Species at Risk
Protecting Malaysia ' s Catscape for Felines Large and Small
Peninsular Malaysia is the quintessential catscape — most notably for the Malayan Tiger , a distinct population of Tiger in Peninsular Malaysia that is considered critically endangered in its landscape .
Embraced by the South China Sea on the east and the Strait of Malacca to the west , this humid region hosts extraordinary biodiversity within a tapestry of old-growth , intact rainforests , grasslands , mangroves and mountainous regions . Dense cover , an abundance of prey and water sources , including Lake Kenyir in east-central Malaysia , create a rich environment for the Malayan Tiger and other felines .
Four natural forest complexes stretching from the north to the south punctuate this peninsula and together are known as the Central Forest Spine — the oldest forest on Earth and largest remaining forest block in Malaysia . This vast forest is also known as Peninsular Malaysia ’ s “ Green Lung ,” due to its ability to safely store massive amounts of carbon .
Not only a refuge for the Malayan Tiger , this rainforest overlaps the range of six other species of wild cats — large and small — including the Vulnerable Clouded Leopard , Mainland Leopard Cat , Flat-headed Cat , Marbled Cat , Asiatic Golden Cat and Critically Endangered Indochinese Leopard , making it one of the most cat-rich areas on the planet .
Threats
But Malaysia is on the brink of losing its magnificent tigers as logging and other exploitation fragment their rainforest home . Although deforestation rates have recently improved , because of continuing deforestation , urbanization , and illegal hunting for their body parts and the illicit wildlife trade , Malayan Tigers are retreating into isolated patches of forest . As their territory in Malaysia continues to be decimated , evidence suggests the tiger population continues its downward trend with fewer than 150 Malayan Tigers estimated to remain in the wild .
It is urgent that the remaining isolated forest islands are connected and safeguarded to save the Malayan Tiger , Malaysia ’ s national animal . A connected Central Forest Spine will allow tigers to range freely across protected areas of the landscape and hunt prey essential for their survival .
This globally important Tiger Conservation Landscape includes the vitally significant Taman Negara National Park — Malaysia ’ s first and largest park . It encompasses Peninsular Malaysia ’ s highest mountain , Mount Tahan . This sanctuary is home to essential prey for the Malayan Tiger . In addition to tigers , over 150 mammal species live in the more than 1-million-acre contiguous Taman Negara National Park including the Endangered Asian Elephant , Critically Endangered Helmeted Hornbill and Endangered Malay Tapir .
Adjacent to Taman Negara National Park , Kenyir State Park , a 2017 Rainforest Trust-supported project , safeguards 74,130 acres and is another important refuge for wildlife . This spectacular lowland and foothill rainforest has played an important role in the protection of the Tiger .
To further expand and fortify Malaysia ’ s tiger stronghold , Rainforest Trust and our partner , Panthera , are working to create the 102,905-acre Tembeling Protected Area . The project will secure this forest area and upgrade the protection status of the adjacent 229,636-acre Gunung Aais Forest Reserve , where no on-the-ground defense against poaching is present . This initiative is a significant step forward in a 20-year strategy to save the entire Central Forest Spine of Peninsular Malaysia for the Malayan Tiger and many other species of fauna and flora it shelters . This project also supports the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia ( 2008-2020 ).
Once this haven is conserved , tigers can move freely between fragmented ranges and maintain healthy genetic diversity within their population . With your help , we can preserve this irreplaceable “ catopia ” for the Malayan Tiger so it may stave off certain extinction , and thrive . malayan tiger | matthew t griffiths
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