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