Wildlife Conservation
UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA KELANTAN (UMK)
Kajian Kesesuaian Mewujudkan Koridor Gajah, di Daerah Jeli, Kelantan (UMK)
BRIEF PROJECT
The conflict between humans and elephants stems from the diminishing and fragmented habitats caused by land-use activities, including agriculture and settlement. Consequently, this study aims to assess the feasibility of establishing an elephant corridor in Jeli District. Adequate habitat conditions and a well-integrated corridor design are essential for the survival of the elephant population in a fragmented landscape, as well as for fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
This project was conducted for a one-year period (July 2023 – July 2024) and has been successfully completed.
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM)
Human – Malayan Tapir Issues in Negeri Sembilan
BRIEF PROJECT
This preliminary study seeks to understand the communities residing in palm oil plantations, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, emotions, and behaviors toward the Malayan Tapir and related issues. It will explore their experiences with human-Malayan Tapir conflict situations, their perceptions of the ecological and economic value of the Malayan Tapir, and their willingness to participate in conservation initiatives. This information will guide the development of an appropriate Malayan Tapir Conservation Program aimed at building capacity and empowering local communities to engage in on-site conservation efforts on their plantations. Their involvement is crucial, as they often face human-Tapir conflict situations firsthand before assistance from relevant agencies is provided.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Letter of Appointment has been sent to UPM for further action till 25th October 2024.
SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (SWD)
Bornean Elephant Sanctuary (Sabah Wildlife Department)
BRIEF PROJECT
Establishing Elephant Clinic and Facilities in Kinabatangan where the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) is located.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
The project is ongoing according to schedule. The duration of this project is 2 years, starting from Sept 2024 to August 2026.
SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (SWD)
WILDLIFE RESCUE UNIT (WRU)
Wildlife Rescue Unit (SWD & WRU)
BRIEF PROJECT
WRU was established to address pertinent wildlife conservation issues that Sabah is facing today. With the task of rescuing as well as translocating distressed wildlife found within the Sabah landscapes. In cases where animals are confined in pocketed areas and its habitat is no longer suitable, there is a vital need to move these animals to safer areas, such as wildlife reserves. A necessity to ensure that the animals are rescued and saved, and to guarantee the survival of wild populations.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Activities are still on-going with the present agreement ending this Dec 2024. New agreements are going to commence in 2025.
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH
SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (SWD)
Bornean Elephant Population Survey
BRIEF PROJECT
Conducting population survey for Bornean elephants in Sabah, to support the conservation initiative and to counter the misleading information from the West, in regards to the decreasing population of elephants due to palm oil industries.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
The project is on-going according to the schedule. The duration of this project is 3 years, starting from Sept 2023 to August 2026.
HUTAN
SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (SWD)
Bornean Orangutan Population Survey (HUTAN & SWD)
BRIEF PROJECT
Conducting population survey for Bornean orang-utans in Sabah, to support the conservation initiative and to counter the misleading information from the West, in regards to the decreasing population of orang-utans due to palm oil industries.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Project is on-going according to the schedule. The duration of this project is 2 years, starting from Sept 2023 to August 2025.
PERHILITAN
Malayan Tiger Conservation Programme (PERHILITAN)
BRIEF PROJECT
The Malaysian palm oil industry is dedicated to conserving the Malayan Tiger. Through the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), millions have been invested in the National Tiger Conservation Action Plan. MPOGCF signed a five-year MoU with PERHILITAN to breed captive Malayan Tigers at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) and release cubs into the wild after a three-year rewilding process at the National Tiger Conservation Centre (NTCC). This initiative aims to boost the critically endangered Malayan Tiger population, with key locations in Sungkai, Perak, and Kuala Gandah, Pahang. The MoU was signed on April 12, 2021, involving PERHILITAN, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), and MPOGCF. The project also emphasizes raising awareness about poaching and includes a breeding program, monitoring, and supporting injured wildlife due to human-wildlife conflict.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization for the tiger is currently being conducted. Food sponsorship for 2 Malayan tigers for breeding purposes is currently underway. The period for this project is 5 years, starting from Dec 2021 to Nov 2026.
PERHILITAN
Malayan Tiger Habitat Enrichment Programme (PERHILITAN)
BRIEF PROJECT
This project aims to implement the Malayan Tiger Habitat Enrichment Program at the Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre (MTCC) by requesting funding from MPOGCF. MTCC was established as a strategic step in the conservation efforts for the Malayan tiger, officially operating since February 2022 and currently housing five tigers for breeding programs. However, MTCC still requires habitat enrichment through tree planting. This initiative will create a more conducive environment that mimics the natural habitat of the tigers, thereby reducing stress and improving their well-being. Additionally, the planting of softscape will help protect the tigers from extreme weather conditions and mitigate the risk of natural disasters. With the implementation of this project, MPOGCF hoped to effectively support the conservation efforts for the Malayan tiger at MTCC.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Currently on-going until 2026.
NECAP 2.0
PERHILITAN
National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0, PERHILITAN)
BRIEF PROJECT
The National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP 2.0) for Peninsular Malaysia (2023-2032) was developed based on the current status of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) conservation, addressing threats and management challenges in the region. It aligns with the government’s policies to ensure successful implementation. NECAP 2.0 is inclusive, involving the roles of all responsible parties. Its vision, “A healthy, sustainably managed and conserved elephant population for future generations,” is supported by five key objectives, ten strategies, and 26 actions, serving as the foundation for state-level plans. The purpose of this roadshow is to promote the plan and gather feedback and support from stakeholders at the state level.
Objectives of NECAP 2.0:
- Enhance knowledge and scientific foundations.
- Preserve and restore elephant corridors and habitats.
- Strengthen laws and enforcement.
- Improve governance of captive elephant management.
- Reduce human-elephant conflict and promote coexistence.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
Last roadshow will be done in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on 30th October 2024.
TABIN SUN BEAR PROGRAM (BSBCC)
Tabin Sun Bear Program (BSBCC)
BRIEF PROJECT
The Tabin Sun Bear Project (TSBP) is a long-term, field-based initiative focused on researching, rehabilitating, and reintroducing wild and rescued sun bears in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR) and nearby oil palm plantations. This project is part of BSBCC’s broader wildlife conservation efforts in these areas. BSBCC plans to build a Sun Bear Rehabilitation and Research Field Station at the TWR Headquarters to serve as a permanent base for the project.
The primary goals of the field station are:
- Rehabilitation: Provide a base for conducting walk/soft releases of sun bear cubs.
- Rehabilitation: Establish a quick-response team for procedures or emergencies involving released bears using the BSBCC/Natalie method.
- Research: Collect extensive data on wild sun bears and their interactions with oil palm plantations.
- Anti-Poaching: Strengthen anti-poaching efforts in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
- Bear-Human Conflict: Serve as the first response team for sun bear-human conflicts in oil palm plantations.
PROGRESS AND PERIOD DATE
The latest budget is currently being updated by Dr. Wong from BSBCC.
