KOTA KINABALU: A six-year camera-trap survey at eight protected areas in Sabah has led to a worrying discovery.
Based on a report compiled from the survey, researchers estimated there are around 750 Sunda clouded leopards in the State.
The study was recently published in the scientific journal Oryx, according to a joint press release from Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), United Kingdom's WildCRU and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC).
The study also found that changes to Sabah's forest landscape may be affecting the wild cats.
"Led by WildCRU researchers in collaboration with partners from SWD, DGFC , Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Panthera, the study provided first evidence that population density of this species is negatively affected by hunting pressure and forest fragmentation.
"We found poaching activity evidence in all forest areas with the lowest detection rates being in Danum and the highest in Kinabatangan," said WildCRU's Andrew Hearn, the first author of the paper.
DGFC director Dr Benoit Goossens said it is hoped the results of the study coupled with the action plan for Sunda clouded leopard currently drafted and scheduled to be launched early next year, will help manage the species in Sabah's forests.
"The fact that selectively logged forests provide an important resource for Sunda clouded leopards, suggests that appropriate management of these commercial forests could further enhance their conservation value.
"But the overriding priority for our wildlife managers is to reduce poaching pressure by reducing access to the forest interior along logging roads and by increasing enforcement patrols at strategic areas,” concluded Goossens.
ends.