Latest news with #humanwildlifeconflict
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysia records RM46.5m losses from 66,825 human-wildlife conflict complaints since 2020
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 20 — A total of 66,825 human-wildlife conflict complaints with an estimated loss of RM46.5 million have been recorded from 2020 to last year. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the significant increase involved animal species such as macaques, elephants, wild boars, Malayan tigers and tapirs. He said in Johor alone, 7,996 complaints were recorded with a total loss of RM6.88 million. 'We need an integrated action, involving all parties to resolve this issue and a more thorough and effective approach to deal with the human-wildlife conflict. 'This issue is an urgent matter as we have seen several issues that have gone viral lately,' he said at a press conference after officiating the launch of the Johor State Human-Elephant Conflict Special Committee and a dialogue session with the Minister of NRES, here today. Also present was the state Health and Environment Committee chairman, Ling Tian Soon. Nik Nazmi said the ministry had implemented various efforts to address human-wildlife conflict, especially elephants. According to him, this included preserving the Central Forest Spine and increasing protected areas under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) for Biodiversity Conservation. 'When the government introduced EFT, we saw an increase in protected areas in the sea and on land, (to date) with a total area of 300,000 hectares. 'Of that total, 90,000 hectares involve land, of which 14,000 hectares have been gazetted as Permanent Forest Reserves,' he said. Earlier, Nik Nazmi welcomed the efforts of the Johor state government, which took proactive steps to establish a committee to coordinate actions to manage elephant-human conflict in the state in an integrated and systematic manner. He said the strategic move should be used as an example for other states to increase the effectiveness of efforts to address human-wildlife conflict. — Bernama
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists capture astonishing first-of-its-kind footage from the point of view of wild leopards: 'An intimate glimpse'
Scientists have captured remarkable footage showing the world through the eyes of wild leopards, giving us an exciting new way to protect one of India's most misunderstood animals. The Wildlife Institute of India has successfully used camera collars on leopards for the first time in the country, in Maharashtra's Junnar region, News18 reported. The project offers a unique view into how leopards navigate their world, particularly in areas where they live close to humans. WII scientist Bilal Habib and his team collected three months of video footage that will help researchers understand leopard behavior in sugarcane fields, where the cats often hide. This technology is an advancement in wildlife research, evolving past traditional radio collars to see what the animals see. These camera collars can change how we manage human-wildlife conflicts in agricultural communities. For the people of Junnar, located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the city of Pune, this research could help reduce dangerous encounters with leopards. Last year alone, seven people lost their lives in leopard incidents over just eight months. By understanding how leopards use the landscape, researchers can develop better safety measures for both the cats and local farmers. The video footage helps conservationists design more effective solutions like properly placed solar fencing, which protects families while allowing leopards to thrive in their natural habitat. "We have video footage that was recorded by the camera collar over a period of the last three months. We will analyze the data (that will be helpful to understand the behavior of leopards)," said Habib, who is leading the project. The team has been working in Junnar since 2019 and has identified 14 leopards in the area, with 13 receiving traditional radio collars and one getting the experimental camera collar. "For the first time in India, a camera collar has captured the world through the eyes of a wild leopard," Habib shared on social media, per News18. "This groundbreaking footage offers an intimate glimpse into the life and landscape of one of India's most elusive big cats — a remarkable step forward in blending science, technology, and conservation for deeper understanding and coexistence." Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Otter bites woman at Singapore's Robertson Quay, National Parks Board steps up patrols
SINGAPORE, May 12 — A woman was bitten by an otter near Jiak Kim Bridge at Robertson Quay in Singapore yesterday, prompting authorities to cordon off the area and step up patrols. The National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed to The Straits Times (ST) that the location is a known habitat for smooth-coated otters with young pups. While it did not disclose how many otters were involved or the extent of the woman's injuries, it said members of the Otter Working Group rendered immediate assistance and are in touch with the woman's family. According to ST, the Otter Working Group comprises representatives from NParks, PUB, Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, and other partners. It was formed to monitor and manage Singapore's otter population amid growing human-wildlife encounters. 'To ensure public safety, NParks has stepped up patrols in the area and installed additional signage to remind visitors to keep a safe distance from the otters, particularly near their nursing site,' said How Choon Beng, NParks' group director of wildlife management. 'Together with the Otter Working Group and our community of otter watchers, NParks monitors the otters regularly to better understand their population, distribution and movement patterns, and takes proactive measures to pre-empt or mitigate human-animal conflicts where possible.' How stressed that otters are generally curious animals and will not attack unless provoked or if they feel threatened. He warned that adult otters may become defensive if they perceive danger to their pups. The public is urged not to touch, feed, chase or corner the animals, especially when pups are present. The incident comes amid past reports of similar encounters. In April 2022, a man was bitten on the calf while filming a large group of otters at Kallang Riverside Park. In another case in November 2021, a man was attacked by otters during a morning walk in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
