A recent series of tragic deaths has amplified fears for the Malayan tiger, with conservationists and wildlife authorities calling the situation a “national emergency.” Native to the jungles of peninsular Malaysia, the Malayan tiger is critically endangered, with fewer than 150 left in the wild. Their numbers have drastically declined due to habitat loss, illegal poaching, and a decrease in prey.
The Malayan tiger, a symbol on Malaysia’s coat of arms, has seen its population fall from around 3,000 in the 1950s. This alarming decline was highlighted when images of a dead Malayan tiger went viral on social media in late June. Found floating in a stream in Kelantan, the tiger showed no signs of injury from snares or gunshots, prompting further investigation by state forestry officials.
The incident sparked a nationwide outcry, with many emphasizing the urgency of saving this national icon. Henry Chan, Director of Conservation at WWF Malaysia, stressed the need for stronger Conservation efforts. He called for enhanced patrols in critical habitats and the use of advanced technologies like camera traps and drones for better monitoring.
“Losing just one tiger brings the entire species closer to extinction, making every individual tiger’s life critical,” Chan stated.
Mark Rayan Darmaraj, Country Director of Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia, highlighted additional threats such as habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-tiger conflicts. He also noted recent incidents where tigers were killed by vehicles, underlining the danger posed by roads cutting through their habitats.
On July 6, another Malayan tiger was found dead in a storm drain in Perak, hit by a car. This followed a similar incident a month earlier in Pahang, where a tiger was killed while crossing a road. These accidents mark a troubling pattern, with four tigers killed by vehicle collisions between November 2023 and May 2024. Recognized as a subspecies in 2004, Malayan tigers are distinguished by their slightly darker, reddish-orange coats. They require large forest areas to roam and are known for their swimming prowess and predatory skills.
In 2020, Malaysian officials launched an eight-year National Tiger Conservation Action Plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with non-profit groups, outlined priorities for Conservation tools and a “National Physical Plan” to Support these efforts. The report emphasized the need for political commitment and public Support to prevent the extinction of this majestic species.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 22 July 2024. Image Credit :Lam Wai Leong/Shutterstock.
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