The Malayan Tiger >> The Malayan Tiger
THE MALAYAN TIGER
Panthera tigris malayensis
Until 2004, there were eight conventional classification of tigers. However, a test of the DNA of more than 130 tigers and tiger pelts raised sufficient evidence to classify the tigers in Malaysia a separate sub-species. Hence, the Malayan Tiger was "re-born" as the ninth tiger sub-species.
Breakthrough Study
When the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity conducted a genetic study on more than 130 tigers and preserved tiger pelts from around the world in 2003-04, researchers found sufficient evidence to distinguish the tigers found in Malaysia from its cousins of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. The Laboratory, which is part of the US-based National Cancer Institute, conducted the study to identify distinct patterns of variation with gene families to recreate the evolution and distribution of the tiger. While their subsequent DNA analysis supported traditional sub-species designation, they also suggest that the tigers found in Malaysia are sufficiently diverse from the Indo-Chinese Tiger (P.t. corbetti).
The Ninth Sub-species
As a result of the study conducted by the Laboratory of Genomic Study, it was announced that there was sufficient evidence to distinguish the Malayan Tiger from the Indo-Chinese Tiger variety. As such, the Malayan Tiger has become the ninth sub-species of tiger and officially known as the Malayan Tiger.
Malaysian Protests
The remarkable "discovery" of the Malayan Tiger's diversity from its northern cousin was greeted warmly in Malaysia, as one would expect. However, a debate has begun over the scientific naming of the Malayan Tiger. Researchers had proposed a name to recognize the Peter Jackson's work with big cats: Panthera tigris jacksonii.
However, the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA) and, subsequently, the Government of Malaysia have petitioned that Malaysia should have been consulted over the naming of its own icon and that the tiger be named after its geographical region. In Malaysia, therefore, the Malayan Tiger is known as Panthera tigris malayensis.
Protection of Tigers in Malaysia
As a recently as the 1950s, bounties were still awarded by the Malaysian Government for dead tigers. In 1955, however, the tiger was upgraded from a pest to a game species. Regardless, hunting of tigers continued to be legal, although hunters would have to apply for applicable licenses. In 1976, tigers were elevated to a totally protected species under the Protection of Wildlife Act, 1972, which prescribes monetary fines and jail-term sentences for unauthorized shooting, killing and/or trade in tigers, in whole or in parts. Between 1970 and 1993, for instance, South Korea imported nearly 9,000 kg of tiger bones, representing an equivalent to 700-900 tigers.
Survival Instinct
Today, the Malayan Tiger is survived by less than 500 tigers in Malaysia's wild. (At the first writing of the content for this website in 2005, estimates were placed at 600.)
Wildlife conservation programs have improved the awareness of tiger issues and conflicts and have resulted in a number of companies taking a more active role in the conservation of tigers. While Malaysia's remaining pockets of forests may not encourage larger tiger populations, existing legislation should protect and maintain the current population of tigers provided authorities control illegal logging and poaching more effectively.
The Largest Captive-breeding Facility
As Malaysia is the only known domain of the Malayan Tiger, we are also home to the largest captive breeding facility for Malayan Tigers at Zoo Melaka. In the last decade, the zoo has bred more than 40 Malayan Tiger cubs, many of which have been sent to other zoos around the world including the United States, Germany, throughout Asia and Australia.
The Iconic Symbol
In Malaysia, the tiger has been regarded as a symbol of strength, power, mystery and tenacity with a number of corporations encompassing the traits of the tiger in their corporate identity. As it has been incorporated into the logo of Los Tigris Malaysia, the company that sponsored this site, it is also seen in the corporate logos or identities of Malayan Banking Berhad, Asia Telecommunications and a host of other Malaysian companies. Two tigers have also been incorporated into Malaysia's Coat of Arms.
Tiger-Human Conflicts
The tiger's reputation as a man-eater is derived from the thousands of people killed over the years. While humans are not the natural prey of tigers, various circumstances can lead to this conflict. Aged , sickly or injured tigers would find humans easy prey. While Malaysia has reportedly the lowest incidence of tiger conflicts and man eaters, loss of habitat (resulting in the shortage of food) will lead a tiger closer to human habitat. While this record is impressive for a tiger country, they do not necessarily mean that we are free from a shift towards more incidences. With plantation owners still lacking the education to keep their lands clear and continuing loss, there is an inherent and urgent need to address concerns that may lead to a higher incidence of tiger conflicts.
Updated January 26, 2011
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