NYRE 2024 Article (18-25 years old)

Written Article

First Place (18-24 Years Old)

#NYRE2024

The Malayan Tapir: Nature’s Gentle Guardian on the Brink

Imagine wandering through the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, where the air is thick with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Amidst this verdant paradise roams the Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus), a gentle giant with a striking black and white coat that looks almost otherworldly. Sadly, this remarkable creature faces an existential threat from habitat loss and biodiversity decline, making it a powerful symbol of the urgent need for environmental conservation (Suwannaphong et al., 2024). This article delves into the impact of habitat loss on the Malayan Tapir and the broader implications for biodiversity.

The Role of the Malayan Tapir in the Ecosystem

The Malayan Tapir plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of its rainforest habitat. Often called the "forest gardener," tapirs help to disperse seeds through their droppings, promoting plant diversity and forest regeneration (O'Farrill et al., 2013). Their grazing habits also help to control the undergrowth, facilitating the growth of larger trees that form the rainforest canopy (Paolucci et al., 2019).

The Malayan tapir plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, acting as both a gardener and an engineer of its habitat (O'Farrill et al., 2013) (Figure 1). As a herbivore, the Malayan tapir consumes a variety of vegetation, including leaves, fruits and seeds. This dietary habit aids in seed dispersal, promoting forest regeneration and plant diversity (Simpson et al., 2014). The seeds that pass through its digestive system are deposited in new locations, often with a nutrient-rich layer of fertilizer, enhancing their chances of germination and growth. Furthermore, the tapir's movement through the forest creates pathways that other smaller animals can use, contributing to the structural complexity of the habitat (O'Farrill et al., 2013). The presence of tapirs helps maintain the ecological balance, ensuring the health and sustainability of tropical forests (Paolucci et al., 2019).

Figure 1: Habitat of Malayan Tapir
(Source: animalspot.net website)

Impact of Deforestation

However, extensive deforestation and agricultural expansion have severely disrupted the natural habitats of the Malayan Tapir (Samantha et al., 2020). The Malayan Tapir, native to southern Thailand and Myanmar, thrives across the Malayan Peninsula and Sumatra (IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 2024). These remarkable creatures make their home in lush rainforests and lower montane forests, displaying an impressive adaptability by flourishing in secondary and regenerating forests (Traeholt, Carl & M., Mohd. 2009; García et al., 2012). Their presence in these rich, diverse ecosystems underscores the tapir’s resilience and vital role in the natural world (IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 2024) (Figure 2). The primary homes of this species such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia have seen vast areas of rainforest cleared for oil palm plantations and urban development (Magintan et al., 2012; Agha, 2024; Gunawan et al., 2024; Zanuari et al., 2024). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of Malayan tapirs has declined by over 50% in the last three decades due to habitat destruction (IUCN, 2020). This not only threatens the tapir but also endangers countless other species that rely on the same environment.

Figure 3 shows the deceased Malayan Tapir by the roadside is a stark reminder of the severe impacts of deforestation and road construction on wildlife. As forests are cleared for development, roads and other linear infrastructures carve through once- continuous habitats, fragmenting ecosystems and creating hazardous zones for animals (Gunawan et al., 2024).

Studies highlight how roads facilitate destructive colonization and exploitation of forested areas, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts and roadkill incidents (Underhill, J & Angold, P., 2011; Kleinschroth & Healey, 2017). Tapirs, along with other tropical species, often fall victim to these newly created dangers as they attempt to navigate fragmented landscapes. The loss of continuous forest cover not only forces animals to cross dangerous roads but also increases their exposure to poaching and predation. (Underhill, J & Angold, P., 2011; Chen, 2016; Kleinschroth & Healey, 2017).

Figure 2: Distribution of Malayan Tapir in the world
(Source: Map from Carlos Pedraza, Tapir Specialist Group, 2008)

Figure 3: A male tapir weighing 350 kilograms was found dead by the roadside in front of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Polytechnic (PSMZA)
(Source: Badely Aizan Mustapha Facebook page)

Consequences for Biodiversity

The loss of habitat for the Malayan Tapir has broader implications for biodiversity (Suwannaphong et al., 2024; Lim et. al, 2023). As forests are fragmented and diminished, the intricate web of life they support begins to unravel. Species that depend on large, contiguous tracts of forest for their survival, such as the Malayan Tapir, faces increased competition for dwindling resources (Underhill, J & Angold, P., 2011; Chen, 2016; Kleinschroth & Healey, 2017). This leads to a cascade of ecological consequences, ultimately resulting in a loss of biodiversity that can destabilize entire ecosystems (Gunawan et al., 2024).

When the forests are fragmented due to deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure development, the tapirs and other species are forced into smaller, isolated patches of habitat. This fragmentation not only reduces the available habitat but also impedes the movement and genetic flow between populations, leading to increased vulnerability to extinction (Underhill, J & Angold, P., 2011; Chen, 2016; Kleinschroth & Healey, 2017; Gunawan et al., 2024). Moreover, the fragmentation of habitats can alter microclimates and disrupt ecological processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling (Bennett & Saunders, 2011; Mitchell, 2015; Mullu, 2016).

Innovative Conservation Strategies

Despite the grim outlook, there are efforts underway to combat habitat loss and protect the Malayan Tapir. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are actively involved in reforestation projects and the creation of wildlife corridors that allow tapirs to move safely between fragmented habitats.

Innovative conservation strategies, such as the wildlife corridors as in figure 4 allow animals to safely move between fragmented habitats, ensuring genetic diversity and reducing human-wildlife conflicts (Rytwinski et al., 2015; Shafaghat et al., 2022; Gracanin et al., 2023; Tantipisanuh et al., 2024). Innovative conservation strategies are also being explored to monitor and protect tapir populations (IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group, 2015; Lim et. al, 2023). For example, satellite imagery and drones are used to track changes in forest cover and detect illegal logging activities (Machida & Andrade, 2022; Granados-Bolaños et al., 2024; Buchelt et al. 2024; Williams 2024). Community engagement and education programs play a vital role in fostering local support for conservation efforts. By involving local communities, conservation initiatives can achieve more sustainable and long-lasting results (Azman, 2010; Dawson, Neil et al., 2021; Gani et al., 2023; Nkansah-Dwamena, 2023; Sapkota, 2024).

Conclusion

The Malayan Tapir’s survival is intricately linked to the health of its rainforest habitat. Protecting this species requires concerted efforts to address habitat loss and promote biodiversity. By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives, we can help ensure a sustainable future for our country’s asset, the Malayan Tapir and the myriad other species that share its home. As a passionate advocate for wildlife, writing this article is my small contribution to my beloved country, Malaysia. Like a single drop that creates ripples across a pond, I hope to inspire others to act and preserve the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems before it is too late.

Figure 4: (a) The animal bridge, USA; (b) The green bridge, Germany

(Source: Rytwinski et al., 2015)

(a)

(b)

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Narrshen A/L Thevarajan

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia