KUALA LUMPUR: The crossing of paths by man and tiger in two instances this month in Terengganu and Perak has put the spotlight on the plight of the Malayan tiger.
Scientifically known as panthera tigris jacksoni, the Malayan tiger has been classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
No wonder there was much concern when a pregnant tigress died after being rammed by a MPV on the East Coast Expressway 2 in Terengganu on Feb 6.
On Feb 14, a tiger was caught in a wild boar trap near Tapah, Perak.
Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department deputy director-general 1 Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said a study undertaken two years ago revealed the existence of between 250 and 340 tigers in three major areas – the Belum-Temengor Tropical Forest in Perak, the National Park in Pahang and the Endau-Rompin Tropical Forest in Johor.
“This does not reflect the total tiger population in the country because there are jungles where no study has been made on these animals.”
Abdul Kadir said that between 2010 and last year, the department recorded 28 cases of tigers having been snared, killed, smuggled and people having tiger parts in their possession. — Bernama
