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.

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.

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.

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.

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!