In a significant shift for Thailand’s wildlife policies, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has approved the commercial farming of monitor lizards and two species of swiftlets. This decision reclassifies Germain’s swiftlet (Aerodramus germani), Black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus), and monitor lizards as protected species eligible for regulated commercial harvesting.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) confirmed that these species now join a list of 62 other protected animals that can be legally farmed for their by-products, including hides and nests. Monitor lizard hides, in particular, are attracting interest from the leather industry due to their unique patterns and durability.
“This reclassification allows people to profit from conservation, promoting legal farming while reducing illegal hunting,” a DNP spokesperson stated. The move is intended to curb illegal wildlife trafficking by providing a sustainable and regulated alternative for both species and their valuable by-products.
Separately, Khao Yai National Park saw a large influx of tourists on November 3, as visitors flocked to enjoy the park’s cool weather and observe the resident elephant population.