Forest Complex Research Articles

Spatio-temporal dynamic of forest cover distribution in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Tropical Forest Complex, Nigeria, (2014 – 2022)

: Forest Reserves (FRs) constitute a significant portion of the forested lands within protected areas, and their conservation is essential for Nigeria to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our study conducted an analysis of the dynamics of forested lands in the study area to evaluate and rank management performance over the period of 2014-2022. The forest bloc in OSO witnessed an expansion by 1.39% (3,929.67 ha) from 27.73% to 29.12% forest cover in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Forest fragments declined from 16 to 10 units for the forest bloc (>201.1 ha) with a proportionate increase in the Largest Patch Index (LPI) from 5,815.53 ha to 39,234.15 ha, in the period 2014 -2022, respectively. Omo, Ago-Owu, Ife and Shasha FRs all witnessed negative changes in the percent forest cover representing a decline of about -0.43% (529.52 ha), -37.62% (9028.8 ha), -8.54% (1217.43 ha) and -0.29% (89.55 ha), respectively. Oluwa FR had an increase in the forest cover by 17.64% or 14,596.38 ha in the period 2014 - 2022. The forest cover retention rates in the period 2014 – 2022, ranks Oluwa FR ahead of other FRs in terms of Protected Area (PA) management efficiency. The results highlight the existence of a relatively better and effective forest management system in the reserve. Landsat data are capable of providing near real-time forest cover information that can be integrated into existing tracking tools for periodically gauging management efficiency and performances across the PAs of Nigeria.

Distribution and habitat use patterns of the endangered Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) in Costa Rica.

Montane cloud forests are highly threatened ecosystems that are vulnerable to climate change. These complex habitats harbor many species that suffer the negative consequences of this global phenomenon, such as shifts in their distribution and habitat use. The Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) is the smallest and most endangered wild cat in Mesoamerica and is primarily reported in cloud forests throughout its distribution. The species is poorly understood, with no studies conducted in Central America assessing its habitat preferences. To bridge this knowledge gap, we sampled two mountain ranges in Costa Rica with camera traps and conducted an occupancy analysis to understand the anthropogenic and environmental features that influence oncilla habitat use within them. Additionally, we conducted spatial predictions of habitat use across its northern and southern range in Costa Rica to identify priority conservation areas for the species. We found that Central American clouded oncilla habitat use is driven primarily by environmental factors. Our results showed that oncillas select habitats with denser tree cover at high elevations, closer to permanent water sources, which may provide them with high prey density and a favorable habitat structure for their survival. Spatial predictions identified two main regions as conservation priority areas where threat mitigation efforts and monitoring should be implemented: the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca mountains, and the Arenal-Monteverde forest complex. The occupancy modeling approach turned out to be very useful to assess the spatial associations of the species with the environment and mapping the conservation priority areas. Future research and mitigation actions should focus on potential threats that could negatively impact Central American clouded oncilla populations and habitat use, including the role of mesopredators and feral species.

Adaptation of the Forest Complex of the Komi Republic to Sanctions Pressure

Adaptation of the Forest Complex of the Komi Republic to Sanctions Pressure

Does the diversity of vegetation and diatoms correlate with soil and water factors in a tropical cloud forest's complex land use/land cover scenario?

Soil and water characteristics in micro basins with different land uses/land cover (LULC) can influence riparian vegetation diversity, stream water quality, and benthic diatom diversity. We analyzed 18 streams in the upper part of the La Antigua River basin, México, surrounded by cloud forests, livestock pastures, and coffee plantations. Concentrations of P, C, and N were elevated in the humus of forested streams compared to other land uses. In contrast, cations, ammonium, and total suspended solids (TSS) of water streams were higher in pastures and coffee plantations. These results indicate that LULC affects stream chemistry differently across land uses. Vegetation richness was highest (86-133 spp.) in forest streams and lowest in pastures (46-102), whereas pasture streams had the greatest richness of diatoms (9-24), likely due to higher light and temperatures. Some soil and water characteristics correlated with both true diversity and taxonomic diversity; soil carbon exchange capacity (CEC) correlated with vegetation diversity (r = 0.60), while water temperature correlated negatively (r = - 0.68). Diatom diversity was related to soil aluminum (r = - 0.59), magnesium (r = 0.57), water phosphorus (r = 0.88), and chlorophyll (r = 0.75). These findings suggest that land use affects riparian vegetation, while physical and chemical changes influence diatom diversity in stream water and soil. The lack of correlation between vegetation and diatom diversity indicates that one cannot predict the other. This research is an essential first step in understanding how land use changes impact vegetation and diatom diversity in mountain landscapes, providing valuable insights for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts in tropical cloud forests.

The effect of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir abundances in Thailand’s protected areas

Habitat loss and fragmentation in tropical regions are major threats to the persistence of endangered Malay tapir (Tapirus indicus). The Malay tapir distribution is largely constrained to fragmented habitats inside protected areas. However, it is unclear how the spatial patterns of habitat fragmentation affect its relative abundance. Here, we investigated the effects of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir relative abundance in Thailand. We first quantified the spatial patterns of habitat fragmentation within nine of Thailand’s protected areas. Second, we assessed the relationship of fragmentation metrics and relative abundance of Malay tapirs. Third, we identified the relative importance of the fragmentation metrics in explaining relative abundance. We found that tapir abundance remained unexpectedly high in the Southern forest complex despite the fact that tapir habitats were significantly more fragmented there than in the protected area in the western forest complex (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found a significantly negative relation with clumpiness index (R2 = 0.51, p < 0.05). This suggests that other factors may also be influencing their populations, so that the Southern protected areas provide preferred habitat with higher relative proportions of moist evergreen forest, large habitat patch size, precipitation, and elevation. It highlights the importance of interconnected habitat for tapirs, and the benefit of conservation efforts in small, less recognized protected areas.

Теоретичні засади розвитку системи управління ризиками на підприємствах лісопромислового комплексу

In the article, a comprehensive study of the theoretical foundations of developing the risk management system at the enterprises of the forestry complex is carried out. The essence and classification of the main risks inherent in this industry are revealed, including environmental (climate change, fires, forest degradation), economic (wood price fluctuations, globalization), and technological and social factors. Modern scientific approaches to risk management, in particular international standards (COSO, ISO 31000), and applied risk assessment methods, both quantitative and qualitative, are analyzed. The specificity of environmental risks is particularly emphasized due to their importance for the forestry sector. The proposed systemic approach to risk management includes integrating innovative technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), drone surveillance, and artificial intelligence for more effective forest monitoring and risk prediction. This allows enterprises to be flexible in responding to threats and reduce their vulnerability to external influences. It also stressed the urgency of improving management processes through the adaptation of international experience, particularly in the forestry sector. This global collaboration in risk management is crucial for a sustainable development strategy that balances the economic interests of enterprises and the preservation of environmental safety. An innovative approach to risk management based on the introduction of digital technologies allows for increased effectiveness in risk assessment and management, which becomes an important tool for ensuring the long-term stability and competitiveness of enterprises in the forestry complex in the context of global changes. Keywords: risk management, forest industry complex, environmental and economic risks, innovative technologies, sustainable development, system approach, monitoring.

Formation of the machine-building zone of the Arkhangelsk Region forest complex as a response to sanctions

Formation of the machine-building zone of the Arkhangelsk Region forest complex as a response to sanctions

Special aspects of using labor resources in the forest complex of the Arkhangelsk Oblast

Special aspects of using labor resources in the forest complex of the Arkhangelsk Oblast

Microplastic accumulation in water from protected areas in Western Forest Complex of Thailand

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as ubiquitous environmental pollutants worldwide. However, no research has been conducted in freshwater ecosystems within Thai protected areas (PAs), where biodiversity and natural resources are safeguarded for human well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the occurrence and abundance of potential MPs in the water of freshwater ecosystems in Thai PAs and to examine factors affecting their presence in the Western Forest Complex in Thailand (WEFCOM). Seventy water samples were collected from eight PAs in WEFCOM using a 20 μm plankton net. The water samples underwent digestion, density separation, and filtration. Potential MPs were visually identified under a stereomicroscope, and their chemical composition was further characterized using FTIR. The results revealed a 98.57 % potential MP prevalence in the water samples, with an average abundance of 0.30 ± 0.32 item·L−1. The quantities of potential MPs among PAs were significantly different (H = 17.88, p = 0.01). Fibers (68.93 %) were the most frequently identified potential MPs, with the dominant colors being blue (22.40 %) and black (20.03 %), mostly small-sized MPs (0.05–0.5 mm; 41.80 %). The major chemical plastic types included low-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene/polypropylene copolymer, polyester, and natural fibers. The abundance of potential MPs varied significantly among PAs, shapes, colors, and sizes (p < 0.01). Furthermore, potential MP abundance correlated with the number of tourists (p < 0.05). Proximity to open waste dumping (p < 0.01) and lower elevation (p < 0.05) tended to accumulate more potential MPs. This research suggests potential sources of microplastics in Thai PAs from wastewater effluent, human activities, and recreational activities, highlighting the urgent need for research to develop appropriate waste management technologies in Thai PAs and to raise awareness among local people and tourists about microplastic pollution.

World Heritage and human rights

This paper describes the protracted nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) List of the Keang Krachan Forest Complex, Thailand and the issues it exposed. The complex was inscribed in 2021, seven years after it was first nominated, despite ongoing conflict with indigenous Karen hunter-gatherer communities. The nomination was referred back to the state party by the WH Committee in 2015, 2016 and 2019 for reasons related to inconclusive and out-of-date ecological information, and human rights issues associated with the forced resettlement of Karen hill tribe people living within its proposed boundaries. In 2020 the nomination was resubmitted during the 4th mandate of the Thai state party on the WH Committee, and the property was inscribed contrary to a formal recommendation to defer the nomination, and despite repeated communications from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to the WH Centre, the Thai government and the WH Committee seeking resolution of community and human rights issues prior to inscription. Decisions that run contrary to the advice of the WH Committee’s three advisory bodies have become an abiding and troubling aspect of the Committee’s decision-making, reflecting a trend in the politicisation of Committee sessions that has increased over more than 20 years, to a point where it now threatens the integrity of the World Heritage system. This paper examines how the state party pursued its WH ambitions and the impacts this had on particular indigenous Karen communities during national designation and nomination to the WH List. It demonstrates the issues that arise due to legacy nature conservation approaches to the management of extensive natural protected areas.

The World Heritage Convention, human rights and Indigenous Peoples

This article discusses how the World Heritage Convention contradicts and coalesces with rights to culture and rights of Indigenous Peoples as asserted in international law. It describes the origin and universalistic aims of the Convention, and how the Convention’s state-centrism and Eurocentric heritage discourses have stymied the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in World Heritage conservation. However it also asserts that a broadening conceptualisation of World Heritage value alongside an increasing focus on synchronicity with human rights can enable recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ worldviews, rights and cultural continuity under an international legal framework. Finally, the article examines the variance among states parties and the World Heritage Committee in upholding human rights standards, using case studies of five World Heritage sites: Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Australia; Pimachiowin Aki and Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada; the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya; and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand. The article concludes that despite the rights-based turn of recent years, the World Heritage system remains inconsistent in its adherence to international human rights standards.

Лесохозяйственные мероприятия в полезащитных лесных полосах Краснодарского края

In the process of growth and development of forest belts, some of their taxation characteristics and design change. Forest reclamation complexes are subject to homeostasis. Changing the design of shelterbelts leads to crop shortages, loss of profits for agricultural organizations, as well as to the deterioration of the ecology of field soils. A way out of this situation can be found in the application of a system of measures, an important part of which is forestry measures. The aim of the research has been to determine the timing and types of forestry measures aimed at improving the agro-ecological efficiency of protective forest reclamation complexes on agricultural lands of the Krasnodar Territory. Data from the 2019 inventory of protective forest plantations and data obtained by the authors in 2015–2021 in the Kushchevskij and Leningradskij Districts of the Krasnodar Territory have been used. According to the data obtained, graphs of the dependence of stock on the age and height have been constructed for some tree species of field protection forest reclamation complexes. It has been established that in the study area the largest number of areas of shelterbelts have a dense structure – 538.5 ha, and 501.7 ha of them are trees of the III age class. A significant increase in the stock of plantations has been noted at the age of: Robinia pseudoacacia L. – 15 years, Fraxinus excelsior L. – 25 years, Gleditsia triacanthos L. – 10 years, Ulmus pumila L. – 35 years. The equations of the regressional dependence of stock on the age and height for the main tree species have been obtained. These equations can be used to predict the timing of forestry measures in order to maintain the openwork design of forest belts recommended for the region under study.

Impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification on mammalian diversity in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya

Habitat destruction is a major driver of biodiversity loss, especially in the tropics. We investigated changes in the diversity and occupancy of forest-dwelling mammals in response to habitat loss, alteration, and degradation at the Mau Forest Complex (MFC), southwestern Kenya. Using a systematic camera trapping grid, we estimated patterns of mammalian diversity, occupancy of small carnivores, and detection rates of functional mammalian groups across three habitat types (primary forests, secondary forests, and cultivated habitats). Between March 2019 and October 2021, 246 camera traps were deployed across 181 locations representing 5509 sampling days, resulting in 47,345 images of 52 mammalian species in nine mammalian orders. Alpha diversity differed among treatments, with primary forests having the highest diversity, and cultivated habitats the lowest, though results were not statistically significant. Beta diversity differed significantly among treatments, indicating differences in community composition as well as species richness. Overall occupancy for small carnivores was highest in primary forests and lowest in cultivated habitats, with some species specializing in primary forests while others were able to occupy more degraded habitats. Among functional groups, detection rates only differed significantly for large rodents, primates, and ungulates. Our results indicate that although functional groups and species may respond differently to habitat loss and alteration at the MFC, overall species diversity of specialist mammals was highest in the less-disturbed primary forests. Specialist, forest-dependent species are likely most affected by human activities, making them especially vulnerable to habitat loss at the MFC.

The influence of forest site types on the distribution of moose Alces alces in north-eastern Poland

ABSTRACT Movements of moose are caused by variations in resource availability such as food, shelter and the energetic cost of foraging. These variables are important in forest and population management. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to estimate the influence of forest site types on the distribution of the non hunted moose population in February and March 2020 in the Augustów Forest, a 1102.0 km2 forest complex in north-eastern Poland. In the study area, 20 sampling plots were distributed over a total area of 91.4 km2, where six teams, each consisting of 30 people, observed moose to estimate population numbers. The average population density was 1.22 ± 0.19 moose per km2 and ranged from 0.21 to 3.40 animals/km2. The total population number estimated this way amounted to 1344 animals. Non-linear regression demonstrated a positive relationship between the percentage of hygric-wet forest site types in the sampling plot area and the moose population distribution (r = 0.735, n = 20, p = 0.0096). In winter, these habitats are a critical refuge for moose. For this reason, tree harvesting and hunting in hygric-wet forest site types should be limited during this period.

Exploring Barmah Forest virus pathogenesis: molecular tools to investigate non-structural protein 3 nuclear localization and viral genomic determinants of replication.

Barmah Forest virus (BFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthralgia with accompanying rash, fever, and myalgia in humans. The virus is mainly found in Australia and has caused outbreaks associated with significant health concerns. As the sole representative of the Barmah Forest complex within the genus Alphavirus, BFV is not closely related genetically to other alphaviruses. Notably, basic knowledge of BFV molecular virology has not been well studied due to a lack of critical investigative tools such as an infectious clone. Here we describe the construction of an infectious BFV cDNA clone based on Genbank sequence and demonstrate that the clone-derived virus has in vitro and in vivo properties similar to naturally occurring virus, BFV field isolate 2193 (BFV2193-FI). A substitution in nsP4, V1911D, which was identified in the Genbank reference sequence, was found to inhibit virus rescue and replication. T1325P substitution in nsP2 selected during virus passaging was shown to be an adaptive mutation, compensating for the inhibitory effect of nsP4-V1911D. The two mutations were associated with changes in viral non-structural polyprotein processing and type I interferon (IFN) induction. Interestingly, a nuclear localization signal, active in mammalian but not mosquito cells, was identified in nsP3. A point mutation abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization attenuated BFV replication. This effect was more prominent in the presence of type I interferon signaling, suggesting nsP3 nuclear localization might be associated with IFN antagonism. Furthermore, abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization reduced virus replication in mice but did not significantly affect disease.IMPORTANCEBarmah Forest virus (BFV) is Australia's second most prevalent arbovirus, with approximately 1,000 cases reported annually. The clinical symptoms of BFV infection include rash, polyarthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia. As BFV is not closely related to other pathogenic alphaviruses or well-studied model viruses, our understanding of its molecular virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis is limited. There is also a lack of molecular tools essential for corresponding studies. Here we describe the construction of an infectious clone of BFV, variants harboring point mutations, and sequences encoding marker protein. In infected mammalian cells, nsP3 of BFV was located in the nuclei. This finding extends our understanding of the diverse mechanisms used by alphavirus replicase proteins to interact with host cells. Our novel observations highlight the complex synergy through which the viral replication machinery evolves to correct mutation errors within the viral genome.

Analysis of traffic accidents on the highways of the timber industry complex of the Arkhangelsk region

In the article, based on the analysis of the current regulatory support for the export and transportation of roundwood, the authors state that currently in the sectoral regulatory and technical documents on roads of the forest complex SP 288.1325800.2016. A set of rules. The roads are forested. Rules of design and construction, and SP 318.1325800.2017. A set of rules. The roads are forested. The rules of operation are practically absent, updated in terms of traffic safety standards for the design, construction and operation of roads. The need to update the norms and requirements is dictated by the sharp dissonance that has arisen between the weight parameters and traction-dynamic characteristics of modern sorting trains, mainly of foreign production, and the unsatisfactory technical condition of forest roads. The prerequisites for road accidents that took place on the roads of the timber industry complex of the Arkhangelsk region in 2018–2022 are studied, the prevailing factors and conditions for their occurrence are identified, the content of the program of ongoing scientific research on improving traffic safety on forest highways is announced.

First dispersal records of the endangered banteng (Bos javanicus) in Thung Yai Naresuan West Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand.

Banteng (Bos javanicus) is listed as an endangered species because of a global population decline of at least 50% over the last 25 years. The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) of Thailand has been identified as a priority site for banteng population recovery, and Huai Kha Keang Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) is the most important source site for this species within the WEFCOM. We have provided evidence and discussed banteng dispersal from HKK to Thung Yai Naresuan West Wildlife Sanctuary (TYW). We sampled an area of 147 km2 in banteng habitat next to the border between HKK and TYW using camera traps. We divided the sampled area into four grid cells and placed camera traps during January to December 2022. We setup the camera traps near saltlicks and natural water sources, as important resources for banteng, to maximize capture probability. In total, 2835 trap days were obtained. Bantengs were captured in all seasons (RAI = 1.66), especially in dry dipterocarp forest, which contains the ground forage availability for banteng, and the low-slope area with elevation 600-700 m adjacent to the border between HKK and TYW. The results highlighted that banteng, which had never been reported in TYW before, appeared there for the first time. They most likely dispersed from the population source in HKK and settled in a habitat that is considered suitable for them. The habitat management and protection are significant for the future recovery of banteng populations in the TYW and the rest of protected areas in the WEFCOM.

Rigorous assessment of a unique tiger recovery in Southeast Asia based on photographic capture-recapture modeling of population dynamics

Tigers and other large predatory carnivores have suffered population extirpations and range contractions. This is particularly true for tiger populations in southeastern Asia, which harbours one-third of their remaining habitats. In stark contrast, a sustained recovery of a wild tiger population has occurred between 2007 and 2023, in three reserves of Thailand: Huai Kha Khaeng (HKK), Thung Yai East (TYE) and Thung Yai West (TYW), which together cover 6470 km2 (36%) of the larger Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM). We quantitatively monitored this recovery employing closed and open model analyses of data from photographic capture-recapture sampling. The resulting estimates of tiger population dynamic parameters showed: mean (±SE) tiger abundance annually varied from 36 (1.0) to 79 (1.53) in HKK, 2 (0.26) to 20 (4.45) in TYE and 3 (0.26) to 44 (2.11) in TYW, driven by mean annual survival rates of 0.79 (0.02) in HKK, 0.72 (0.05) in TYE, and 0.69 (0.05) in TYW. The annual numbers of recruits fluctuated from 0 (1.69) to 33 (1.93) tigers in HKK, 0 (0.47) to 13 (0.57) in TYE and 0 (1.13) to 36 (2.28) in TYW. Overall, the mean tiger population densities/100 km2 ranged between 1.3 (0.19) and 2.9 (0.29) in HKK, 0.2 (0.08) and 1.8 (0.34) in TYE, and 0.2 (0.07) and 3.1 (0.56) in TYW. Generally, the tiger population trended upward, with reserves protected over longer periods leading the tiger recovery. Our results are further backed by ancillary records on births of 67 cubs, 47 tiger dispersal events, as well as the recovery corresponding with incremental spatio-temporal coverage by the patrols. Cumulatively, our results provide evidence that effective law enforcement should be a critical component for achieving tiger population recoveries in Asia. Alternative conservation strategies that ignore this component do not appear to be evidence-based. Our results also demonstrate the utility of the independent collaborative monitoring framework adopted by the Thailand Government.

Identifying wildlife corridors to restore population connectivity: An integration approach involving multiple data sources

Identification of wildlife corridors usually prioritizes ecological data while often overlooking the perspectives of local communities despite their relevance. This oversight may contribute to human-wildlife conflicts in surrounding areas. This study aims to demonstrate how multiple data sources and aspects can be integrated to identify wildlife corridors using the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex as a case study. Suitable areas serving as additional wildlife corridors for the Asiatic black bear were identified, and appropriate management strategies to enhance the overall suitability of the wildlife corridor were determined. Firstly, road segments having the potential to serve as additional wildlife corridors were selected based on four criteria related to physical barriers. Then a Bayesian Belief Network was developed to assess the corridor suitability for each proposed road segment by including data from various sources and aspects (ecological data, the human dimension and landscape characteristics). Afterward, eight scenarios were tested to evaluate how they could impact the overall suitability. From seven potential road segments, only three segments showed high suitability to be additional wildlife corridors. Within the assessed 58 km2 area, 13 km2 (22%) were identified as highly suitable for wildlife corridors under current situations. Improving human attitudes toward wildlife corridor construction emerged as the scenario that could increase the overall suitability the most (from 13 to 29 km2) while increasing human threats (hunting, wildlife pet trade, and vehicle collisions) was the scenario that reduced overall suitability the most (from 13 to 4 km2). Our framework in this study is practical, adaptable, and flexible for various decision-making processes. It can also be adapted to other areas and focal species by making relevant adjustments to align with specific landscapes and contexts.

Recovery of globally threatened ungulate species in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

The forests of Southeast (SE) Asia support large ungulate species listed as globally threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List. In Thailand, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) still contains the endangered banteng (Bos javanicus) and the vulnerable gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor). These species have been declining for decades in SE Asia. HKK is within the core area of the Western Forest Complex, one of the largest protected forest landscapes in SE Asia. This area is one of the few remaining that have the capacity to support species recovery for large ungulates and the tiger that depend on them. However, critical knowledge gaps remain on ungulate population metrics and trends of the species. In 2021, we revisited the locations surveyed in 2007–2008 and used distance sampling methodology to estimate density and abundance of banteng, gaur, and sambar. Using 32 transects in 2007, 2008 and 2021, we conducted replicated sample surveys with a total walk-efforts of 1,000 km per year and collected Distance-sampling data on target species. Banteng density increased two-fold from 0.91 ± 0.40–1.71 ± 0.79 individuals/km2, and sambar density doubled from 2.03 ± 0.51–3.99 ± 0.95 individuals/km2. In 2021, HKK supported 2,736 ± 1,264 banteng and 9,855 ± 2,347 sambar, the largest populations of these two globally threatened species in SE Asia. These results indicate evidence for recovery of large ungulate species in HKK and hope for the conservation of these globally threatened species. Our results illustrate the value of HKK as an important tiger recovery site in SE Asia, as these species are primary prey for tigers and underscore the value of ongoing efforts to eradicate poaching.