Keystone Species Play an Indispensable Role
Did you know the Critically Endangered Malayan Tiger is an example of a “ keystone species ” predator that is pivotal to maintaining the integrity of Peninsular Malaysia ’ s fragile biome ?
Keystone species can be any living organism , from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria , that hold a habitat together . There are three types of keystone species : predators , ecosystem engineers and mutualists . Predators maintain a healthy balance in ecosystems by regulating prey populations . Ecosystem engineers , like the beaver , alter habitat to create a healthy environment for other wildlife . Mutualists , like flowers and bees , act together in a symbiotic relationship for their mutual benefit .
Malayan Tigers play a vital role as a keystone species because of their major effect on prey . While these carnivores can kill prey much larger than themselves , including Water Buffalo , Gaur and rarely , Asian Elephants and rhinos , they prefer mammals the same weight as themselves , like the Sambar deer , Muntjac ( barking deer ) and Wild Boar . Accessibility to this robust prey base is essential for tigers to survive and reproduce . In Malaysia , male tigers require close to 19,000 acres to roam and kill between 50 to 60 of these ungulates — large mammals with hooves — per year .
Sadly , the benefits that keystone species provide are not always realized until they vanish . That is why Rainforest Trust is committed to preserving expansive habitat in Malaysia for these remarkable tigers before it is too late .
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