What animals are native to Thailand?

Animals native to Thailand include the Asian elephant, Bengal monitor, Malayan tiger, cicada, chubby frog, giant gourami, humpback dolphin, King cobra, Indian python and the walking catfish. Unfortunately, many of these and other species indigenous to the country are either endangered or extinct.

To combat the loss of its native wildlife due to poaching, Thailand has erected an extensive protected area of the remaining wilderness that encompasses 15 percent of the total land area. Animals like the elephant and tiger are still being killed at an alarming rate by poachers who use their hides, bones and meat for economic gain.