An injured male gaur weighing around 500 kilograms was discovered near the edge of Thap Lan National Park in Nadi District, Prachinburi Province, on 6 January 2025. The animal, a protected species, was seen wandering in a eucalyptus grove in Moo 9, Kaeng Dinso Subdistrict, with severe injuries.
Park officials reported receiving a sighting alert at 9:30 a.m. The gaur had inflamed eyes, one of which was swollen shut, and its right hind leg was entangled in wires and ropes. Despite the injuries, the animal could still move around. At noon, a follow-up examination confirmed abrasions and significant eye inflammation, particularly in the left eye.
Veterinarian Patarapol Manee-on suggested that the eye infection might have been caused by Lipoptena cervi, a type of eye fly known to transmit bacterial infections. Left untreated, this could lead to sepsis and potentially prove fatal.
Park authorities have set up a monitoring operation and issued warnings for residents to avoid the area. Officials are observing whether the gaur can safely return to the forest on its own. If its condition worsens, they may need to relocate the animal to a safer location for further treatment, ensuring the safety of both the gaur and local residents.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing human-wildlife interactions near protected areas.
