1,524 wild animal attacks since 2020, says Perhilitan
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Between 2020 and July 2023, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) documented 1,524 instances of human-wildlife conflict, resulting in 1,470 injuries and 54 fatalities, according to Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, Perhilitan's director-general. The escalating incidents are primarily attributed to diminishing natural habitats, land development, and habitat fragmentation, forcing wildlife to venture into human-populated areas.
Encouraging these conflicts are acts of feeding wildlife, especially primates, and inadequate waste management. Kadir highlighted the rapid breeding rates of primates, which contribute to their resilient population growth. Perhilitan has improved its reporting system due to heightened public awareness and easy access to complaint platforms.
To mitigate conflicts, the agency is increasingly relying on modern techniques, such as GPS satellite collars for monitoring elephant herd movements and thermal drones for early detection of wildlife intrusions. Camera traps assist in gathering data on animal behavior to implement precautionary measures. Kadir urged the public to report wildlife disturbances through Perhilitan's hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or its e-Aduan portal, discouraging self-initiated actions.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
