The Evolution of the Trend Regarding Thai Buffalo Conservation From 1977-1997

Abstract

This article studies the evolution of the trend regarding Thai buffalo conservation from 1977-1997 (2520-2540 B.E.), paying particular attention to both ideas and activities created to promote said conservation. It is found that the trend of Thai buffalo conservation had been developed throughout the three decades by the Department of Livestock Development and academic institutions. Said department and institutions were the important foundation that granted guidelines and established criterion, on how to initially take after buffaloes during those years. The development of new breeds of buffalo were also prioritized, turning those creatures into economic animals that offered premium qualities of animal husbandry and meat for consumption. These new ideas and projects were proposed by groups of people—namely researchers and lecturers from different fields of science concerning studies of animals. However, during the 1990s (2530s B.E.), there was a significant change. The word “conserve” was obviously found in use with Thai buffalo livestock for the very first time. A number of studies, based on the regional context and local culture, that explained the relationship between Thai buffalo and Thai society were shown up. Consequently, this resulted in the formation of clusters of people who proposed ideas on this particular topic and were eager to run activities to serve the conservation of Thai buffalo as shown in the case of Moo Ban Anurak Kwai Thai (Thai Buffalo Conservation Village), firstly established in 1997 and later on commonly spotted nationwide. The article also suggests that the trend of Thai buffalo conservation is a part of the emerging “ecotourism” which was obviously in line with the national tourism promotional campaigns during said period of time. The trend of Thai buffalo conservation from 1977-1997 was much expanded thanks to different clusters of people who actively participated in such activities created to raise awareness on the conservation of Thai buffalo.