Save the stripes: UMK’s research aims to increase the species’ numbers while maintaining the balance of the natural ecosystem.
KOTA BARU: A local university is conducting research on breeding Malayan tigers naturally and maintaining its natural food source in the wild through conservation.
The research by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s (UMK) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine aims not only to increase the population of the species, also known by its scientific name Panthera tigris jacksoni, but also to help maintain the balance of the natural ecosystem.
The faculty’s deputy dean (academic), Assoc Prof Dr Choong Siew Shean, said the research focuses on two main groups of tigers: those born and raised entirely in captivity, and those recently captured from the wild due to human-wildlife conflict.
“We observed clear behavioural differences between the two groups. Tigers born in captivity tend to be more docile and approachable, whereas those newly captured from the wild remain aggressive and easily stressed when encountering humans,” she told Bernama recently.
According to Choong, the study also examines the biological cycles and natural behaviours of the tigers during the mating period to enhance natural reproduction, without relying on assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination.
“Natural breeding is preferable as it allows tigers to express their instincts and natural behaviours.
“Tigers are solitary animals. If they are kept together for too long, they may become too familiar and lose interest in mating. We only bring them together when the timing is right,” she said.
She added that among the challenges in tiger conservation efforts are habitat loss due to logging, and agriculture and infrastructure development such as highways that fragment the animals’ natural range.
“Male tigers have larger territories and overlap with several female territories. But as the forest gets smaller, the chances of meeting a partner get slimmer. On top of that, poaching and wire snares remain serious threats,” she said.
She said the university is also expanding its conservation initiatives through a project to breed sambar deer as a natural food source for tigers in the wild.
“We recently received a grant from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and are collaborating with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to breed sambar deer,” she said, adding that sambar deer are crucial because they are one of the main prey species for tigers.
“When deer numbers decline, the entire food chain is affected,” Choong added.
She said the outbreak of African swine fever, which has reduced wild boar populations, further impacts the ecosystem as wild boars are also a key food source for large predators like tigers.
“When the food chain at the lower level is disrupted, such as when deer and wild boar decline, the disruption cascades up the food chain.
“Tigers, as a keystone species, depend on the balance maintained at the lower levels of the ecosystem,” she said.
She said efforts to protect the Malayan tiger must go hand in hand with raising public awareness on the importance of valuing and preserving natural resources.
“Starting with small actions, such as not wasting food and appreciating water resources, can help nurture a love for nature.
“When we learn to value these things at home, over time, we will also develop an affection for forests and the animals within them. Everything is interconnected.”
