“The real issue is the rapid fragmentation of the forest as these animals do not have safe passage to move from one forest patch to another that is away from people and homes.”
University of Nottingham in Malaysia’s Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants research project principal investigator Dr Wong Ee Phin said there was a need to look at the issue holistically.
She said this would jeopardise efforts in mitigating human-elephant conflict as the mammals might wander into villages and residential areas. “Several tree species rely mainly on large animals to help in seed dispersal, as smaller wildlife will not be able to consume the seeds whole and defecate it in an intact state so that they will be viable for germination.
Seeds in elephant dung have a high chance of germination and when the seedlings grow into trees and produce fruit, they will benefit not only wildlife but also indigenous communities, who depend on fruit trees such as wild durian, said Wong. “When elephants dig the ground for salt licks or for other reasons, they make small ponds filled with rainwater that can be used by frogs and other wildlife, ” she added.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Businesses flouting work from home order face closure, fine up to RM50kThe Human Resources Ministry announces that it can now take such actions under the law.
Read more »
Tyson Foods picks Malaysia as first Asian market to launch plant-based protein products | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — United States-based Tyson Foods Inc is launching a new line of plant-based products in selected retail markets and e-commerce platforms in Malaysia under the brand, First Pride. In a statement today, the company said it is initially launching the products in Malaysia and...
Read more »
WHO says nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Gaza conflict | New Straits TimesNSTworld The World Health Organisation (WHO) Wednesday warned of 'staggering health needs' in the occupied Palestinian Territories after last month's conflict between Israel and Islamist group Hamas.
Read more »
No reminders, transport woes among reasons for missed vaccination in PerakPerak MB says the state government is trying to find the best solution so that the issue would not arise again.
Read more »