The Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre in northern Selangor is home to a number of Malayan Tapirs and some Gharial crocodiles, also known as gavial, fish-eating crocodiles.
The Conservation Centre was first established in 1964 with a 4,500 hectare area for the protection and conservation of Sumatran Rhinoceros, a few of which roamed wild in Peninsular Malaysia until displaced by encroaching plantation activity or killed by poachers.
Rhinoceros
There was at one time seven Sumatran Rhinoceroses here, five female and two male, but sadly the captive breeding project was not a success and in 2003 all remaining rhinos died within weeks of each other.
The Sumatran rhino of Peninsular Malaysia is now extinct in the wild and may be extinct in Sabah too.
Photos of the now deceased rhinos at Sungai Dusun are on display at the Sultan Alam Shah State Museum in Shah Alam.
Tapirs
Now the Centre is home to the Malay Tapir Conservation Centre and let’s hope they have more luck in saving these lovely creatures which are also an endangered species due to habitat loss, road-kills and hunting.
There are a dozen or so Tapirs living here. Be prepared to leave disappointed however, because if they happen to be enjoying a siesta while you’re there, you will not be able to see any.
The one who was spotted during a visit to the conservation was called “Boy”, and he was busy chomping on a bowl of sweet potatoes. He looked well looked after, in fine condition with smooth grey fur on his chubby tummy.
Apart from tapirs there are also some Gharial crocodiles here.
Opening Hours & Admission Fees
If you want to visit you first have to obtain a permit from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Apply for the permit here:
Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN)
Semenanjung Malaysia
Km 10, Jalan Cheras
56100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-90866800
Fax : 03-90752873
Email : [email protected]
They will guide you on the best time to visit. There are no admission charges.
How to get to the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre
The conservation centre is located close to the small village of Felda Soeharto or Kampung Soeharto, named in honour of the former Indonesian President who officiated at a ceremony here in 1977.
The Conservation Centre is bordered by the Sungai Dusun River on the north and by the Terusan Besar canal on the west.
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com