Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Malayan-Tapir Conflict (Tapirus indicus) In Peninsular Malaysia from 2013 to 2019

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), native to Southeast Asia was classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List in 2016. Human-induced deforestation affects the tapir population by reducing their habitat area, leading to an increase in tapirs roaming in human-dominated zones. This study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of human-tapir conflict (HTC) in Peninsular Malaysia to discern the underlying factors influencing the cases. Tapir conflict data were compiled from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia comprising 244 cases (complaints) and 77 cases (roadkills) spanning from 2013 to 2019. Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Johor were among the states with the highest number of HTC cases for public complaints, with 73, 57, and 32 cases, respectively. The overall trend of HTC increased over the seven years, which coincided with the decrease in forest cover throughout the study area. A notable rise in HTC was observed in 2017, particularly reported in Johor. High HTC in these regions was mainly impacted by a high degree of fragmented forests, as well as the presence of agricultural and bushland areas bordering the forests. Understanding the spatial and temporal pattern of HTC is crucial and should be followed by appropriate mitigation strategies including law enforcement in hotspot areas by relevant stakeholders.