Five Big Cats Spotted in Kaeng Krachan National Park
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A rare and thrilling moment unfolded when two black leopards and three leopards were spotted together in the forest of Kaeng Krachan, exciting nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike. On the morning of October 25, 2026, Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Mongkol Chaipakdee reported the sighting of five juvenile big cats near the Ban Krang road at kilometer 3, close to the KJ.2 protection unit (Khao Sam Yod) in Phetchaburi province. The encounter, which occurred between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, was captured by freelance wildlife photographer Natthanlee Surapanant, a former Top 8 finalist on The Star Season 2 in 2004. The group consisted of two black leopards and three leopards, estimated at 2-3 years old, possibly siblings, though scientific confirmation is needed.
Filled with excitement, Natthanlee managed to record part of the event, including still photos and video clips, capturing one female black leopard and one male leopard; the other two cats were not photographed in time. In total, two photos and two video clips were obtained.
This simultaneous sighting of black leopards and leopards highlights the ecological importance of Kaeng Krachan as a habitat for diverse wildlife, underscoring its value for biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and ecotourism — particularly along the Ban Krang route, popular with tourists and photographers seeking close encounters with nature under park regulations.
Notably, the sighting location is about five kilometers from the proposed dolomite mining project that has drawn opposition, adding weight to concerns about preserving the forest and wildlife habitats. Any impact assessment for the project must rely on thorough scientific study.
Natthanlee intends to donate all photos and videos to Kaeng Krachan National Park for public education, behavioral research, and future conservation efforts. This rare sighting is not only a triumph for photographers but also a reminder of the value of natural forests that must be protected so diverse species can thrive and future generations can experience nature's richness.
Visitors to Kaeng Krachan National Park are urged to strictly follow official guidelines: do not approach or disturb wildlife, and do not disclose location coordinates that could endanger the animals, ensuring sustainable nature tourism alongside conservation.
