Malaysia’s capture of tiger blamed for 2 deaths highlights conservation dilemma

Malaysian wildlife authorities have trapped a tiger which is believed to have mauled two people to death within a week in the northern border region with Thailand, where human encroachment into their forest territory has heightened conflict with the big cats.

The Malayan tiger is an important symbol in Malaysia, with two tigers appearing in its coat of arms and its national football team calling itself “The Malayan Tigers”. Despite the tiger’s iconic status in Malaysian culture, its dwindling population and increased interactions with humans reflect the growing challenges of conservation.

The tiger caught by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) was believed to have mauled a Myanmar man to death last Thursday at a workers’ quarters along the East-West Highway, which cut across the Belum-Temengor forest reserve area.

“When the capture was made, the tiger in question was in a healthy condition and based on preliminary observations, it was found that the wild animal is approximately eight to 10 years old,” Kelantan Perhilitan director Hafid Rohani said on Saturday.

The tiger was caught by a trap and would be sent to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC).