Rare Panthers and Leopards Spotted Together in Kaeng Krachan
Five young big cats — two black panthers and three leopards — were photographed together in Kaeng Krachan National Park on Oct. 25, a rare grouping that underscores the park’s ecological significance.
Excitement rippled through Thailand's wildlife photography community when, on the morning of October 25, Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Mongkol Chaiphakdee reported the discovery of five young big cats — two black panthers and three leopards — near Kilometer 3 on the Ban Krang road, close to the KJ.2 (Khao Sam Yot) protection unit in Phetchaburi province. The sighting, which occurred between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., was captured by freelance wildlife photographer Natthamon Suraplanan, known as "Nong," a former top-eight finalist on the second season of "The Star" in 2004. The animals, estimated at 2-3 years old, may be siblings, though scientific confirmation is needed. Natthamon managed to photograph a female black panther and a male leopard before the others moved away.
The simultaneous presence of black panthers and leopards underscores the ecological importance of Kaeng Krachan as a habitat for diverse wildlife, highlighting its value for biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and eco-tourism — particularly along the Ban Krang route, which draws visitors and photographers seeking close encounters with nature under park regulations. Natthamon has donated all photos and video clips to the park for public education and future wildlife behavior and conservation research.
