After 12 years of anti-poaching program and 6 years of habitat restoration effort, endangered wildlife species are showing signs of recovery in and around the most important wildlife corridor in Malaysia. In addition to sign surveys, we monitor the recovery and movements of rare rainforest mammals such as the Malayan tiger and sambar deer by using motion sensor camera traps. Wildlife monitoring is essential to test the efficacy of the conservation actions and guide future efforts.
Elusive rainforest mammals are notoriously difficult to observe. Identifying the tracks left by animals with padded feet and without protruding claws, such as of tigers, requires suitable substrate and special skills. Camera traps are an important standard tool but high attrition rates due to theft and vandalism means we often have to replace the damaged or stolen units. Many of our current cameras are old or refurbished units and we have no dedicated funds allocated for their replacement.
This project will enable us to purchase, power, and maintain 20 new camera traps, adding to the 50 units we currently own. The use of camera traps will detect species that are hard to monitor by tracks alone such as leopard cats, marbled cats, golden cats, clouded leopards, leopards, tigers, banded linsang, to name a few. Such photographic data are informing evidence-based decision making for conservation practice such as patrols and biodiversity conservation policies.
Wildlife monitoring is a component of the larger program that engages global citizens and local communities to protect and restore tiger habitat. Some volunteers and indigenous Community Rangers on anti-poaching patrols check cameras and are thrilled to know that a carefree tapir or a majestic Malayan tiger had wandered past. Besides supporting the livelihood of the Community Rangers, this visceral experience deepens the appreciation for our fragile wildlife and the importance of conservation.
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