Back to Khao Yai National Park

Can't remember how many times I've been to Khao Yai. Each time I visit, sure to find something new.

 This mantis was so well camouflage that I almost miss it.

If you like to take photo of insects, Khao Yai is sure a good place. Saw this Assassin bug believed to be a Sycanus croceovittatus. It stop on top of my friend's hat.

These may looks like droppings of something but they are not. They belongs to fungus from Family Xylariaceae commonly known as Deadman fingers.

 Saw these very bright colour Bracket fungus from Family Polyporaceae.

Due to the body size, when this huge Black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor) move from branch to branch, you will not miss it.

 One of the sure see mammals in Khao Yai National Park is this Sambar deer.

 When there are food, there are feeding. Saw this Oriental Pied Hornbill feeding on this fruiting tree.

 Compare with these huge giant, we are not even 10% of the height of these trees.

 The very famous Giant Twins of Khao Yai National Park.

 Saw some fresh huge foot prints on the forest trails.

Wow! Look at the size! At least 6X the size of my prints. We leave the forest trail as we don't want to meet these giant face to face.

 True enough we spotted this giant venture out of the forest!

 We get in to our vehicle and watch it from a safe distance.

Upon receive the info, the Wildlife response team was deployed immediately. This team act as a safety barrier to keep a safe distance between the animal & human. This team is also responsible to guide the animal back to the forest.

 The Response team trying to stop the elephant from its path and guide it back to the forest.

The dents on the vehicle are the souvenirs left behind by the elephant. What an exciting work to face off with the giant!

Elephant Tears

Found only in Borneo, the Borneo Pygmy Elephants (Elephas maximus borneensis ) are smaller and less aggressive than other Asian elephants. These elephants show a high level of tolerance to humans being in close quarters! I was less than 3 meters away when watching them feeding on the bay of Kinabatangan River. They have rounder faces, larger ears, and longer tail.
The primary threat to these elephants is the loss of habitat. The conversion of forest into plantations, logging activities & urbanization has increased the fragmentation of their feeding area. Contact with human has become more frequent when the elephants travel from one area to another.
According to the locals, the elephants have splited into 2 to 3 smaller groups and will get reunited once a year into big herds. They will spend some times together before breaking up again. Perhaps this is how the elephants adjust themselves to ensure food sustainability and yet remain bonded when they meet annually.

I have just too many questions about them unanswered! I wonder if there is any exchange of group members to maintain the male-female ratio due to attrition after the great annual party! They are believes to be able to remember (by smell) their enemies (those who have hurt them before) for life! How do they achieve that?


Whenever their enemy is nearby, they will show sign of aggresiveness & trumpeting non-stop to warn other elephants. There is so much to learn about this little & gentle giant!
Until someone really study them, these mysteries will remain unknown!