CURRENT STATUS AND CONSERVATION CHALLENGES OF THE MALAYAN TAPIR (TAPIRUS INDICUS) IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), the only tapir species in Asia, is an iconic large mammal of Southeast Asian forests and an important indicator of ecosystem health. In Peninsular Malaysia, the species has experienced a substantial population decline over the past three decades and is currently classified as Endangered. This article reviews the conservation status of the Malayan tapir in Peninsular Malaysia by synthesising available information on population trends, habitat use, threats, governance frameworks, and conservation interventions. Current estimates suggest that only 700–800 individuals remain, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and urbanisation. Additional threats include road mortality, human–tapir conflict, and incidental capture in illegal hunting activities. The review highlights the role of national legislation, international agreements, and policy instruments such as the Malayan Tapir Conservation Action Plan (2021–2030) in addressing these challenges. Ongoing conservation efforts encompass habitat connectivity initiatives, law enforcement, ex-situ management, research, and community engagement. Strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving roadkill mitigation, and expanding long-term research and public awareness are essential to ensure the long-term survival of the Malayan tapir in Peninsular Malaysia.

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DR. DAVID BIN MAGINTAN

Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN)

Dr. David Magintan is a senior Wildlife officer in PERHILITAN. He has more than 20 years of experience in wildlife ecology, wildlife habitat management, in-situ and ex-situ conservation. He obtained his doctorate in 2017 from Univerersiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. His PhD research was on the impact of hydroelectric project, in Hulu Terengganu on Asian elephant movement and home range. Apart from that, his research and work interest also into the ecology Malayan Tapir. He was in charge of the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak from 2020 to 2022. Currently, he is positioned at the Ex situ Conservation Division, at the PERHILITAN headquarters.