Officials Raid Protected Forest to Destroy Animal Traps Before Endangered Porcupines Face Extinction
Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima destroyed illegal animal traps across protected forests to prevent endangered porcupines from extinction as heavy rains drive the animals to lower elevations where villagers hunt them.
Nakhon Ratchasima — Recent heavy rainfall has driven porcupines down from mountain forests to water sources for breeding, prompting many villagers to hunt and sell them for income. However, some residents have been illegally setting traps throughout the forest, threatening rapid population decline and potential extinction. Setting traps within protected forest areas constitutes a serious criminal offense.
Nong Teng and Khao Yai Protected Forests, located in Chaloem Phrakiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima, cover approximately 10,206 rai and are predominantly mixed deciduous forest rich in teak, rosewood, and other valuable timber. The area also hosts Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (Nong Teng). During this rainy season, the district mobilized multiple agencies to destroy the numerous traps.
A Facebook user named Wiwik Suwanna posted about the operation, noting that forestry officers, police, and volunteers destroyed many animal traps in the protected area, though work continues as traps remain in multiple locations. The post appealed to locals not to set traps, as offenders face prosecution under the Wildlife Protection and Preservation Act B.E. 2562 and the National Forest Reserve Act.
District Chief Putt Pongsapeepon coordinated the May 19, 2569 operation, deploying 40 personnel including forest officers, police, and volunteers. He emphasized serious legal consequences for illegal trapping and urged residents accessing the forest to obtain proper permits rather than trespass illegally.
