Wild elephants in Kui Buri National Park have been observed engaging in courtship and mating, a rare occurrence that underscores the conservation success of this important habitat in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
According to Attapong Phao-on, head of Kui Buri National Park, the behaviour was witnessed in the park’s forests, marking a positive sign for the natural population growth of the region’s elephant population. Elephant courtship is a delicate process linked to the reproductive cycle of female elephants, known as the oestrus cycle, which lasts for about three weeks.
“This sighting is significant, as mating behaviour among wild elephants is rarely observed and serves as an indicator of the park’s thriving biodiversity,” Mr. Attapong said.
Wild elephants in Kui Buri mate exclusively during the winter. Female elephants typically reach reproductive maturity between 18 and 20 years of age and can reproduce until around 40 to 50 years. Pregnancy lasts for 19 to 21 months, with females usually giving birth to a single calf. After each birth, there is typically a three-year interval before the next pregnancy. Over their lifetime, female elephants can give birth to an average of three to four calves.
Kui Buri National Park is recognised as one of Thailand’s most important conservation areas for wild elephants, supporting a substantial elephant population and a wide variety of wildlife. The sighting highlights the effectiveness of conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these animals and their habitats.
The park’s status as a conservation stronghold offers critical support to wild elephant populations, ensuring the continued survival of the species. Observing natural behaviours such as mating is a rare opportunity that reflects the success of efforts to safeguard Thailand’s wildlife.
