Narrative of human-wildlife coexistence is a misconception

 

From Tajuddin Abdullah

I write to express deep concern about the ongoing destruction of Malaysia’s tropical rainforests, particularly under the guise of industrial plantation development and the idealised narrative of coexistence between wildlife and human activities.

This misconception, often romanticised by industry-sponsored studies and stakeholders, misrepresents the grim realities observed in the field.

The discrepancies between this portrayal and ecological truths amount to a “conservationist whitewash”, undermining genuine conservation efforts and masking the dire consequences of habitat destruction nationwide.

The concept of “living in harmony” with wildlife, while continuing to dismantle their prime habitats, is fraught with ecological and ethical contradictions.

Aldo Leopold, in A Sand County Almanac (1949), articulated a “land ethic” that demands a respectful and sustainable relationship with the natural world. His principles highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of human actions.

Similarly, pioneering Malaysian biologists such as the late Lim Boo Liat and many others demonstrated through meticulous observations the delicate balance of our Malaysian rainforests, warning of the devastating consequences of habitat disruption.

The large-scale conversion of diverse rainforests into monoculture plantations in Malaysia deliberately contradicts these principles, eroding biodiversity and destabilising both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Much of the so-called evidence supporting plantation expansion arises from industry-sponsored research disconnected from field realities.

Such studies, often driven by the interests of tycoon businessmen and politically connected figures, prioritise short-term profits over the irreplaceable value of our natural heritage.

By ignoring the complexity of on-the-ground ecological interactions, these reports promote flawed narratives that encourage unsustainable practices.

Expecting displaced wildlife to adapt peacefully to drastically altered environments is naive and dangerous.

As habitats shrink and resources dwindle, wildlife is forced into desperate measures, resulting in negative impacts such as:

• Human-wildlife conflict: Wildlife encroaches on human settlements for food and shelter, leading to increased confrontations that often end tragically for both humans and animals;
• Disease transmission: Fragmented habitats and stress heighten the risk of zoonotic diseases spilling over into human populations; and
• Ecosystem disruption: The loss of key species has a cascading effect, compromising the stability of entire ecosystems.

The idea that industrial plantations and biodiversity conservation can coexist harmoniously is a dangerous misconception.

Ecological principles, ethics and animal behaviour all indicate that displaced and oppressed wildlife cannot simply “live in harmony” with their oppressors.

Instead, they may “retaliate”, disrupting human activities and highlighting the unsustainability of such coexistence.

The Malaysian government and private sector need to prioritise genuine, field-based ecological studies over industry-biased research.

Policies informed by authentic, science-backed insights should guide sustainable development, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of Orang Asli and Orang Asal communities who depend on these forest resources for their subsistence and livelihoods.

Leopold’s assertion that humans are part of a broader ecological community is a lesson we ignore at our peril.

Destroying rainforests for industrial gain not only endangers wildlife but also compromises the natural systems on which human survival depends.

The true cost of deforestation is not limited to financial metrics; it encompasses the loss of biodiversity, destabilisation of ecosystems’ goods and services, and degradation of a shared environmental legacy.

We have already lost iconic species such as the Javan and Sumatran rhinos, while others like the Malayan tiger, orangutan, canopy primates and temoleh fish teeter on the brink of localised extinction by 2030.

As we approach 2025 and beyond, it is essential to adopt a realistic and proactive approach, placing greater emphasis on the conservation of all threatened plants and animals in Malaysia.

Our efforts must go beyond mere academic rhetoric, ensuring tangible actions to protect these irreplaceable species and the ecosystems they inhabit.

We need to realign our actions with a vision of sustainability that acknowledges the intrinsic value of nature, respects ecological balance and protects our forests for our future generations. - FMT

Tajuddin Abdullah is a retired professor and a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.