PRIMATES OF MALAYSIA – AN OVERVIEW
Malaysia provides a vital habitat for primates, which offer essential ecological services such as pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. This chapter offers an overview of the 26 primate species in Malaysia, covering their ecology, population status, threats, and conservation efforts. Most Malaysian primates are endangered an require protection from threats like habitat loss and degradation, illegal trade, and other pressures. Additionally, data gaps hinder effective conservation and comprehensive research is crucial for informed decision-making. Therefore, research and conservation planning must be synchronized and efficient to ensure the survival of these primates.
DR. AINI HASANAH BINTI ABD MUTALIB
Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development,
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Dr. Aini Hasanah binti Abd Mutalib is a research officer at the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, She is also the co-founding member of the Malaysian Primatological Society (MPS). Dr. Aini received her PhD from School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, completing her thesis dissertation on the conservation management of the orang utan. She is currently leading the IUCN National Action Plan on Small Apes in Malaysia, of which MPS coordinated since 2020.
Dr. Aini is interested in passive acoustic monitoring that helps with biodiversity management, especially on the White-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar). In addition to the current academic post in UMT and MPS, she is also interested in community-based conservation programes, especially in Setiu and Terengganu. She is a technical advisor to Setiu Wetland Ecotourism Initiative (ECOSWED), and a co-researcher at Shorebirds of Peninsular Malaysia Project, where she helps in building engagement and network with the community and stakeholders.