[VIDEO] 4 Malayan Tiger Cubs Spotted In The Wild Renews Hope In Conservation Efforts
The tiger cubs were seen walking around with their mother.
By May Vin Ang — 07 Jul 2022, 05:06 PM
New images of a female Malayan tiger and her four tiger cubs in tow were captured on camera traps in the wild in Perak earlier this year
In a statement on Tuesday, 5 July, World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) said the photo shows three cubs walking in front of their mother, with her fourth cub, in partial view, on her right.
WWF-Malaysia executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) Sophia Lim said this was a welcome sight, given that there are currently fewer than 150 tigers in Peninsular Malaysia
"This latest development renews hope that this critically endangered species can be saved from the brink of extinction," she said.
"It is all the more crucial that we continue our patrols, to protect these cubs and their mother from the existing threats of poaching and loss of habitat."
WWF-Malaysia executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) Sophia Lim.
Image via WWF-Malaysia/New Straits TimesPerak State Parks Corporation (PSPC) director Shah Redza Hussein said the presence of these cubs also shows that tigers can breed and thrive in the Malaysian wild
"We need sustained and stronger anti-poaching efforts to ensure that these cubs are safe from poachers and can survive into adulthood," he said.
He added that, with support from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), WWF-Malaysia and PSPC's Orang Asli Menraq forest patrol teams constantly roam Royal Belum State Park, spanning 117,500 hectares, to keep poachers away from the endangered species.
"It's a collaborative effort. This sighting is proof that with a viable population — though small — tigers can still repopulate if their habitat, food, and safety are ensured," Shah Redza explained.
According to WWF-Malaysia, regular patrolling efforts have reduced poaching incidents by almost 98%
Stricter laws for wildlife crimes are also expected to take effect this month with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2020 (Act 716) bringing the maximum fine from RM500,000 to RM1 million for offenders.
Two other key milestones in stamping out poaching incidents were the establishment of the National Tiger Task Force headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the setting up of a Wildlife Crime Bureau under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) this year.
