KANCHANABURI — 29 June 2026, A rare sighting at Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi has delighted wildlife enthusiasts after a visitor spotted an unfamiliar creature and turned to the internet for help identifying it. The animal was later identified as a yellow-throated marten (known locally as Hma Mai), a highly elusive species considered a “rare find” in Thailand and protected under the country’s wildlife conservation laws.
A Facebook user shared photos in the group “What Animal Is This?” after encountering the animal at Thong Pha Phum National Park, asking whether it was a protected species because, at first glance, he thought it was a Siamese cat.
The post quickly drew a flood of comments before experts stepped in, identifying the animal as a yellow-throated marten, a carnivorous mammal in the weasel family known for its exceptional climbing ability. These agile predators are capable of taking prey larger than themselves, including monkeys, young deer and even giant panda cubs in parts of their range. The species is protected under Thai wildlife conservation laws.
Another commenter described the sighting as an exceptionally lucky encounter, noting that this small apex predator is a “rare item” among wildlife enthusiasts due to how seldom it is seen in the wild.
Yellow-throated martens are known for their incredibly strong body odour. They are agile hunters that spend time both in trees and on the ground. The species has a varied diet, feeding on both plants and animals, including rodents, insects, reptiles, birds and bird eggs. They are also known to raid food left behind by tourists around campsites in forested areas.
Additionally, much like bears, yellow-throated martens also feed on bees and honey. They are primarily active during the day, although they may occasionally forage at night. They are usually found alone or in pairs. Females have a gestation period of around 220 to 290 days and typically give birth to three to five offspring. Individuals can live for about 14 years in captivity.
