Malayan Tapir Conservation Initiatives and Its Challenges in Peninsular Malaysia

The Malayan tapir, one of the big five mammals found in Peninsular Malaysia faces significant conservation challenges in its last remaining stronghold in Peninsular Malaysia. This paper examined the ongoing efforts to protect this unique and endangered species. It explored the key conservation initiatives undertaken by the government at multiple levels including habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, and public awareness campaigns. The paper also delves into the challenging obstacles these initiatives face, such as deforestation, fragmentation of tapir habitats, human-tapir conflict, and roadkills. The National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 has been developed and approved by the government to ensure the conservation of biodiversity in Malaysia is strengthened and the plan has been to align with the newly adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030. The establishment of the Malayan Tapir Conservation Action Plan (MATCAP) 2021-2030 has provided direction and guidance toward the conservation of the Malayan tapir in Malaysia. Drawing on scientific research and stakeholder perspectives, the paper provides a thorough current state of Malayan tapir conservation in Peninsular Malaysia and identified critical areas that require immediate attention and action. The findings aim to inform policymakers, conservationists, and the public about the need to strengthen and expand conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of the iconic Malayan tapir.