Conservation

How to save them

In Malaysia, the list of declining and endangered species includes a host of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes as well as other little-known wildlife. The last one-horned Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is believed to have been shot in 1932. Its relative, the two-horned Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), is also on the brink of extinction. The banteng (Bos javanicus) is believed to be extinct in Peninsular Malaysia. Hunting has also eliminated one beautiful bird, the Javanese green peafowl (Pavo muticus). Other imperilled species can only be assured of a future with conservation programmes.

The question often asked is: Can the declining and endangered species hold their own in the face of the agricultural, industrial and other developments that are taking place at an ever-increasing pace? It is believed that if swift and far-sighted actions are taken in conjunction with careful economic and development planning, Malaysia will be able to perpetuate its splendid natural heritage.

Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak each have separate laws to protect their wildlife. The main laws enacted for this purpose are the Protection of Wildlife Act (Peninsular Malaysia), the Fauna Conservation Ordinance (Sabah) and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance (Sarawak). However, laws alone will not ensure the survival of the species under threat. As long as wildlife exists there will be people determined to flout the law. Furthermore, Malaysia's wildlife species require specific habitats for their existence. Therefore, in addition to laws to protect individual species, the conservation of the whole community, habitat and ecosystem must be emphasized. Once the forest or other natural ecosystem is opened up for development, a great deal of the fauna and flora will perish due to the lack of suitable habitat. Thus, it is vital that more areas be permanently set aside as sanctuaries where Malaysia's natural heritage will be perpetuated.

It is inadequate to introduce laws prohibiting the killing or taking of wildlife. Much more important than laws is educating the general populace about all aspects of Malaysia's natural heritage, including the sustainable use of the natural resources of the country's rich biodiversity. This calls for an effective public extension programme to disseminate information on the value of nature and the importance of respecting it.

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