mns perak banner

Activities Report 1999 Nov Newsletter

Step up efforts to capture tigers


     The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) views with concern the reported attacks on cattle by tigers in the Felda Chini Dua settlement. Tigers are protected but have become increasingly rare, especially with many of their natural habitats being turned into plantations or other development activities. Tigers may be forced to attack humans or live stocks if their habitats and prey are destroyed or if the tigers have been wounded.
     MNS understands well the predicament the settlers at the FELDA scheme are going through. No one wants wild tigers roaming near their home, and even worse start attacking humans. However, MNS feels strongly that the Wildlife Department (PERHILITAN) should step up its effort in capturing and relocating them to a wildlife reserve and thereby helping conserve the diversity important to our own survival.
     Tranquilisers should be used, as said by PERHILITAN as the last resort in capturing these animals and handling of tranquilisers should be conducted by professionals only. More traps should also be set at strategic places to ensure a higher rate of success.
     Shooting of the tigers on sight with live bullets by non-professionals (i.e. untrained settlers) should be discouraged as this is dangerous. Warning shots should be fired instead and authorities should be immediately informed as shooting tigers or any large mammal requires proper training. If these tigers are wounded they would then turn on humans or the weaker animals i.e. the live stocks, and this would only worsen the situation. Tigers are on our national emblem and also are totally protected animals. They are an integral part of our natural heritage and it is therefore essential that we protect the tigers to conserve the diversity of life on earth. 


Back to 1999 November Newsletter index 
[ Back to MNS Perak Home ]

Created on 11th Nov 1999