#Thailandenvironment

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 new study from Sweden is making waves in both the scientific community and among environmental advocates, revealing that anxiety medications commonly used by humans can fundamentally alter the behavior of salmon exposed to these drugs. When traces of clobazam, a prescription drug used to treat anxiety, were introduced to farm-raised salmon, the fish began to display markedly bolder behaviors than their untreated peers. While the consequences might initially appear positive—bolder salmon migrated to the sea more quickly—the broader implications point to serious ecological risks (Newser).

A Swedish study shows that anxiety medications, when present in farmed salmon, can change the fish’s behavior in ways that raise ecological concerns. Salmon exposed to the drug clobazam moved through dangerous turbine barriers more quickly than untreated fish, suggesting bolder, riskier actions that may not be beneficial in the long run.

Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences fed about 280 farmed salmon either clobazam, tramadol, or no drug. The results were clear: higher clobazam levels sped salmon through hydroelectric turbines by two to three times compared with controls. Lead researcher Jack Brand cautioned that altering natural behavior can have broad negative consequences for a population. In practical Thailand terms, bolder salmon could face greater risks navigating man-made barriers in rivers that already host heavy traffic from boats and structures.