- Joined
- Oct 26, 2008
- Messages
- 923
- Points
- 0
JOHOR BARU: Local researchers have managed to capture ground images of the spotted leopard, the first documentation of the animal in the country.
The image was captured using a state-of-the-art camera trap, specially designed to work under extreme humid conditions.
Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia programme director Dr Melvin T.Gumal said the images from the camera trap confirmed the existence of spotted leopards in the country.
“Previously, we have only heard of sightings of these animals but now we have documented proof that they exist,” he told reporters during the second two-day Taman Negara Johor Biodiversity and Conservation Symposium held here on Saturday.
He said the existence of spotted leopards in Malaysia had been a subject of huge debate with many researchers arguing that the country only had black leopards.
He added that this was because only pictures of black leopard had been captured in local jungles so far.
“With the usage of this camera, we are also confident that we will be able to document other animal species, which have not been previously recorded,” he said, adding that about 70 cameras worth RM480 had been installed in various areas in Taman Negara Johor.
“Based on our positive findings, researchers from India, Thailand and Indonesia have also requested for the same technology,” he said, adding that the camera, which was sponsored by Panthera and developed by the society, had yet to be patented.
He also added that constant support from the state government and programmes such as the symposium could help to advance flora and fauna research in the country.
State International Trade, Industry, Energy, Water, Communication and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said when launching the event that the research findings would eventually be forwarded to Johor government.
“Through these findings, we will be able to gauge the condition of our biological system and help us find solutions in enhancing our natural forests,” he said.
He added that the public also needed to play their part in environmental conservation by adhering to forestry regulations.
The image was captured using a state-of-the-art camera trap, specially designed to work under extreme humid conditions.
Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia programme director Dr Melvin T.Gumal said the images from the camera trap confirmed the existence of spotted leopards in the country.
“Previously, we have only heard of sightings of these animals but now we have documented proof that they exist,” he told reporters during the second two-day Taman Negara Johor Biodiversity and Conservation Symposium held here on Saturday.
He said the existence of spotted leopards in Malaysia had been a subject of huge debate with many researchers arguing that the country only had black leopards.
He added that this was because only pictures of black leopard had been captured in local jungles so far.
“With the usage of this camera, we are also confident that we will be able to document other animal species, which have not been previously recorded,” he said, adding that about 70 cameras worth RM480 had been installed in various areas in Taman Negara Johor.
“Based on our positive findings, researchers from India, Thailand and Indonesia have also requested for the same technology,” he said, adding that the camera, which was sponsored by Panthera and developed by the society, had yet to be patented.
He also added that constant support from the state government and programmes such as the symposium could help to advance flora and fauna research in the country.
State International Trade, Industry, Energy, Water, Communication and Environment Committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said when launching the event that the research findings would eventually be forwarded to Johor government.
“Through these findings, we will be able to gauge the condition of our biological system and help us find solutions in enhancing our natural forests,” he said.
He added that the public also needed to play their part in environmental conservation by adhering to forestry regulations.
