Tabin Wildlife Reserve has immense natural riches. It is home to a wide variety of tree and plant species typical of Malaysia’s primary forest, and large numbers of animals, including some rare and even endangered species.

With its current staffing levels and equipment, the Reserve’s capacity to ensure effective protection of both flora and fauna is inadequate. The Reserve program foresees a range of urgent measures to counter threats resulting from illegal logging and destruction of plants as well as poaching and hunting. It will focus on increasing the numbers and capacity of staff, expanding protection activities, enhancing awareness-raising activities and providing improved facilities for scientific research.

The Program also encompasses an educational component, aimed at enhancing understanding of the ecosystems at Tabin as well as raising awareness of its significance and the need to conserve its flora and fauna among local communities.

YSD’s support for this initiative reflects its deep concern for the preservation of Malaysia’s natural riches and the need to protect the habitat and wildlife of an area which in recent years has suffered considerable damage due to illegal activities as well as intensive agricultural development in the areas surrounding it.

Tabin Wildlife program is a Government initiative. It is administered by Sabah Wildlife Department, a state level department of the Government of Sabah. Eight of the nine species featured in YSD’s “Big Nine” animals are found in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. They are the Sumatran Rhino, Tembadau, Orang Utan, Sun Bear, Pygmy Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Hornbill, and Proboscis Monkey.