Near extinct gaurs makes Taiping zoo step up breeding programmes

IPOH- Taiping Zoo and Night Safari have started the Malayan Gaurs (gaurs) breeding programmes since 1998 as an effort to protect the population of the endangered species.

Its director, Dr Kevin Lazarus said the programme conducted with the cooperation of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has successfully bred six gaurs calves.

According to him, some of the calves are placed in different zoos in the country for special breeding programmes.

“Taiping Zoo started the programme when several gaurs were donated by Perhilitan for the purpose of breeding.

"Studies and research conducted have succeeded in breeding several gaur calves with some being sent to other zoos," he said to Sinar Harian.

He said the breeding of endangered animals requires close monitoring and specialised studies from expert groups.

One of the ways to increase the gaurs survivability is through cross-breeding to create a new species, said Lazarus.

Sinar Harian report on Sunday revealed that the wild cattle is now classified as an endangered animal and will go extinct if no serious efforts are taken to conserve them.

The number of wild gaurs is now estimated to be around 100 and can only be found in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia in small groups and unable to breed effectively stemming from isolation due to their small numbers.