Roaring efforts to save Malayan Tigers

On the 22nd of July 2023, the lush landscapes of Gua Kalong in Pahang witnessed a remarkable display of dedication and determination as the World Tiger Day celebration took place. Organized by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in partnership with the local community action group, Sahabat Raja Rimba, and generously supported by the Michelin Corporate Foundation, the event aimed to raise awareness about the critically endangered Malayan tiger and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Restoring vital habitat for tigers

The event’s focal point was the Sungai Yu Wildlife Corridor of the Central Forest Spine, an area that plays a vital role in providing a safe passage for wildlife, including the majestic Malayan tiger. However, this critical habitat has been facing degradation, threatening the already dwindling tiger population.

To combat this pressing issue, a group of ten dedicated women from Michelin Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. took on the challenge. Under the scorching sun, these women labored tirelessly, planting a total of 105 seedlings of various species. Their hands in the soil represented a powerful symbol of hope and rejuvenation for the forest and its inhabitants.

Importance of community involvement

The celebration continued at the Balairaya Kampung Berhamah, where a series of enlightening talks were held. Esteemed speakers from the local community, PERHILITAN Pahang, and MNS addressed crucial topics such as the significance of involving local communities in conservation efforts, the rising human-tiger conflicts, and the need for a collaborative, all-encompassing approach to halt the decline of the Malayan tiger population.

MNS, in particular, expressed their gratitude to the Michelin Corporate Foundation for backing their tiger conservation project in the heart of the tiger landscape.

“We hope that the actions taken today will bear fruit for our future generations,” MNS said in a statement.

Building a brighter future for the Malayan Tiger

World Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29th worldwide, and it holds profound significance in the efforts to preserve this magnificent but endangered big cat. The initiative was first observed in 2010 when it was discovered that 97% of all wild tigers had vanished in the past century, leaving only approximately 3,000 remaining.

Sadly, the Malayan tiger is facing an equally alarming decline. In the 1950s, there were around 3,000 of these majestic creatures, but today, their numbers have plummeted to fewer than 150 individuals in the entire country.

The planting of seedlings and the sharing of knowledge in Gua Kalong were just small steps, but they represented the beginning of a collective journey to safeguard the future of the Malayan tiger. Events like these ignite a beacon of hope, uniting organizations, local communities, and corporations in their joint efforts to reshape the destiny of the Malayan tiger.

As their collective roar reverberates through the Malaysian forests, there is a glimmer of possibility that this majestic creature’s presence will endure for generations to come.