Thailand's natural environment is blessed with rich biodiversity.
So, it comes as no surprise that there are a wide variety of different animal species.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular ones among them.
Amongst all the reasons to visit Thailand, a major one for lots of tourists is to witness its diverse wildlife. Thanks to the tropical weather, the country is packed with lush jungles where the animals roam carefree in their natural habitats.
Also, many wildlife sanctuaries provide shelter to the animals, mostly elephants, that have been mistreated for years in the tourism industry. Now, without more ado, let's have a look at the five best animals that are native to the Land of Smiles.
Asian Elephant: The Holy Animal in Thailand
It's said that no trip to Thailand would ever be complete without spotting at least one Asian Elephant. The forested lands across the country are home to a large number of Asian Elephants.
But if you want to interact and have some close time with them, the best option is always to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Trust me, it's a superb experience that you can cherish for an entire lifetime.
Siamese Crocodile: A Medium-sized Freshwater Species
The Siamese crocodile remains one of the critically endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list. Thailand provides shelter to many of these animals, but the number is decreasing day by day.
To spot them, you can visit the Pang Sida National Park, Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm, etc.
Sun Bear: The Smallest of the Bear Species
Sun bear is a cute animal characterized by jet black hair, a crest on the neck, and slightly bowed legs. As mentioned, it is the smallest of its species - adults are 120 - 150 cm long and weigh about 25 - 65 kg. The Khao Sok National Park (in Phanom District of Southern Thailand) is home to many sun bears. Besides Thailand, this animal is also native to Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, etc.
Binturong: Also Known as 'Bearcat'
The binturong is a strange-looking animal that belongs to the family of Viverridae. It's characterized by a long body, short legs, long tail, thick black hair, etc. Being an omnivorous mammal, it feeds on fruits, birds, fishes, insects, and several other animals. It can be seen in a large number in the KhaoYai National Park.
Clouded Leopard: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
The clouded leopard is a type of wild cat that has about 61 to 91 cm long tail. The animal is there for millions of years, and now slowly going to extinct. It spends most of its life on trees and can be found only in dense forests. In Thailand, the best kind of clouded leopards are at the Khao Sok National Park.
Some other animals on this list are Tokay Gecko, Indochinese Tiger, Crab-eating Macaque, etc.
