THE forest reserves around Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu teem with wildlife. Aside from the 230 bird species which the area is known to harbour, research group My Rimba in recent surveys has recorded at least 19 mammal species in the area.
Their camera traps have captured stunning images of various rare and endangered species. In one picture, a female Asian elephant and her calf, their eyes shining in the flash of the camera, are seen making their way through leaf litter. In other images, tigers, sun bears, clouded leopards, tapirs and serows make up more of the jungle milieu.
For most of these animals, a large expanse of habitat is crucial for populations to remain viable in the long term. But their habitats are being cut up by advancing development. In addition to being a barrier for animals to reach resources such as food, shelter and mates, isolated and fragmented habitats pose a threat to the healthy mixing of populations. A genetically diverse pool of individuals is needed to avoid the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.
Camera trapping is vital for estimating wild popualtions of elusive mammals. Without evidence of the existance of these animals protection of these magical biodiverse rainforests is impossible. Without the pictures these animals will be gone!
Help Rimba by funding camera traps so they can expand their work to other areas in Malaysia. 1 cameratrap costs £300 but donations of any size are most welcome and Rimba will issue you with a report on the images the camera you funded has taken.