#Biodiversity

Elephants across Asia are slipping toward extinction in slow, brutal steps as forests shrink and development carves up their habitats. Recent syntheses of field surveys and satellite tracking estimate there are roughly 40,000 to 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, a population that has fallen by more than half over the last three generations. They now occupy only about 15 percent of their historical range, stretching across a mosaic of protected areas, agricultural landscapes, and human settlements from India to Southeast Asia. The story of these “giants” is not merely about wildlife; it is a barometer of how Asia negotiates land use, food security, and livelihoods in a rapidly urbanizing world, and it holds clear implications for Thai forests, farmers, and families who share the land with elephants.

A startling discovery reportedly made on the doorstep of a temple in southern Thailand has sparked discussion among scientists and conservationists worldwide: a new, dwarf-like species lurking in the swampy margins of a temple complex. Initial descriptions portray a tiny creature with unusually long fingers and striking golden eyes, seen moving among reeds and damp earth at night. While the story has quickly circulated in regional media, experts caution that verification is still pending, and no formal scientific description or official identification has been released publicly. Even so, the claim has immediately captured Thai readers’ attention, linking Thailand’s rich natural heritage to the daily life and spiritual life of local communities who live alongside these fragile ecosystems.

Thailand’s coastline hides a constellation of less-visited islands that could redefine how the country balances tourism with conservation. A recent exploration of ten “secret” islands—Koh Mak, Koh Kood, Koh Samet, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Ko Jum, Koh Mook, Ko Kradan, Ko Phayam, and Koh Lipe—highlights a growing global trend: small, well-governed destinations can shoulder the weight of visitors without sacrificing nature, culture, or local livelihoods. For a country that hosts more than 1,400 islands, these lesser-known gems are not just scenic getaways; they may become essential platforms for sustainable development if policy makers, communities, and travelers align their actions with proven research on carrying capacity, biodiversity, and resilient economies.

Birdwatching tourism is becoming a powerful ally for biodiversity protection in some countries, helping local communities earn sustainable livelihoods while funding conservation. In Colombia and South Africa, birding travelers are flocking to protected ecosystems, generating steady revenue for habitat preservation, guiding services, and community projects. Yet in Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, similar biodiversity wealth remains largely untapped as tourism takes a back seat to instability, governance challenges, and underdeveloped tourist infrastructure. The contrast is not just about bird lists and travel itineraries; it reveals how policy choices, local empowerment, and visitor safety can tilt the balance between conservation success and missed opportunities. For Thailand, the lesson is clear: echo the successful models, address the hurdles, and build a homegrown birding economy that protects habitats while enriching rural communities.

A stunning purple variant of the Sirindhorn Crab has been found in the pristine streams of Kaeng Krachan National Park, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. Park rangers captured images during routine monitoring, drawing national attention to the country’s aquatic biodiversity and the importance of safeguarding intact forest ecosystems.

Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans nearly 3,000 square kilometers of rainforest along the Myanmar border. The park’s rugged mountains, waterfalls, and clear streams provide crucial habitat for many endemic species. The recent discovery reinforces Kaeng Krachan’s reputation as a sanctuary for rare wildlife and signals Thailand’s leadership in conservation.

A rare Asian golden cat was captured on a trail camera in Khao Luang National Park, southern Thailand, highlighting both wildlife richness and conservation needs. The 10-second clip, recorded on June 20, 2025, shows the cat with a warm, golden coat crossing a sun-dappled path before vanishing into the forest. Park rangers say the sighting emphasizes the species’ vulnerability and the ecological value of the park.

In Thai folklore, the animal is linked to supernatural beliefs and is often nicknamed the “fire tiger” for its striking fur. While some communities hold myths about fiery fur, scientists note there is no evidence to support such claims. Nevertheless, the fire tiger symbolism helps local audiences connect with forest conservation and the species’ fragile status.

A breakthrough set of studies published in Science in early 2025 shows that advanced intelligence on Earth evolved at least twice—once in mammals and once in birds. This challenges long-held ideas about the origins of cognition and has potential implications for neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the search for intelligent life beyond humans. The reporting from Quanta Magazine and coverage in Wired help frame the significance of these findings.

Birds such as crows, ravens, cockatoos, and chickadees exhibit planning, tool use, problem‑solving, and impressive memory, despite brains that are very different from those of mammals and often much smaller. These abilities have long offered a window into how evolution crafts complex thinking in diverse neural architectures. For example, tool construction by some crows and the seed-cache memory of chickadees illustrate cognitive feats once believed possible only in larger-brained species.

In a major breakthrough that reshapes our scientific understanding of animal intelligence, a series of studies published in Science in early 2025 confirm that advanced intelligence on Earth evolved independently at least twice—once in mammals and once in birds. This finding, as reported by Quanta Magazine and summarized in Wired (wired.com), challenges longstanding assumptions about the origins of cognition in vertebrates and could hold profound implications for neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the global search for intelligent life.

From bustling markets to quiet traditional apothecaries, เจตมูลเพลิงแดง—known in English as Indian leadwort or scarlet leadwort—has long commanded attention. This striking red-flowered shrub sits at the heart of Thai medicine cabinets, with roots prized in healing and ritual practice. Today, modern science is re-examining its bioactive range. The question remains: does contemporary research confirm the plant’s legendary status, or does its fame rest on tradition? The story of เจตมูลเพลิงแดง highlights how ancient knowledge and modern science can converge for Thai society and global health.

From bustling Thai markets to the cool sanctuaries of traditional pharmacies, few herbal remedies inspire as much awe as เจตมูลเพลิงแดง (Plumbago indica), known in English as Indian leadwort or scarlet leadwort. For centuries, this striking red-flowered shrub has been honored in Thai medicine cabinets and local pharmacopoeias. Today, modern pharmacology is rediscovering the remarkable spectrum of bioactive properties hinted at by generations of healers. But does contemporary research validate the legendary status of this ancient root, or is its fame rooted mainly in tradition? Exploring เจตมูลเพลิงแดง offers a fascinating look at how ancient wisdom and contemporary science can intersect for the benefit of both Thai society and global health.

Across Thailand’s hills and sacred forests, the red-hearted wood known as Chandan Daeng (Dracaena loureiroi) has long stood at the crossroads of culture and healing. The heartwood’s deep crimson colors Buddhist altars and crafts, while traditional uses symbolize vitality, protection, and wellness. As global interest in herbal remedies grows, Chandan Daeng invites a closer look at how ancient wisdom and scientific inquiry intersect for Thai readers.

Communities have long valued Chandan Daeng for supporting blood circulation, easing pain, and speeding wound healing. In regional languages, its name echoes in healing chants and village lore. Legends speak of monks discovering its power after fungal transformation, portraying the wood as a bridge between earth and spirit. Today, researchers explore whether this vivid heartwood offers more than symbolism, examining its chemistry for evidence-based benefits.

For generations, the vine known across Thailand as โคคลาน or “Koh Khlan” has been a wellspring of traditional healing. Behind this name are other local monikers—มะกายเครือ, มะปอบเครือ, กระเปี้ยะ, โพคาน, แนวน้ำ, เยี่ยวแมว, เยี่ยวแมวเถา—reflecting its widespread recognition in rural and forested communities from the northern hills to the heart of Isan. Scientifically catalogued as Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Müll. Arg., this robust member of the Euphorbiaceae family is best known in Thai traditional medicine for alleviating muscle, bone, and joint pains, often earning its place in time-honoured herbal mixtures for ailments that sap vitality and disrupt daily life.

Koh Khlan, known across Thailand by several local names such as makay kreua and yeo maeo, has long been a source of traditional healing. In rural communities from the northern hills to Isan, families rely on its bark, leaves, and stems to ease muscle, bone, and joint pains. Scientifically, the plant is Mallotus repandus, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, widely used in Thai herbal blends that aim to restore vitality in daily life.

Across the winding hills and sacred forests of Thailand, few plants carry a legacy as rich as จันทน์แดง (Chandan Daeng), known botanically as Dracaena loureiroi. The deep red core of its wood, prized for generations, has not only painted the color palette of Buddhist altars and traditional handicrafts, but also infused traditional Thai medicine (TTM) with a symbol of vitality, healing, and spiritual protection. As global interest in herbal medicine surges, Chandan Daeng stands at the powerful intersection of cultural reverence and science-backed discovery, inviting both renewed appreciation and critical questions about its role in modern wellness.

Across Thailand’s forests and village gardens, a humble fern still whispers through the leaves. กระแตไต่ไม้, known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, and กูดขาฮอก, climbs trunks and thrives in humid shade. For generations, Thai communities have trusted its rhizome for healing wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring vitality. Today, scientists and traditional healers are exploring how this emblem of cultural heritage might complement evidence-based medicine.

The plant is woven into local life from Isaan plains to the forests of Kanchanaburi and the southern coast. Its name evokes the nimble forest creature, underscoring how communities relate to nature. Thai herbalists have long prized the rhizome for treating fractures, fevers, and digestive issues. In rural areas where access to healthcare can be uneven, กระแตไต่ไม้ remains a familiar care option, integrated with other traditional practices that sustain local health rituals.

In Thailand’s lush forests and village gardens, the whisper of ancient healing can still be heard—in the shade of a sprawling tree, where กระแตไต่ไม้ (Drynaria quercifolia), known regionally as ฮำฮอก, ใบหูช้าง, กูดขาฮอก, and more, climbs trunks and flourishes in the damp shadow. For generations, Thais have entrusted “the oakleaf fern” with treating wounds, strengthening bones, and restoring well-being. But in an era of evidence-based medicine, how does this traditional remedy stand up to scientific scrutiny? From the wisdom of healers to breakthroughs in pharmacological labs, กระแตไต่ไม้’s story is a fascinating intersection of cultural heritage and modern validation.