Haze threatens ecosystems, wildlife populations
KUALA LUMPUR: Transboundary haze not only threatens human health, but also has a long-term effect on the survival of ecosystems and wildlife populations due to habitat destruction and disruption of the respiratory system.
Transboundary haze is causing severe threats to ecosystems and wildlife populations in Malaysia, according to an expert at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Assoc Prof Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman explained that the primary concerns include habitat destruction, disruption of the respiratory system, chronic respiratory damage, decreased reproduction, dehydration, and loss of food sources for fauna.
Large mammals and primates like orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra are particularly at risk, facing respiratory tract infections and food scarcity due to forest fires. The haze also negatively impacts pollinating insects like bees and fireflies, as well as fruit-eating animals such as hornbills. Thick haze reduces visibility, increasing the likelihood of wildlife straying into human settlements or forest fringes, and leaving them vulnerable to poaching.
Haliza proposed establishing a multi-agency rapid response team, including the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), the Fire and Rescue Department, and NGOs, to mitigate these risks. She also suggested implementing wildlife rescue and relocation protocols, constructing emergency migration corridors, and utilizing an AI-based early warning system based on air quality sensors in forest reserve areas.
The Serian Division in Sarawak was recently declared a disaster emergency due to hazardous haze conditions, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reaching 514. Sultan Ibrahim consented to the emergency declaration after consulting with the Prime Minister, the Sarawak Premier, and relevant agencies about the air quality situation.
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