Habitat loss forces wildlife into human zones in Sabah

Borneo Post

09-07-2025

Henrietta
IN recent years, Sabah has seen a troubling rise in sightings of wild animals straying into urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Crocodiles along Tanjung Aru Beach, monkeys infiltrating resorts, and even elephants entering plantations and villages are no longer rare occurrences — they're becoming alarmingly common.
This phenomenon is more than a curiosity; it is a warning. Wild animals are not naturally drawn to human presence. When crocodiles appear near swimming zones or a herd of elephants disrupts traffic in rural towns, it speaks of a deeper crisis — the shrinking of their natural habitats.
Deforestation, unsustainable land development, and climate change have devastated the lush rainforests and mangroves that once served as safe, thriving ecosystems for Sabah's wildlife. The expansion of urban sprawl and agriculture has forced many species to search for food and shelter beyond their traditional territory — leading them straight into human settlements.
The implications of this are dangerous. Tourists unfamiliar with local fauna may unknowingly provoke wildlife, leading to tragic encounters. For locals, frequent sightings of crocodiles or wild boars near homes are no longer shocking — they are becoming the norm.
Worse, when these animals are seen as threats, they are often killed or relocated inhumanely. What we fail to understand is that these wild animals are not the intruders — we are.
Sabah's ecotourism depends on the delicate balance between humans and nature. Destinations like Tanjung Aru Beach, Kinabatangan River and Mount Kinabalu draw thousands each year with promises of untouched nature. But the growing presence of displaced animals in these areas is creating safety concerns that could affect the tourism industry's reputation and sustainability.
This alarming trend calls for immediate and coordinated action on multiple fronts. It is not just about protecting people from wildlife, but about restoring the balance that allows both to coexist.
1. Stricter Environmental Protections
Enforce and strengthen laws that protect wildlife corridors and limit deforestation, particularly in key habitats like riverbanks, wetlands, and primary forests.
Impose heavy penalties for illegal logging, unregulated land clearing, and encroachment into protected areas.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns
Launch education programs through schools, media and tourism boards to raise awareness about respecting wildlife and minimizing conflict.
Display warning signs and safety guidelines in high-risk zones, especially near rivers, beaches, and forest edges.
3. Habitat Restoration Projects
Reforest degraded areas and restore mangrove ecosystems that serve as natural buffers and breeding grounds for wildlife.
Encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs from palm oil and logging companies to fund reforestation efforts.
4. Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
Involve native communities such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus in conservation planning, utilizing their traditional knowledge and sustainable land-use practices.
Provide community-based incentives for protecting forests and reporting illegal activities.
5. Establishment of Wildlife Early-Warning Systems
Use motion-detection cameras, GPS tracking and AI-driven alerts to monitor wildlife movement near settlements or tourist areas.
Coordinate with local authorities to respond quickly and humanely to sightings or emergencies.
6. Creation of Buffer Zones
Designate 'green belts' or buffer zones between forests and urban/tourist developments to reduce direct contact between humans and wildlife.
Develop wildlife underpasses or overpasses across major roads to allow safe animal migration without conflict.
7. Regulated Feeding and Relocation Programs
If relocation is necessary, ensure it is done ethically, guided by conservation experts — not simply moving animals to unfamiliar and dangerous areas.
Stop unregulated or illegal feeding of wild animals by tourists, which alters animal behavior and encourages encroachment.
8. Eco-Tourism Guidelines and Certifications
Require resorts and tour operators to follow sustainable wildlife interaction guidelines.
Promote certifications for eco-friendly businesses that actively protect and respect surrounding biodiversity.
9. Data Collection and Research Support
Fund research initiatives to study animal behavior changes, habitat loss patterns, and best practices for coexistence.
Encourage universities and NGOs to collaborate in long-term monitoring programs.
Conclusion
Sabah's wild animals are not venturing into human spaces by choice. They are being pushed there by an imbalance caused by human activity. As stewards of this land, it is our responsibility to restore harmony — not just for the sake of wildlife, but for our own future.
It is no longer a matter of 'why are animals coming closer to us?' The real question is — what are we doing to push them away from where they belong?
Henrietta M. Moguntil is an independent writer and environmental advocate based in Kota Kinabalu.