Protect the Malayan Tiger and restore its habitat

A part of MYCAT’s work in the Sungai Yu Wildlife Corridor is bringing together different  local communities in an effort to protect wildlife, the critically endangered Malayan Tiger included. 

Hairiel is from a small town north of the Wildlife Corridor. Being from the area, he is cognizant of the importance of the Sungai Yu Wildlife Corridor and how local communities can make a positive impact. “Protecting the forest here is not just one person’s responsibility. Everyone needs to have the awareness and take care of it together,” he says. 

As a Field Assitant for MYCAT Hairiel's tasks include processing patrol data from the Community Rangers, assisting the habitat restoration team and going through images captured on the camera traps. This work gives him the unique opportunity to bond with the indigenous Bateq that he works alongside to support. “Once I was patrolling the forest and it rained heavily and the ranger and I got soaked,” he recalls. “Even though we were cold, we still chatted and laughed.” 

Hairiel is also able to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. “I was so excited when I saw an image of a tiger captured in one of the camera traps," he shares. I probably wouldn't have the chance to see local wildlife, otherwise.” His greatest hope is to see the Sungai Yu Ecological Corridor free of poaching and illegal logging.

The camaraderie and mutual respect that comes from different communities working together to protect this important swathe of forest makes the stand they take a particularly meaningful endeavour. “We need to take responsibility for our forest,” Hairiel asserts. This is our duty as inhabitants of the world.”