"Fire Tiger": Rare Wildcat Discovered in Thailand (Video)

A shy predator from Thailand's myths has reappeared for the first time in a long while – and was filmed in the process.

In Khao Luang National Park in southern Thailand, a wildlife camera captured a rare Asian golden cat. The footage, dated June 20, shows the animal pausing briefly in front of the camera at the forest edge before returning to the jungle. According to a Facebook post by the park administration on July 7, the video was discovered during routine patrols.

Rare Sighting of an Endangered Species

The Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is a medium-sized wild cat native to Southeast Asia. It is considered particularly shy and lives territorially and mostly solitary. According to Thai conservation authorities, the species is endangered – its population is steadily declining due to habitat loss and poaching.

An Animal with Mythical Significance

In some regions of Thailand, the Asian golden cat is called "Seua fai" – which translates to "fire tiger." According to legend, burning its fur can drive away tigers. This tale gives the animal a special status in local culture. The fact that a specimen has now been filmed in the wild is considered a significant find by experts.

Habitat in Khao Luang National Park

Khao Luang National Park is located about 770 kilometers south of Bangkok. With its dense vegetation and secluded location, it offers one of the last refuges for rare species like the Asian golden cat. The park administration considers the video as confirmation of successful conservation efforts.

International Attention Through Video

The video of the sighting quickly spread across social media and international media. It not only provides a rare insight into the behavior of this elusive species but also underscores the importance of protecting its natural habitat.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.