Malaysia Set To Ramp Up In-Situ Conservation Efforts of Malayan Tapir

In-situ conservation means the conservation of a species in its natural habitat and the maintenance and recovery of viable population of species in their original place.

According to a report in News Straits Times citing Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the ministry have come up with several initiatives to protect and preserve the endangered species.

He said these include bolstering the protection of habitats and ecological corridors, implementing an inventory, managing conflicts through rescue and relocation operations as well as putting up yellow transverse bars, solar amber light and wildlife crossing signages.

"In terms of ex-situ conservation, the Malayan Tapir breeding programme at the Wildlife Conservation Centre in Sungai Dusun, Selangor produced 18 tapirs in captivity.

"Another 14 tapirs that were rescued during conflict with humans have been released back to their natural habitat since 2008.

"Conservation efforts will be enhanced through the establishment of the Tapir Conservation Centre in Kenaboi, Negri Sembilan, that is expected to complete in 2025," he said as quoted in the report.

Takiyuddin also urged everyone to play their part in protecting the Malayan Tapir’s habitat.

The animal has been listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its Red List of Threatened Species dan Red List of Mammals for Peninsular Malaysia 2017.