Sign in Subscribe
Traffic accidents

Wildlife Corridors: A Lifeline for Malaysia's Critically Endangered Species

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Malaysia's expanding road network has led to an alarming rise in wildlife-vehicle collisions, with devastating consequences for animals and ecosystems. However, in a heartening turn of events, various initiatives have been introduced to mitigate this issue and provide critical wildlife corridors for the country's threatened species. From the construction of wildlife box culverts to the installation of eco-viaducts and artificial canopy bridges, Malaysian authorities and conservationists are working together to safeguard the habitats of Malaysia's iconic wildlife.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia has a pressing need for wildlife corridors to protect its critically endangered species, with many animals being forced to navigate treacherous human-dominated landscapes in search of food, water, or mates.
  • India, Norway, Canada, and the United States have implemented successful wildlife corridor projects, demonstrating the effectiveness of these conservation efforts.
  • Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has committed to building 27 Wildlife Box Culverts (WBCs) along its 665-kilometre route, with 11 of these structures located within the Kemasul Forest Reserve.
  • The West Coast Expressway (WCE) has installed two large animal box culverts at KM248.3 and KM249.7, as well as PVC-coated chain-link fencing and raised barriers to prevent animals from wandering onto the tarmac.
  • The Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway and the East Coast Expressway have also included wildlife underpasses and viaduct systems to reduce the risk of animal-vehicle collisions.
  • The Central Spine Road features eco-viaducts that span 900 metres at Sungai Yu in Kuala Lipis, providing a vital passageway for species like tapirs, sun bears, and elephants to travel between fragmented habitats.
  • The Langur Project Penang has constructed Malaysia's first artificial canopy bridge, which has recorded over 2,100 crossings by langurs, long-tailed macaques, and plantain squirrels since its installation.
  • Sabah Softwoods Berhad has created a 14-kilometre wildlife corridor in Brumas, Tawau, designed to redirect elephant movement away from plantation areas and reduce human-elephant conflict.

Statistics:

  • Malaysia's roads are home to over 50 million vehicles, posing a significant threat to the country's wildlife.
  • Between 2021 and 2022, there were at least 10 reported cases of elephant-vehicle collisions in Malaysia.
  • In 2022, the Sabah Softwoods Berhad wildlife corridor in Brumas, Tawau, was completed to reduce human-elephant conflict.
  • Since 2022, the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) has launched a campaign to encourage oil palm plantation owners to coexist with wildlife within their plantation landscape.
  • The Langur Project Penang's artificial canopy bridge has recorded over 2,100 crossings by langurs, long-tailed macaques, and plantain squirrels since its installation.

Sources:

  • Malay Mail
  • HT Digital Content Services
  • Malaysian Rail Link (MRL)
  • Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan)
  • China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL)
  • Langur Project Penang
  • Sabah Softwoods Berhad
  • Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF)

Read more