HB funds TRAFFIC trade study of wild meat in Malaysia
Posted on: 04/08/2011
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An estimated 800 restaurants illegally serve wild meat from endangered species in Penninsular Malaysia. Hauser Bears has agreed to fund a crucial 18 month long research by TRAFFIC, on wild meat including sun bears in Malaysia, with the view to work towards eliminating illegal and unsustainable hunting and trade of wild meat in the country.
Hunting and trade of threatened species to supply the demand for wild meat appears to have increased dramatically in Malaysia, and across much of Southeast Asia, in recent years. Little is known about the nature of hunting in Malaysia, beyond that illegal hunting continues despite having adequate wildlife protection laws.
There have been few efforts to investigate and analyze this phenomenon in Malaysia and it therefore remains poorly understood. In contrast, much work has been carried out on the illegal and unsustainable hunting for wild meat, also known as bush meat, in Africa, where it is in heavy demand for sustenance. Wild meat appears to be largely consumed as a delicacy. It appears to have become fashionable to consume species, especially those considered rare or those protected by law, such as Tigers, Malayan Sun Bears, Serow and Sambar Deer. As it seems to be considered a symbol of status to do so, it appears that some people would deliberately purchase meat from protected species to impress peers.
The speed and efficiency in wild meat hunting has increased as access to both snares and guns, and to the forests themselves, have become easier. If effective and meaningful measures to enforce laws are not in place, wildlife will continue to be lost to poachers. Very little attention has been given to this trade or to enforcement of laws protecting the species involved. Though hunting in Malaysia is legally regulated by government agencies, the effectiveness of measures put in place to control hunting is questionable. Restaurants throughout Malaysia are found to offer wild meat, much of which is of threatened and protected species.
Preliminary surveys carried out by TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in 2006 found close to 800 restaurants in key towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia.
Hauser Bears approach is focussed on long term solutions and the results both academic and practical of this work will most certainly significantly improve the situation for sun bears and other endangered species in the region.
The objectives of the work are the following:
To increase and improve upon current information of the illegal trade of wild meat in Malaysia in order to assist enforcement agencies in eliminating the trade.
To work with relevant authorities in closing down restaurants in Malaysia illegally selling wild meat.
To make recommendations for improved policy and legislation regulating hunting and trade in Malaysia.
To raise awareness of the impacts of hunting and trade on the conservation of threatened species among key audiences in Malaysia.
NEWS ARCHIVE
WILDLIFE 1 FOUNDATION AND HB HAVE COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A RESCUE
FACILITY AND SANCTUARY FOR THE ABUSED BEARS OF THAILAND. HB PROVIDED FUNDS TO
BUILD THE QUARANTINE AREA, FIRST BEAR ENCLOSURE AND A MEDICAL CENTER TO ASSESS AND TREAT THE BEARS
Ursina and Berna, the two Swiss bear cubs born in the bear park in Bern in 2009 will stay in the park with their parents as per a solution created by Else Poulsen.
[More]An estimated 800 restaurants illegally serve wild meat from endangered species in Penninsular Malaysia. Hauser Bears has agreed to fund a crucial 18 month long research by TRAFFIC, on wild meat including sun bears in Malaysia, with the view to work towards eliminating illegal and unsustainable hunting and trade of wild meat in the country.
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