Camera-trap survey reveals tiger recolonization and local breeding following prey reintroduction in a protected area, indicating carnivore recovery can succeed through habitat rewilding.
Introduction Rewilding is an important ecological restoration practice for sustaining ecosystem function. Reintroduction of large‐ and medium‐sized prey can facilitate recolonization by predators such as tigers ( Panthera tigris ) in fragmented habitats. Objective We examined tiger recolonization 10 years after a prey reintroduction program, testing the association between prey restoration and recolonization in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Methods Using 238 remote camera stations arranged in a 2 × 2 km grid, we monitored tigers and prey and assessed recolonization patterns. Results We documented five tigers. Male Tiger 1 dispersed from Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, male Tiger 2 from Khuean Sri Nagarindra National Park, and female Tiger 5 from Thung Yai Naresuan West Wildlife Sanctuary. Female Tiger 3 and male Tiger 4 were born in Salak Phra. Location polygons for Tigers 1, 2, and 5 were 80, 80, and 28 km², respectively. Tigers 1 and 2 showed similar use, whereas Tiger 5 occupied a smaller area. Tiger occurrence showed positive temporal correlations with gaur, northern red muntjac, mainland serow, and sambar. Conclusion This case study documents early tiger recolonization following prey restoration in a human‐dominated protected landscape. The return and local recruitment of tigers indicate potential for continued population growth. Long‐term monitoring should combine camera trapping, prey monitoring, genetic confirmation of dispersal, and occupancy modeling.
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Chaiyarat et al. (2026) studied this question.
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