Captive breeding a success but not all can be released

Daily Express

15-06-2025

Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 Text Size: Malayan Tiger (left pic) and Milky Stork. CAPTIVE breeding programmes aim to increase population numbers of threatened species under controlled conditions. In Malaysia, government-backed efforts through Perhilitan (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) and partnerships with zoos such as Zoo Negara Malaysia have focused on species like the Malayan tiger and milky stork. These controlled environments allow for the careful monitoring of health, genetic diversity and breeding success while also serving as valuable spaces for research and public education.
Advertisement Through coordinated national efforts, particularly by Zoo Negara and Perhilitan, captive breeding has resulted in measurable successes with several endangered species, notably the Malayan tiger, milky stork and false gharial, which have all seen population boosts within zoo facilities. The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) not only stands as a powerful national symbol but also as a grim reminder of how quickly a species can vanish. Fewer than 150 individuals are believed to remain in the wild, threatened by habitat fragmentation, poaching and a declining prey base. As such, Zoo Negara has made the Malayan tiger one of its conservation priorities. Over the years, it has successfully bred several tiger cubs under controlled conditions, ensuring careful attention to genetics, health and behavioural development. These births do more than grow numbers; they represent hope for future reintroduction programmes for a critically endangered population. The milky stork (Mycteria cinerea), which used to thrive in Malaysia's mangroves and wetlands, has also suffered due to rapid coastal development and habitat degradation. Now endangered, the species requires both habitat protection and population support. Zoo Negara has been a leader in the milky stork captive breeding programme, having bred over 100 individuals to date. These birds are raised in carefully designed aviaries that replicate their natural nesting and foraging conditions. A portion of the captive-bred storks has already been reintroduced into managed wetlands such as in Kuala Gula in Perak. This programme demonstrates how avian conservation can succeed when breeding is paired with ecosystem restoration. The false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), a long-snouted crocodilian native to Malaysia's peat swamp forests, plays a vital role in freshwater ecosystems. It is also classified as vulnerable due to wetland destruction and human-wildlife conflict. Zoo Negara has taken on the unique challenge of breeding the false gharial, a species rarely reproduced in captivity due to its elusive nature and specific environmental needs. Successful hatchings have occurred at the zoo. Each new hatchling represents a step forward in understanding and protecting this ancient species, and highlights the importance of conserving Malaysia's freshwater ecosystems as a whole. Zoo Negara's breeding programmes are coordinated with national and regional conservation strategies to ensure that any captive-born animals have a potential role in future reintroduction plans. However, not all animals bred in captivity can or should be released. Issues such as behavioural deficiency, genetic bottlenecks and exposure to human environments can hinder reintroduction success. Some individuals serve better as educational ambassadors to help the public understand the fragility of Malaysia's ecosystems, inspiring support for conservation. When paired with effective legislation, public education and scientific collaboration, captive breeding can yield real conservation results. Malaysia has demonstrated that it can be a regional leader in this field. With continued support, integrated planning and political will, the country can ensure that future generations will not only see these animals in zoos but also hear them roar, fly, or swim in the wild where they really belong. Dr Amalina Salleh Education Department Zoo Negara Malaysia The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]