The 43rd Thailand Wildlife Seminar

As the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University celebrates its 84th anniversary, its Department of Forest Biology is organizing the academic seminar on “Wildlife of Thailand,” with an aim to enhance the efficiency of personnel and research development in wildlife conservation and management, thus benefiting society and preserving Thailand’s wildlife resources for future generations

Widely acknowledged as a renewable natural resource that provides direct and indirect benefits to society, wildlife often faces with misuse of wildlife resources, and without proper scientific management, this practice has led to the decline or extinction of many species in the wild, ranging from Schomburg’s deer, Rhinoceros, Eld’s deer, Giant ibis, and Sarus crane.

Thailand enacted the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act in 1960, which was updated in 1992 and again in 2019 to improve wildlife management and protection. But regardless these legal measures, wildlife continues to face threats, such as habitat loss due to settlement expansion, agricultural encroachment in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and the construction of large reservoirs in natural areas. Other challenges include habitat destruction, illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, subsistence hunting by rural communities, and indirect impacts like the draining of wetlands, use of agricultural chemicals, and water pollution.

Given these challenges, it is essential to review the lessons learned over the past 60 years since the enactment of wildlife protection laws. Such a review will help shape future policies, guidelines, mechanisms, and scientific databases. One key mechanism for advancing academic progress is the development of human resources in this field. Enhancing the capacity of personnel skilled in wildlife management, and fostering cooperation between educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector entities focused on wildlife conservation, is crucial.

Wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and environmental protection require scientific knowledge and collaboration among various stakeholders. No single organization or individual can achieve these goals alone. Thus, it is essential for multiple parties to coordinate efforts in a tangible and effective manner.

The Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University, which has been offering education and conducting research in wildlife sciences for over 40 years, recognizes its responsibility in this area. The faculty, through its Department of Forest Biology, is therefore organizing the “Wildlife of Thailand” seminar to gather ideas from administrators, academics, stakeholders, educators, and interested individuals. These ideas will be presented to relevant agencies and individuals to ensure the effective management, protection, and conservation of wildlife resources.

Since 1980, this seminar has been held annually, with 42 successful events. Each year, it attracts between 200 and 300 participants from government agencies, state enterprises, and the private sector, with a notable increase in attendance since 2009, as the seminar venue began exceeding its 350-person capacity. Additionally, the “Young Wildlife” seminar for undergraduate and graduate students runs concurrently, with regular presentations from a wide range of participants.

In 2024, the Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, will host the 43rd Thailand Wildlife Seminar to ensure the continuity of knowledge exchange and to foster a network of researchers. The main goal is to support advancements in wildlife studies and research, cultivate a new generation of Thai researchers with knowledge and expertise, and pave the way for future academic collaboration and progress in wildlife science. This will contribute to the development of personnel in wildlife sciences in Thailand.

The 43rd Thailand Wildlife Seminar will feature special lectures, research presentations in both seminar and poster formats, and discussions led by experts and experienced wildlife specialists. Topics include techniques for advancing wildlife research, database systems, and insights from those involved in wildlife management and conservation. Presentations will encompass studies and research from various academics and professionals, aiming to encourage the application of academic knowledge in wildlife management and conservation in Thailand.

The 43rd Thailand Wildlife Seminar will be held over two days, from Thursday, December 12, to Friday, December 13, 2024. The opening ceremony and seminar will be held in the Jongrak Prechanon Conference Room, 72nd Anniversary Building, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. The poster seminar and exhibition will take place in the ground-floor hall of the same building.