proving that populations are stable with strong reproduction rates and no immediate risk of extinction, authorities said.
The removal of the bird from the protected wildlife list under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act could leave the species vulnerable, he said, as it had not been specifically included in the list of species protected in 40 no-hunting areas administered by the department.
The regulation now covers all such areas across the country.
The DNP has urged members of the public and all relevant parties to note that all conservation forests and national forest reserve areas are now protected habitats for the red-whiskered bulbul. (Story contnues below)
The expanded protection announced by the DNP applies at the following wildlife sanctuaries:
Thale Noi
Bung Boraphet
Wild Peat Swamp
Bang Phra Reservoir
Doi Suthep
Tham Lawa-Tham Daowadung
Wat Tan Aen
Wat Phai Lom and Wat Amphuwararam
Bung Kering Ka Wia and Nong Nam Sap
Khao Phra Thaew
Khao Kradong
Wat Tham Rakhang-Khao Phra Non
Prakrad
Bueng Chawak
Tham Pha Tha Phon
Khao Yai-Khao Na Pha Tang and Khao Ta Phrom
Khlong Lam San
Rang Kai
Laem Talumphuk
Khao Pakang-Laem Kham
Nong Nam Khao
Pru Khang Khao
Khao Prathap Chang
Tham Chao Ram
Nong Han Kumphawapi
Tham Prathun
Khao Kra Pook-Khao Tao Mo
Don Lamphan
Sa-am
Phanthai Norasing
Lam Nang Rong
Bung Lahan
Song Khwae
Kut Thing
Bo Pho-Pak Thong Chai
Bang Yang
Phutthabat Chon Daen
Mae Mai
Huai Thap Sala-Huai Rabam
Sri Sawat