Rangers risk lives on front lines of poaching wars

摘要

Rangers like Yod Wangduangkam in Thailand risk their lives to protect endangered species in wildlife sanctuaries. Tigers in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary can be worth tens of thousands of dollars on the black market. A 4-inch scar down the side of Wangduangkam's face from a poacher's bullet is a reminder of the ruthless industry that pulls an estimated $10 billion annually. Rangers, however, may be making some progress in these wildlife sanctuaries. Tiger population in Huai Kha Khaeng rose from 50 in 2006 to over 80 in 2016. This population is now the largest in Southeast Asia. Population growth is likely due to a pilot program named Smart Patrol System, which uses GPS mapping, enhanced training and a shared database to track tigers.