The endangered Asian elephant, Thailand’s national symbol, is increasingly affected by human–elephant conflict (HEC), now a critical conservation and socio-economic concern. This study examined 341 HEC occurrences in 34 out of 77 Thai provinces between 2014 and 2023, based on data from official and private sources. These events resulted in both human and elephant casualties and property damage. Occurrences peaked in 2018 and 2023, with significant associations found between conflict rates, regions, and periods. The Eastern region and the July-to-October period (the rainy season) emerged as key high-risk areas, likely related to additional factors such as high elephant densities and abundant crop production. Most HECs occurred in agricultural land, where elephants searched for food. The findings suggest that the July-to-October period requires heightened surveillance and additional preventive actions. The Eastern region remains a priority for intervention due to its ongoing vulnerability and the movement of elephants across provincial boundaries. Furthermore, the rise of the Northeastern region as a new hotspot underlines the need for proactive measures to prevent escalation.

Despite the global increase in cat ownership, some cats exhibit owner-directed aggression, resulting in caregiver injury, infection, and anxiety. Severe cases are commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine; however, adverse effects, particularly transient anorexia, often discourage treatment initiation. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound with reported anxiolytic properties and minimal anorexic effects, may represent an alternative therapy. This study aimed to characterise owner-directed feline aggression in Thailand, identify associated factors, and compare the efficacy of CBD with fluoxetine. Most caregivers were females aged 20–40 years, and most cats were neutered mixed-breeds aged 1–6 years living indoors in multi-human and multi-cat households. For demographic variables, only human–cat interactions (e.g., petting) were significantly associated with aggression. Handling-induced aggression was universal, with grooming as the most common trigger (56%). In a single-blind, 4–8-week trial, 100 cats were randomly assigned to control, CBD 1 mg/kg/day, CBD 2 mg/kg/day, fluoxetine 0.5–1 mg/kg/day, or combined CBD and fluoxetine. Aggression scores decreased significantly in all treatment groups compared with control (p < 0.05), with no differences among active treatments. CBD at 1 mg/kg/day showed efficacy comparable to fluoxetine without anorexic effects.

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is critically endangered, so assisted reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, are important conservation tools. For wild and domestic felids, electroejaculation (EE) is the most common semen collection method, with protocols optimized to obtain sufficient amounts of viable sperm for artificial insemination. However, less attention has been paid to ensuring animal wellbeing during the process. This study examined the effects of three EE protocols (Low, 2–5 volts; Medium, 3–6 volts; High, 4–7 volts) on semen quality, testicular size, serum testosterone, creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and serum cortisol as a proxy for stress. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after each EE series. Seminal plasma pH, and sperm motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated after each procedure. Seminal plasma and sperm pellet MDA concentrations were also determined. Primary sperm abnormalities and seminal plasma MDA were higher in the Low compared to Medium and High voltage groups (p < 0.05). Serum CK in the High voltage group increased during the EE series (p < 0.05), suggesting the potential for muscle damage. However, no significant changes were observed for serum cortisol, testosterone, or MDA concentrations. Results suggest the Medium voltage protocol produced good quality samples at lower voltages than the High protocol with no negative effect on muscle function, which might be better for animal welfare.

The Asian elephant, an endangered species and Thailand’s national symbol, faces increasing threats from human-wild elephant conflict (HEC). Over the past decade, HEC has become a major conservation and socio-economic issue, requiring urgent study. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of HEC and its associated factor. This research analyzed 341 HEC incidents reported across 34 of Thailand’s 77 provinces from 2014 to 2023, using data from government and private reports. HEC led to human and elephant casualties and property damage, with occurrences peaking in 2008 and 2023. The highest HEC rates were recorded in the eastern region, especially from July to February, likely due to peak crop production, reduced forest area, and a larger elephant population. Most incidents occurred in agricultural zones where elephants foraged for food. HEC frequency was significantly associated with region, period, crop production, forest cover, and elephant numbers. In conclusion, regions with abundant crops, limited forests, and high elephant populations are most at risk, especially during the cultivation period. Addressing these factors is essential for effective elephant conservation and conflict mitigation.

Owning dogs can improve owners’ mental and physical health, but inappropriate handling may have negative consequences for both owners and society. Canine aggression toward owners can impact their well-being. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a feeding toy, fluoxetine, or a combination to treat owner-directed aggression. Sixty dogs with moderate to severe aggression, whose owners had been unable to modify the behaviour, were recruited. Aggression scores were assessed via owner questionnaires and confirmed through veterinary interviews. Dogs were assigned to three treatment groups: feeding toy (TOY), fluoxetine (DRUG), or both (DRUG + TOY). Aggression scores were recorded before and after treatment. Before intervention, scores were similar across groups (P ≥ 0.05). After treatment, all groups showed significant reductions in aggression (P < 0.05), with DRUG and DRUG + TOY being more effective than TOY alone; no significant difference was observed between DRUG and DRUG + TOY (P ≥ 0.05). Fluoxetine side effects, mainly drowsiness and mild anorexia, were limited to the first week, and the side effects tended to reduce when combined with a toy. The study concludes that fluoxetine (0.5–1 mg/kg) combined with a feeding toy effectively treats moderate to severe owner-directed aggression, while feeding toys alone may help reduce mild aggression.

Dog ownership provides physical and psychological benefits; however, inappropriate handling may lead to behavioural problems, particularly owner‐directed aggression, which can compromise human wellbeing. This study investigated factors associated with owner‐directed aggression and evaluated the effectiveness of interventions in Thailand. A randomised, single‐blind clinical trial was conducted in 80 dogs exhibiting moderate to severe owner‐directed aggression (including a history of biting). Aggression was assessed using owner questionnaires and veterinary interviews. Dogs were allocated to four groups: feeding toy (TOY), fluoxetine (DRUG), combination therapy (DRUG + TOY) and control. All groups received behavioural modification guidance. Aggression scores were measured before and after four weeks using a standardised scale. Multivariable analysis indicated that human–dog interactions and management practices were significantly associated with aggression scores, whereas owner and dog demographic factors were not. Baseline aggression did not differ among groups ( p ≥ 0.05). Following treatment, all groups showed significant improvement ( p < 0.05), with the DRUG and DRUG + TOY groups demonstrating greater reductions than the TOY and control groups. No significant differences were observed between DRUG and DRUG + TOY or between TOY and control. Mild side effects of fluoxetine, primarily drowsiness and reduced appetite, were observed during the first week and were less frequent in the combination group. Overall, fluoxetine (0.5–1 mg/kg) was more effective in reducing owner‐directed aggression than environmental enrichment and owner education alone. However, enrichment and education play a crucial role in improving dog welfare and in sustainably reducing or preventing aggression and may enhance treatment outcomes when used alongside pharmacological intervention.