Thailand: It Wasn’t All Birds

WC’s recent trip to Thailand was focused on birds, of course, but we did see other critters, too, and photos were taken. Here’s a quick look at some of the mammals we encountered.

Dusky Langur Kaen Krachan National Park, Thailand

Impossibly cute, with those google eyes and “Got Milk” mustache, silk fur and fearless attitude, Dusky Langurs are fairly common.

White-handed Gibbon, Kaen Krachan National Park, Thailand

Gibbons are the largest monkey primate in Thailand. It’s certainly clear that Old World Monkeys are more strikingly marked than their New World cousins.

Sambar, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Sambar are the largest deer in Thailand, bigger than North America’s Mule Deer but smaller than an Elk.

Munjak, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Munjak are about the same size as a Mule Deer. This very pregnant doe seemed to be trying to hide behind a twig.

Pig-tailed Macaque, Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

WC has already done a full post on this species. A reminder: Don’t Feed the Animals.

Long-tailed Macaques, Wat Phra Phuttabat Noi (Phra Phuttabat Noi Temple), Thailand

We were at the monastery for Thailand’s one endemic bird species, the Rufous Limestone-babbler, but the families of Long-tailed Macaques nearly stole the show.

Cambodian Three-striped Squirrel, Kaen Krachan National Park, Thailand

There are six or seven species of squirrel in Thailand. This small striped squirrel will stand for all.

Northern Treeshrew, Kaen Krachan National Park, Thailand

This strange fellow is about the size of a New World Red Squirrel, but, as you can see from that muzzle, looks a lot more like a shrew. It’s neither; it’s actually more closely related to a primate than a squirrel or a shrew. Surprisingly aggressive, too; WC watched them drive birds off of food.

Unmistakable sign of Asian Elephants

Alas, we did not see an Asian Elephant. We did see pretty impressive amounts of elephant dung, including some fresh enough to be steaming. Pro tip: it’s not the same experience.

Mammals are fun. Birds are more fun. And there are a lot more species.

Note: Correction to the White-handed Gibbon courtesy of a reader.