Conflicts of Human-Wildlife Co-Existence: Voices from the Authority

Conflicts of human-wildlife co-existence is a complex matter involving various parties such as the community, the wildlife NGOs, and the authorities. Communication among stakeholders is vital to ensure that conflict management strategies is planned well and is effective in solving the arising conflicts. This is a case study conducted in a Malay settlement in Melaka about conflicts of human-wildlife co-existence. The case study involves the disturbances caused by the long-tailed macaque to the settlers in the Melaka Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) which includes property and crops damages resulting to psychological and emotional impacts to the settlers. This paper seeks to present the experiences and life accounts of the officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) with regards to the issue of long-tailed macaque disturbances in the area studied. A focus group interview was carried out with the officers from the authority involved. Analysis of the interview found interesting insights relating to issues of work system, procedure and policies, as well as on the historical background of the conflicts between the community and the long-tailed macaque. The paper contributes towards a better understanding of the issues related to human-wildlife co-existence and the importance of communication between stakeholders involved.