Elephants Are Now The Next Species In Line Facing Extinction In Malaysia

According to statistics provided the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN), the number of deaths of different wildlife species are increasing year by year, Harian Metro reported.

The latest records show 7,451 deaths in 2017, 6,767 in 2016 and 6,258 in 2015.

In fact, Selangor, Johor and Perak are the three states that experienced the highest number of wildlife deaths, recording 1,745, 1,616 and 792 respectively.

Last week, we reported that the Sumatran rhino is now officially extinct from the wild.

Hence, Perhilitan is doing their level best to prevent the same outcome for the pangolins, Malayan tigers and the banteng, which are categorised as critically endangered species.

​Besides the said species, Perhilitan are focusing on other animal species that are also facing extinction.

According to Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, the number of elephants left in Peninsular Malaysia are now between 1,000 and 1,100, followed by 150 to 200 gaurs, less than 200 tigers, 700 to 800 tapir, 350 to 400 sambar deer, 200 to 500 serows, and 20 to 30 milky storks.

"Although various promotional strategies and awareness programmes have been executed every year, illegal poaching and wildlife trade are still the main problem," he added.

If nothing else gets done, the situation will continue to deteriorate year after year and we really don't want that.

We can't keep pointing fingers at organisations like Perhilitan to carry the burden. Everyone has a role to protect the Earth and its inhabitants.