Observational study of breeding behaviour in malayan tigers at the national wildlife rescue centre, sungkai, perak.

The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) is a subspecies of the tiger that originates from Peninsular Malaysia and is now on the verge of extinction. Wildlife rescue centers and zoos play important roles in ex-situ conservation through breeding programs to preserve and increase the population of Malayan tigers. Tigers in captivity are facing challenges in reproduction due to many external factors that affect their reproductive behavior patterns. In addition, the Malayan tiger's behavior is understudied and currently holds high importance due to the dwindling number of these tigers in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to use non-invasive methods to observe the reproductive behavior of female Malayan tigers to aid in the determination of their estrous cycle. This study was conducted at the National Wildlife Rescue Center (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak. Two female Malayan tigers were selected, Cindai and Zanah, as they are young and potential candidates for the breeding program. They were observed to assess the relationship between the oestrous cycle and the mating behaviours of the tigresses. This research was conducted for 156 hours in 28 days through visual observation and the outcomes were recorded in focal sampling ethograms and frequency table charts. From the study, Cindai expressed all mating behaviours actively and showed signs of receptivity to mating with the male. Whereas Zanah was not exposed to a male tiger and did not express all mating behaviours. However, the reproductive behaviours expressed by Zanah during the observation period are sufficient to indicate estrus. Therefore, these preliminary results indicated that behaviour expression may be a valuable non-invasive tool to predict estrus in Malayan tigress and animals can be bred naturally through assisted reproductive technology. However, more research needs to be carried out, including longer periods of behaviour study, hormonal profile and reproductive health examination through ultrasonography and others. Combining information from various aspects would give a comprehensive assessment of the IXtigress’ reproductive health, enabling better planning for the Malayan tiger breeding program at NWRC.
Keywords: Malayan tiger, Malaysia, behaviour study, captive breeding