A large number of 23 fishing cats were found in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Sam Roi Yod district, prompting Thai authorities to conduct an in-dept research to conserve them, whom the International Union for Conservation of Nature has just enlisted as among the world's near-extinct species.

Pornchai Pathumratanatan, director of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's Wildlife Conservation Office, said this habitat of Thailand's reported highest number of fishing cats located in the area called "Thung Nong Pakchi" in Tambon Khao Daeng and Tambon Don Yai Noo.