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Hope for endangered big cat

KUALA LUMPUR: The critically endangered Malayan tiger population in Malaysia is slowly expanding, with an additional three cubs born in the wild earlier this year.

Footage of the cubs and their mother was captured by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in Taman Negara in April during its first National Tiger Survey programme.

The birth of the three cubs is a welcome surprise amid reports that the global Malayan tiger population is declining, bringing the known population of tiger cubs in the country to six. The three other cubs were born in captivity in Zoo Negara on May 1.

Perhilitan said the video footage showed that the mother, aged between 8 and 10 years, was pregnant back in January.

The cubs were clearly seen in the video footage, courtesy of the department’s wildlife tracking cameras.

“There are four tigers in the video, including a female tiger (mother) and three cubs. They are from the same family.

“The cubs are around 4 to 5 months old. It is estimated that they were born in February.

“The tigress and her cubs are healthy.

“Data gathered indicates active breeding populations in several protected habitats.

“The discovery of the tigress and her cubs represents Malaysia’s hope to save Malayan tigers.”

The Malayan tiger subspecies, or scientifically known as Panthera tigris jacksoni, was established in 2004; its name originated from renowned tiger conservationist Peter Jackson. The tigers are found only in Malaysia and in the southern tip of Thailand.

The “Save Our Malayan Tiger” campaign was launched in March by the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry to assist in tiger conservation efforts, especially through enforcement.

Op Belang was introduced to closely monitor tiger habitats to prevent illegal activities, such as encroachment, poaching and wildlife trade, especially those involving the Malayan tiger.

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