Collaboration vital in fighting wildlife crimes
NEWS of the 30-year-old male elephant found shot dead in Perak with its tusks and trunk removed is yet another devastating blow to the preservation of wildlife in this country.
However, swift action by both the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and the Royal Malaysia Police has resulted in the prompt arrest of four of the heavily armed poachers involved.
The group was found with deer antlers, suspected tiger bones, weapons (rifles and home-made shotguns) as well as animal snares.
While we mourn the loss of more Malaysian wildlife, WWFMalaysia wishes to highlight and commend the collaborative efforts of Perhilitan and the police in resolving this incident with the immediate arrests
Protecting our wildlife is truly a joint effort which requires collaboration across NGOs, government, corporate stakeholders and, in some cases, communities living within the area.
During the Royal Belum–WWF Conservation Summit held in November 2017, the state of Perak reiterated its commitment to achieving zero poaching by 2020.
This also echoes the outcome of the High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Tiger Conservation Efforts in Perak held in July 2017.
The announcement on arrests based on joint efforts by Perhilitan and the police is a strong testimony to the commitment from both parties in combating wildlife crime.
This is a step towards realising the collective vision of eradicating the threat of poaching once and for all.
Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is still one of the greatest threats to wildlife conservation in Malaysia, including the critically endangered Malayan tiger.
This trade operates globally and in the same way as illegal drugs and weapons – by international networks across the globe.
WWF-Malaysia has always advocated the need to have more intelligence-based and collaborative teams to support special operations, and this recent operation is a successful example of how joining forces and working together can enable the authorities to effectively cripple wildlife poaching in our country.
We strongly urge all Malaysians to be more vigilant, aware and practise intolerance towards wildlife crimes, and play an active role in the protection and conservation of our Malaysian wildlife for generations to come.
Please report wildlife crimes to the Wildlife Crime Hotline 019 356 4194.