2026/06/01 by Natthanicha Chookaew, Sangsan Phumsathan, Achara Simcharoen +2 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · Psychology · #Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management #Primate Behavior and Ecology #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/natureconservation.64.184399
openalex publication_date 2026/06/01 · openalex created_date 2026/06/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Human-wildlife interactions in shared-use landscapes increasingly shape conservation outcomes for large herbivores, particularly where seasonal resource dynamics overlap with anthropogenic land use. In Thailand, the critically endangered banteng ( Bos javanicus ) persists within protected–buffer mosaics, where non-timber forest product (NTFP) collection and livestock grazing influence habitat use. We quantified seasonal variation in banteng density and habitat use within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) and the adjacent Huai Thap Salao–Huai Khok Khwai National Forest using repeated dung-count surveys across 130 strip transects over seven periods. Results indicated a mean banteng density of 2.54 individuals/km 2 , exhibiting low seasonal fluctuations rather than a uniform annual pattern. Density peaked during the late rainy season (2.94 ± 0.56 individuals/km 2 ) and reached its annual minimum during the mid-rainy season (2.00 ± 0.21 individuals/km 2 ). Mixed-effect model evaluations supported the ecological hypothesis, identifying distance from protected area boundaries as the strongest predictor of density, highlighting the reliance on core protected forests. Anthropogenic factors significantly influenced temporal space use: banteng density within NTFP zones declined during intensive harvesting, while receding reservoir levels in the mid-dry season attracted high densities to drawdown grasslands as livestock presence reduced. Our findings demonstrate that, while forest composition dictates initial habitat use, anthropogenic pressures and fire frequency act as dynamic disturbances that strictly necessitate seasonally adaptive conservation strategies. We emphasise the need for seasonally adaptive management, including the regulation of NTFP harvesting during peak periods and the strict prohibition of livestock in dry-season refuges. Furthermore, we propose transitioning from extractive land use to sustainable wildlife tourism near reservoir boundaries to enhance community livelihoods, while ensuring the long-term persistence of this vital banteng habitat.