Habitat fragmentation now main factor in human-wildlife conflicts Luqman Hakim, New Straits Times March 24, 2025 Habitat fragmentation is becoming the leading cause of escalating human-wildlife conflicts in Malaysia, says Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. He said the disruption of ecosystems not only isolates wildlife populations but also deprives them of food sources, forcing species such as elephants and tigers to venture into human settlements. "For elephants, it's the lack of vegetation, while for tigers, it's the dwindling population of prey animals like wild boar and deer. "To address this issue, the government has been implementing measures to address these challenges, including the construction of wildlife crossings. "This includes viaducts over major roads, and elevated infrastructure like the Central Spine Road, designed to allow animals to safely traverse fragmented landscapes," he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending a Concorde Club event with the media, titled 'Climate Change: The Future Of Malaysia', at Wisma Bernama here today. He added that another approach involves engaging palm oil plantation owners to establish wildlife corridors. "By maintaining forested strips within plantations, elephants are less likely to destroy crops. It's a win-win solution for both parties," he said. Nik Nazmi also raised ongoing discussions about repopulating forests with prey animals to sustain tiger populations, although he admitted the effort comes with challenges. "Releasing a single deer costs RM10,000, and we must ensure the species is natural to the ecosystem. It's not as simple as introducing domestic animals." He added that the government is focusing on educating the public about coexisting with wildlife and fostering a greater understanding of the issue, particularly in regions like Johor and Pahang, which are part of the Central Forest Spine. Efforts such as the Johor Elephant Sanctuary were also singled out as critical steps in managing conflicts. "The sanctuary is making progress with its food bank for elephants, but reconnecting fragmented habitats remains key to long-term solutions." https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/1192559/habitat-fragmentation-now-main-factor-human-wildlife-conflicts