KOTA KINABALU: September 1 is World Primate Day, and the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) wishes to remind the public of the importance of these species.
SWD director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said that while the presence of primates was often seen as troublesome and could sometimes cause distress in communities, it was essential to recognise the vital role they play in maintaining healthy forests and ecosystems.
“Primates, such as orangutans, macaques, gibbons, and many others, are among our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
“Many see them as troublemakers, but often overlook their true importance in nature,” he said when contacted on Sunday (Sept 7).
Mohd Soffian stated that primates play a crucial role in maintaining healthy forests by dispersing seeds, supporting forest regeneration, and promoting biodiversity.
“Protecting them also preserves ecosystems, benefits communities, and safeguards our natural heritage,” he said, adding that all these were important to help maintain balance in the overall ecosystem.
He said that the SWD, through its Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU), responds to numerous cases involving primates, including rescues, relocations, research assistance and conflict mitigation, annually.
“The WRU educates communities about the importance of primates, fostering awareness for coexistence, and preventing illegal activities through impactful programs and campaigns,” Mohd Soffian said.
They also assist in field studies by providing expertise in primate handling, which helps facilitate the collection of data on primate populations, behaviour and health to support conservation efforts, he said.
He said in mitigating conflicts, WRU rangers work with other agencies and communities to reduce human-primate conflicts through practical solutions, such as the installation of traps.
In cases needing translocation, rangers relocate primates from human settlements or conflict areas to safe and suitable natural habitats, said Mohd Soffian.
“If there are injured or primates in distress, sick or orphaned, our WRU rangers are tasked with ensuring they receive proper care before rehabilitation or release back into the wild is allowed,” he explained.
“In conjunction with World Primate Day, let us be reminded of our shared responsibility to safeguard these species and the forests they call home and join hands in safeguarding them to keep our nature alive and thriving,” he urged.
