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Their survival is threatened by the high demand for tiger parts which is used in traditional medicine. The relentless poaching that fuels the illegal wildlife trade, alongside other threats such as habitat loss, prey depletion and conflict with humans, have severely impacted the species.
Mandai Nature partners the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) to help ensure the species’ survival, through engaging and empowering the public to play their part in protecting wildlife.
In 2010, the group started the Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) walk, a unique MYCAT initiative that marries conservation, citizen science and recreation. This guided anti-poaching surveillance trek deploys volunteers through the Sungai Yu corridor, a critical link between the two largest tiger habitats in Peninsula Malaysia. The sheer presence of trek participants, also known as CAT walkers, deters illegal tiger poaching activity with minimal disturbance to wildlife. In addition, all eyes will be on the lookout for signs of tiger presence and illegal forest activities, and appropriate information will be passed to the relevant authorities. Through their first-hand experience, CAT walkers gain a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the tiger, while at the same time, enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the forest.
Since the CAT Walks were initiated, more than 2000 people from close to 40 countries have covered over 12,000km of the forest and disarmed more than 250 snares. In 2018, MYCAT also started working with the indigenous Bateq community to monitor remote areas not covered by volunteers. The consistent presence of CAT walkers has contributed to gradual reduction in threat and signs of wildlife recovery.
MYCAT is an alliance of the Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia, Wildlife Society of Selangor and WWF Malaysia, supported by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia for the recovery of wild tiger populations.
