By: Zaki Salleh
(Photo & text: Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak)
GERIK: The Patron of the Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak, the Raja DiHilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain, graced the Royal Belum State Park to officiate the Deer Release Programme aimed at conserving food sources for the Malayan tiger.
The programme marked the first collaboration between Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak and the Taiping Municipal Council through Zoo Taiping.
Both entities contributed two sambar deer and three wild boars to be released into their natural habitat.
The initiative aims to strengthen the population of prey species as a food source for the Malayan tiger within the Royal Belum forest area, thereby supporting efforts to conserve the endangered species from extinction.
Also contributing and supporting the programme were the State Economic Planning Unit, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia, the Sultan Idris Shah II Foundation, WWF-Malaysia, as well as the local community.
During the visit, His Royal Highness also toured the nursery site in Kampung Klewang and the wildlife grazing grounds at Sungai Tiang.
The visit was further enhanced by the striking phenomenon of the forest canopy changing colour from yellow to red, the discovery of wildlife traces such as gaur, deer and barking deer, as well as the sighting of a large crested hawk-eagle nesting by the lakeside.
The programme reflects the continued commitment of multiple parties to strengthen the forest ecosystem and ensure balance within the food chain for the survival of the Malayan tiger in its natural habitat.
Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak also expressed its utmost gratitude for the presence and continued support of the Raja DiHilir of Perak towards wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives in the state.
