Red Alert
Malayan Tiger
Panthera tigris jacksoni
Status: Critically Endangered
Region: Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia)
Population remaining: 250 – 340
Classified as Indochinese tigers until DNA testing in 2004 showed them to be a separate subspecies, the Malayan tiger’s Latin name —Panthera tigris jacksonihonours Peter Jackson, the famous tiger conservationist. Wild Malayan tigers are found only in the forests on the Malay Peninsula and on the southern tip of Thailand. The destruction of forests for timber, commercial plantations and road development is largely responsible for the tigers’ loss of habitat, which has declined from about 98,8000km² before the 1970s to about 44,700km² in 2014. Trade of tiger parts for medicine or other uses is also a threat to Malayan tigers. Organisations such as Panthera and WWF have supported the species’ conservation through data collection and education.
Culture references
The Malayan tiger is the national animal of Malaysia. The tiger appears in the heraldry of Malaysian institutions such as Royal Malaysia Police, Maybank, Proton and the Football Association of Malaysia. It symbolises bravery and strength to Malaysians. It is also the nickname for the Malaysian national football team.
Red-Headed Vulture
Sarcogyps calvus
Status: Critically Endangered
