The Sungai Relau

Many months have been spent walking the banks of the Sungai Relau in search of the elusive Hairy Nosed Otter. For those of you unaware, Sungai means river in Bahasa Malaysia. Although I have seen plenty of signs of them being around, I haven’t had the privilege of seeing one – this I am hoping is going to change in the very near future. I will admit I am desperate. The Small Clawed Otter is also in abundance on the Relau. It seems that they are content to live sympatrically. The Relau is a beautiful river and has the most majestic rainforest trees growing along its banks. For most, the vast abundance of leeches would be a deterrent. However, if you can look beyond your fears of the little blood sucking annelids I strongly suggest a trip to this beautiful place.

I have six Bushnell Trophy cameras along the Relau, one of which was recently stolen; I poachers I assume. But one can never tell. They cut through the python cable using a parang- a traditionally used knife in this region. Many other people share my opinion in regards to the theft being poacher related and this is a not a one off incident. Many of my fellow researches have lost camera traps in the same way. In this case though, the camera in question was just a 20-minute walk away fro park headquarters whcih begs the question - How effecient is the National Parks office? I did report the incident to the rangers but am not waiting for any outcome. I am constantly told how they are understaffed and cannot monitor the vast area that is Taman Negara. A sorry excuse if you ask me.

#TamanNegara #Relau #Rainforest