Malaysia: 'Stop mouse deer hunting on islands'

New Straits Times 16 Sep 11;

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Nature Society wants the authorities to stop the indiscriminate killing of Lesser Mouse Deer on several islands around the country.

Its president, Prof Maketab Mohamed, said he had received reports of the mouse deer being hunted on Tioman, Redang and Langkawi.

He said the culprits were villagers on the islands who knew it was illegal to hunt the species without a licence.

Maketab said the animal, protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, was hunted for its meat, which is considered a delicacy.

Poachers can be fined a maximum up to RM10,000 or imprisoned for a maximum six months, or both, if convicted.

"On a recent trip to Pulau Tioman, the guide informed us that mouse deer hunting was very popular and held almost every night.

"It is a cause for worry as the mouse deer reproduces twice a year and it is only a matter of time before it is completely wiped out."

Maketab said the organisation would engage local authorities and enforcement agencies to design a campaign to monitor the hunting and promote the mouse deer as an eco-tourism product.

The Lesser Mouse Deer is the world's smallest hoofed mammal weighing about 2 kg.