HABITAT LOSS

100 years ago, Peninsular Malaysia was blanketed with natural forests. 

Today less than 44% remains.

 Development and roads have also fragmented the remaining forests. What is left today are islands of jungle. Agricultural development is the biggest cause  for this loss of habitat especially from oil palm plantations.  

Our forests are also under threat from timber latex plantations and durian plantations. Deforestation or habitat loss was a major reason for falling tiger numbers.

POACHING

Every part of the tiger is in demand from its 

whiskers, claws, teeth, meat, skin and bones. 

It is traded in illegal wildlife markets and their parts are used for unsubstantiated traditional medicines and as status symbols among Asian cultures.

Snares are the weapons of choice for the poacher - they are cheap and easy to set.  The caught animal can suffer for days - some animals simply gnaw off the part of their leg caught in the trap and they are left limping for life. Others eventually die from hunger, thirst, blood loss or an infected wound.

LACK OF FOOD

The Tiger's preferred food is the Sambar Deer. 

The Sambar is big enough that it can sustain the tiger for at least 4-5 days before it needs to hunt again. While they are perceived to be excellent hunters, tigers will only succeed one in every ten attempts to result in a kill. This favourite food is now critically endangered in Malaysia especially outside the protected areas. The Sambar deer is being poached by the locals for its meat for consumption.

The wild boar, another favourite food for the tiger is also under threat from diseases such as the African swine flu. Tiger numbers can only bounce back sufficiently if there is sufficient prey.