Untold narratives: Voices of FELCRA settlers towards Macaque monkeys in Hulu Melaka Malaysia

We present a case study of the social issues of wildlife conservation in Hulu Melaka Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (henceforth FELCRA). The depletion and destruction of rain forest promoted by man over originally pristine habitats have led to an increased competition between humans and wild animals for space and resources. This study analyses interviewees’ responses collected from a group of FELCRA settlers comprising of 15 peoples, which covers their perceptions and attitudes towards macaque monkeys in Hulu Melaka, Malaysia. We found that FELCRA populace revealed their widespread negative attitudes and perceptions towards conservation of long-tailed macaque found in the area via the in-depth interview conducted. The negative attitude was caused by wildlife damage to crops, losses of livestock to predators, loss of land to conservation, attacks to humans, lack of control over animal wildlife resources and had a relatively poor opinion of the Department of Wildlife. We suggest the reduction of the negative impacts of animal wildlife, through, for example, fencing of agricultural land, improved control of problem animals, and adequate compensation schemes. It is also essential that local communities be given more control over the wildlife resources than they currently enjoy.