Data from: 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, 2,835 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.