Kuri Buri National Park

Kuri Buri Overview

Kui Buri National Park, located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province of Thailand, is a gem of Southeast Asia known for its lush biodiversity and striking landscapes. The park covers an area of 374 square miles (969 square kilometers) and lies near the border with Myanmar, nestled in the Tenasserim Hills. Its name, Kui Buri, reflects its local heritage and serves as a nod to the region’s rich cultural and natural history. This park is renowned for its thriving ecosystems, which include dense tropical forests, rolling grasslands, and riverine environments, offering a diverse palette of nature’s artistry.

The terrain of Kui Buri is predominantly hilly, with gentle to steep slopes that are blanketed by thick vegetation. Towering peaks like Khao Daeng dominate the skyline, offering breathtaking vistas of the park and surrounding regions. Seasonal streams and small waterfalls add to the park’s charm, particularly during the rainy season when they are at their most vibrant.

The forest cover consists largely of mixed deciduous and evergreen trees, including species such as teak, bamboo, and dipterocarps, which provide essential habitats for the park’s wildlife. The grasslands, interspersed among the forested areas, are critical feeding grounds for large herbivores.

Kui Buri is celebrated for its impressive wildlife, particularly its thriving population of wild Asian elephants, which are a major draw for visitors. The park is also home to other large mammals, including gaurs, the largest species of wild cattle, and occasionally spotted leopards.

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the more than 200 bird species recorded here, including the vibrant red junglefowl and various species of hornbills. The park’s water bodies attract aquatic and semi-aquatic species, further enriching its biodiversity.

One of the park’s most popular features is its elephant-watching program, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Managed viewing points, such as the Huai Luek Wildlife Watching Area, allow for safe and unobtrusive wildlife observation.

Guided tours are another favored way to experience the park, whether on foot, in safari vehicles, or even cycling through its scenic trails. Camping within designated areas also provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.

Despite its beauty, Kui Buri National Park faces conservation challenges, including habitat encroachment and human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving the park’s elephants. However, collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations have resulted in notable successes. Improved habitat restoration programs and community engagement initiatives have bolstered wildlife protection and promoted sustainable tourism, ensuring that the park’s natural treasures are preserved for future generations.

Park Map

Kuri Buri National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Kuri Buri National Park, located in Thailand, is renowned for its dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and rich biodiversity. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including several iconic species that are a delight for visitors to observe. Below are some of the most popular animal species found in Kuri Buri National Park.

Asian Elephant
The Asian Elephant is one of the most iconic inhabitants of Kuri Buri National Park. These majestic creatures roam the park’s grasslands and forests in family groups, often spotted at salt licks and waterholes.

Banteng
The Banteng, a wild cattle species, is a rare sight in the park. With their sleek bodies and distinctive white stockings, they are a fascinating species to encounter.

Malayan Tapir
Known for their unique black-and-white coloration, Malayan Tapirs are elusive creatures that thrive in the park’s dense forests. They are primarily nocturnal, making sightings a special experience.

Leopard
Leopards in Kuri Buri are powerful and stealthy predators, known for their ability to adapt to various habitats within the park, from rocky outcrops to dense jungles.

Clouded Leopard
Smaller and more secretive than their larger cousin, the Clouded Leopard is named for its striking cloud-like coat pattern, which provides excellent camouflage in the forest.

Asian Golden Cat
This medium-sized wild cat, with its golden or reddish-brown coat, is another rare species found in the park. It is known for its elusive behavior and sharp hunting skills.

Gaur
The Gaur, also known as the Indian Bison, is the largest species of wild cattle. These massive herbivores are often found grazing in grasslands or near water sources.

Smooth-coated Otter
These playful and social otters are often spotted near rivers and streams in the park, showcasing their swimming skills and tight-knit family bonds.

Indian Muntjac
Also known as the barking deer, the Indian Muntjac is a small, shy species that inhabits the park’s forests. They are named for their dog-like bark used as an alarm call.

Sun Bear
The smallest bear species in the world, the Sun Bear, has a distinctive golden patch on its chest. These bears are adept climbers, often seen foraging for fruits and honey.

Birds

Kuri Buri National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a variety of colorful and melodious species making it their home. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the park.

Great Hornbill
The Great Hornbill is a large, striking bird with a yellow and black casque on its bill. These majestic birds are known for their resonant calls and impressive flight.

Green Peafowl
This vividly colored bird, with its iridescent green plumage and spectacular tail feathers, is a rare and beautiful species often spotted in the park.

White-rumped Shama
Known for its melodious song, the White-rumped Shama is a small, striking bird with black, white, and orange plumage.

Oriental Pied Hornbill
A medium-sized hornbill species, the Oriental Pied Hornbill is known for its distinctive casque and sociable behavior, often found in small flocks.

Black-and-red Broadbill
This visually striking bird has a deep red body and contrasting black upperparts, often seen perched near water sources.

Crested Serpent Eagle
This medium-sized eagle has a bold crest and piercing yellow eyes. It is often seen soaring high above the park in search of prey.

Asian Fairy Bluebird
With its vibrant blue and black feathers, the Asian Fairy Bluebird adds a splash of color to the park’s canopy.

Rufous Treepie
A member of the crow family, the Rufous Treepie is a vocal and curious bird with a striking mix of rufous, gray, and black plumage.

Blue-winged Pitta
This colorful bird, with its vivid mix of blue, green, and yellow feathers, is a migratory species that visits the park seasonally.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle
A large raptor often seen near water, the Grey-headed Fish Eagle has a powerful build and sharp talons, ideal for catching fish.