BANGKOK — New research has highlighted the significant role that commercial fishing fleets play in the trafficking of poached tiger parts in Malaysia, offering insights that could aid enforcement efforts aimed at protecting this critically endangered species. The study, carried out by conservation organizations Panthera and ZSL in collaboration with Sunway University in Malaysia, sheds light on how fishing boats are utilized to transport the body parts of illegally hunted Malayan Tigers and other wildlife to Vietnam.
Through conversations with over 50 individuals involved in these illegal activities, the researchers discovered that fishing vessels are favored for their capacity to carry larger loads at lower costs and their minimal likelihood of being inspected by customs, compared to land or air transit routes. “To tackle such an intricate problem effectively, understanding it in detail is essential,” stated Rob Pickles from Panthera, the study’s lead author, during a phone interview from Kuala Lumpur. “This study aims to deepen that understanding, guiding more tailored interventions.”
Once boasting a population of around 3,000 tigers in the mid-20th century, Malaysia now harbors only about 150 of these magnificent creatures, with the species facing extinction in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam within the past 25 years. Habitat loss from deforestation, outbreaks of canine distemper virus, and the marked decline of their natural prey, such as wild boar affected by African swine fever, have further compounded the challenges they face. “This is their last opportunity,” Pickles remarked. “We must act now to reverse these trends.”
Malaysian tigers inhabit the forests of peninsular Malaysia, which connects to Thailand to the north. Poachers from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have long targeted these tigers, but researchers noted that Vietnamese teams operate on a significantly larger scale. Many of these Vietnamese poachers, hailing from the impoverished and remote Quang Binh province, possess advanced survival skills developed during the Vietnam War, often spending three to five months in the jungles on their expeditions.
The poaching methods employed include heavy steel snares that can trap large animals. Once captured, tigers are killed for their bones, which are boiled into a gelatinous substance for use in traditional medicine, while claws and teeth are crafted into amulets. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, poaching activities were largely halted, providing researchers the opportunity to conduct interviews with individuals involved in these operations, culminating in a study that concludes in 2024.
The research also noted that fishing vessels are frequently used to transport items such as bear products, live civets, wild boar parts, pangolins, monitor lizards, and turtles. One individual highlighted the advantages of fishing boats for transporting larger items like tiger skins, claiming, “Nobody checks. Additionally, items can easily be transported back via this route.”
In light of recent increases in maritime controls from both Malaysia and Vietnam, transporting illegal goods by fishing boats has become more perilous. Malaysian authorities have successfully apprehended poachers and have significantly heightened penalties for wildlife crimes; however, the study revealed that the individuals orchestrating these poaching teams often evade capture and easily find replacements. It also came to light that many Vietnamese poachers incur substantial debts when traveling to Malaysia.
The researchers advocate for a dual approach that not only focuses on fishing boats but also addresses potential poachers in their home communities, educating them about the rising risks and decreasing benefits of engaging in such illegal activities. Authorities in Malaysia and Vietnam, who were celebrating public holidays during this period, have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the findings or recommendations of the study.
According to Gopalasamy Reuben Clements from ZSL, one of the co-authors, relying solely on arrests will not resolve the issue. “We must consider alternative methods,” he stated, “such as targeted behavioral interventions that complement enforcement actions.”
