TRAFFIC Raises Awareness of Poaching Threat in Wildlife Trade Hotspot

TRAFFIC Raises Awareness of Poaching Threat in Wildlife Trade Hotspot

Over a thousand residents in a poaching hotspot near an important protected area had their awareness raised during a three-day exhibit by TRAFFIC aiming to raise awareness of the threats illegal hunting and wildlife trade pose to endangered species.

The outreach program saw TRAFFIC set up booths at the night and morning markets in towns fringing the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex in northern Peninsular Malaysia, home to Tigers, Sun Bears, Asian Elephants and Gaur, all prime targets of poachers and illegal wildlife traders.

The forest complex shares an international border with Thailand, and is one of the three Tiger priority sites in Malaysia.

TRAFFIC staff and volunteers spoke to residents about provisions and penalties under Malaysia’s new Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 for poaching, illegal possession and trade of protected species and the use of snares.

They also addressed the prohibition on hunting Sambar and Barking Deer, both important Tiger prey species and among the most commonly poached animals in the area. As a result of poaching, Sambar populations in Malaysia are in serious decline.

The team promoted the Wildlife Crime Hotline, managed by the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), of which TRAFFIC Southeast Asia is a member. Residents were encouraged to contact the 24-hour hotline and report any information on poaching, the use of snares or illegal trade.

Posted by George Daniels on Wednesday June 20 2012, 4:46 AM EST. Ref: Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), et al. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0