People and wildlife in a shared landscape

Koh Phra Thong, Phang Nga Province, is home to one of Thailand’s most important populations of the Endangered Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), providing a unique example of how local communities and wildlife can coexist within a shared landscape.

Researchers from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum , Prince of Songkla University, work closely with local residents to monitor deer populations, understand their ecology, and promote community-based conservation. Rather than viewing wildlife as a source of conflict, the project encourages local participation in protecting this threatened species while creating opportunities for sustainable nature-based tourism.

Conservation that supports livelihoods

Through scientific research, community engagement, and public communication, the initiative demonstrates how conserving an endangered species can also support local livelihoods, strengthen biodiversity conservation, and enhance responsible tourism.

Species

Sambar Deer · Rusa unicolor

Conservation status

Endangered (EN)

Site

Koh Phra Thong, Phang Nga Province

Organisation

PSUNHM · Prince of Songkla University

By integrating conservation with sustainable development, the project promotes long-term stewardship of terrestrial ecosystems while ensuring that both people and wildlife continue to thrive together.