LifespanUp to 20 years in the wild, and 22 years under human care
Quick Facts
DietMammals, birds, and reptiles
HabitatTropical forests
RangeThe Malay Peninsula and South Thailand
Malayan Tigers
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Malaysia’s National Treasure
The Malayan tiger, Malaysia’s national animal, is the smallest tiger subspecies in Southeast Asia.
Weighing up to 140kg and reaching 2.5m in length, these striking predators are exceptional swimmers and can also be found as high as 2km above sea level!
Solitary Wanderers
Malayan tigers are highly territorial and need vast forests to roam. Males claim around 300 square kilometres, overlapping with the ranges of three females, who require 100 square kilometres each.
Solitary by nature, they are only seen together during mating or when mothers are with their young. Cubs remain with their mother until two years old, setting off on their own soon after.
A Critically Endangered Predator
Unfortunately, fewer than 150 Malayan tigers remain in the wild. Poaching and habitat loss, largely due to agricultural expansion and development, are major threats.
Poachers continue targeting Malaysia as tiger body parts remain in high demand for traditional Chinese medicine, despite there being no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Between 2014 and 2019, anti- poaching efforts removed over 1,400 snares from protected areas.
Together, We Protect Wildlife
Collaborating For Conservation
We collaborate with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) to ensure the survival of Malayan tigers.
By engaging and empowering the public, we encourage active participation in protecting wildlife and preserving tiger habitats, making conservation a shared responsibility for everyone.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Citizen Action For Tigers (CAT) Walks
In 2010, MYCAT introduced the Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) Walk. This guided anti-poaching trek combines conservation, citizen science, and recreation. Volunteers, known as “CAT walkers”, patrol the Sungai Yu corridor, a crucial link between Peninsula Malaysia’s two largest tiger habitats, deterring poaching and searching for signs of tiger presence or illegal activities.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Making A Tangible Impact
Since the inception of CAT Walks, over 2,000 volunteers from nearly 40 countries have trekked more than 12,000 kilometres, disarming over 250 snares.
In 2018, MYCAT expanded efforts by collaborating with the indigenous Bateq community to monitor remote areas. These combined efforts have reduced threats and indicated wildlife recovery.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Realm Of The Tiger
Five of our keepers have also participated in the ‘Realm of the Tiger’ programme, MYCAT’s expanded programme for the zoo community.
Inspired by their trip, they now share their personal experience with guests to raise awareness of the tigers’ plight.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Managed Species Programmes
We work with other zoos through Managed Species Programmes to help save threatened species. This involves the transfer of animals between zoos for breeding so that genetically healthy animal populations can be maintained under human care.
Transfers are based on genetic compatibility, which prevents inbreeding and ensures their genetic integrity. Our Malayan tigers are part of this effort.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
Ranger Talk
Malayan Tiger Ranger Talk
Daily Rock Cascade (Tiger Waterfall) 11:00am & 3:00pmObserve the Malayan tigers in action as they scent mark their territory, play in the stream or relax under the tree.
