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An Introduction to Species Conservation in Malaysia |
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Photo credit:
Great Hornbill/Laurence Poh |
19-10-2006
Malaysia is known to be one of the twelfth richest megacentres for biodiversity in the world, possessing 80% of the earth’s biodiversity. It has been reported that Malaysia holds over 185,000 types of animal species and 15,000 of flowering plants (EPU, 1993).
Unfortunately, Malaysia is also listed as a biodiversity hotspot in the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red Data List, whereby Malaysia’s flora and fauna faces serious threats and has already lost about 70% of its original vegetation. Malaysia tops the list for threatened plants under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) are among the international bodies that assesses globally threatened species of flora and fauna.
Species are protected under various laws and legislations in Malaysia. There isn’t one comprehensive Act or Ordinance that encompasses protection for both flora and fauna as jurisdiction powers in Malaysia. As such, fauna protection is covered under the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972 (Peninsula Malaysia), Fauna Conservation Ordinance 1963 (Sabah) and Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1990 (Sarawak). These documents mainly provide protection for mammals, birds and some insects, but almost completely omits fish and most arthropods. While there are various governing laws in all three regions, there is still a lack in terms of protection of both flora and fauna. To address this in Peninsular Malaysia, the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972 is being revised.
A local body for assessing and compiling threatened and endangered species doesn't exist at the moment. Malaysia also does not have a single comprehensive mechanism or body in which to assess the state of flora, and thereby does not have a legislation to safeguard flora species. Flora species are only protected if they are within a Protected Area, such as a State/National Park or Forest Reserve.
To address this shortcoming, Malaysia has embarked on a national initiative to list flora species as according to the IUCN guidelines, which commenced in 2004.
Species protection needs much attention and support from all sectors within Malaysia. A cohesive effort is needed to ensure that species and their habitats receive the protection they require and do not face further threats.
MNS has long been involved in initiatives towards species and habitat protection; evident in our many projects, past and present:
· Rafflesia and Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing Conservation and Sustainable Use in Ulu
Geroh
· The Hornbill Project – Conservation of Globally Threatened and Near-Threatened
Hornbills in the Belum and Temenggor Forest Reserves.
· The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT)
· Study and Conservation on Fireflies at Kampung Kuantan, Selangor
· The Reintroduction Programme of the Globally Endangered Milky Storks.
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