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Catwalking in the wild

Catwalking in the wild

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Malayan tiger

(Panthera tigris ssp. jackson)

The IUCN Status

LC Least Concern
NT
VU
EN
CR Critically Endangered
EW
EX Extinct
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.

LC

Least Concern

At relatively low risk of extinction

NT

Near Threatened

Likely to become vulnerable in the near future

VU

Vulnerable

At high risk of extinction in the wild

EN

Endangered

At very high risk of extinction in the wild

CR

Critically Endangered

At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild

EW

Extinct in the Wild

Survives only in captivity

EX

Extinct

No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity

When we hear the term “catwalk” today, the first thing that often comes to mind is modelling and the fashion runway. For the past seven years, however, a very different sort of catwalk has been happening – a walk to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger.

Tigers on the brink

Once found throughout the forests of Peninsula Malaysia and Singapore, the Malayan tiger has fallen victim to the illegal wildlife trade and shrinking habitats due to agricultural expansion, leading to its dwindling population.

Today, there are less than 300 wild tigers left, a far cry from the 3,000 that were around in the 1950s.

Losing the tiger – an apex predator and keystone species - will not only mean the disappearance of this charismatic creature, but it will also disrupt the delicate balance of the Malayan forest ecosystem. The ripples of this domino effect will be felt by all.

The protection of local and regional biodiversity is one of the key focuses of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). Over the past 10 years, we have supported more than 50 projects through project funding or capacity building. One of these projects is the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), the pioneer collaborative partnership between several Malaysia-based NGOs and the Malaysian government, which focuses exclusively on the conservation of Malayan tigers and their habitats. Since its formation in 2003, MYCAT has changed the landscape of Malayan tiger conservation with the development of the vital National Tiger Conservation Action Plan. It has successfully campaigned for better wildlife laws and raised public awareness of the challenges the tiger is facing via outreach activities.

CAT walking

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A unique MYCAT initiative that marries conservation, citizen science and recreation is the Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) walk – a guided anti-poaching surveillance trek through the Sungai Yu corridor, a critical link between the two largest tiger habitats in Peninsula Malaysia. The sheer presence of trek participants, also known as CAT walkers, deters illegal tiger poaching activity with minimal disturbance to wildlife. In addition, all eyes will be on the lookout for signs of tiger presence and illegal forest activities, and appropriate information will be passed to the relevant authorities. Through their first-hand experience, CAT walkers gain a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the tiger, while at the same time, enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the forest.

Realm of the tiger

Kumar, Mohan and Kughan, three keepers from our carnivore section, seized the opportunity to participate in the Realm of the Tiger programme in March 2017. This was an extended CAT walk targeted at the zoology community. Their excitement was palpable – they decided to head to Changi Airport at 11pm even though their flight to Kuala Lumpur (KL) was at 6am the next morning. A short flight and not-so-short car ride (the drive from KL to Taman Negara is around four hours) later, the trio finally reached their home for the next four days – the Sungai Yu corridor at the North-west border of Taman Negara National Park.
Led by tiger champion Dr. Kae Kawanishi, experienced MYCAT staff, Suzalinur and Ashleigh, as well as indigenous Batek guides, our courageous keepers trekked through the forest with bated breath. Will they meet a tiger? That was the question at the top of their minds. Kumar, Mohan and Kughan encountered many pug marks – elephants, tapirs, wild boars, sun bears and other signs of wildlife and checked and retrieved images from strategically placed MYCAT camera traps.
'

These camera traps were set up in 2012 and have provided valuable data and information not just on tiger activity, but also on overall wildlife and human activity in the surveyed areas.

Evidence of poachers was also present – a shotgun cartridge, an abandoned makeshift campsite, animal traps and snares as well as tree markings made by humans were found. It was sobering to see this first-hand, which has strengthened their resolve to protect the tiger.

Highlights of the trip

Night with wildlife

Night with wildlife

One of the highlights of the trip was the overnight back-to-nature stay in the forest. Sleeping under the stars, knowing that they were sharing the territory of tigers, elephants, bears and other amazing creatures was both exhilarating and humbling.

BBQ Batek-style

BBQ Batek-style

Our keepers also learnt more about the Batek way of life and their special relationship with the forest, when they visited their campsite and enjoyed dinner prepared in a traditional way. All three were struck by how much respect and love the Bateks have for the forest as well as their wealth of forest knowledge.

Reforestation eco-warriors!

Reforestation eco-warriors!

Kumar, Mohan and Kughan also had the opportunity to become reforestation eco-warriors and plant some trees! The forest at the Sungai Yu watershed was severely degraded and ‘Rewilding Yu’, a MYCAT reforestation project, was launched last year to address this.

Join us

The Realm of the Tiger adventure was filled with memorable experiences – bonds were strengthened, knowledge was shared, and sweat and blood were shed. Although Kumar, Mohan and Kughan did not encounter any tigers, they felt the force of the forest, and went home armed with a greater respect for the tiger.

Want to go on a CAT walk or join the CAT fight? Find out how at http://mycat.my/ and http://www.citizenactionfortigers.my!

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