Tabin Expedition launched to Protect Critically Endangered Bornean Banteng

KOTA KINABALU: A two-week ground expedition has begun in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve to improve protection of the critically endangered Bornean banteng and update wildlife data in eastern Sabah.

The survey is led by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia, with support from the Sabah Forestry Department, HUTAN, UK Appeal, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Danau Girang Field Centre and Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Authorities said the effort aims to address major knowledge gaps on banteng populations, particularly in central areas of the reserve where scientific data remains limited. Findings will contribute to conservation planning and on-ground management under the Bornean Banteng Action Plan 2019–2028 and the management plans for Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Silabukan Forest Reserve (2020–2030).

A 58-member team from SWD and partner organisations underwent preparatory training in Lahad Datu before entering the forest. Participants were trained in survey techniques, first aid and field operations for the 14-day deployment.

Core activities include installing camera traps and conducting general wildlife surveys to determine banteng distribution and presence. Additional work such as threat assessments, orangutan surveys and bird mist-netting will help strengthen the scientific evidence needed for long-term conservation and sustainable wildlife management.

Covering about 122,500 hectares, Tabin Wildlife Reserve falls under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Forestry Department and was gazetted in 1984 primarily to protect large mammals amid expanding plantation development in surrounding areas.

SWD director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said public perception often links Tabin to tourism because of the resort there, but its main purpose is wildlife protection.

“Tabin was established to safeguard wildlife, especially large mammals. That is why SWD maintains a presence in Tabin as the state-mandated authority responsible for managing and conserving wildlife in Sabah,” he said.

He added that updated scientific data is urgently needed, noting the last major expedition in the reserve was conducted in 2009.

“Although banteng have been detected in several areas, significant parts of the reserve remain unsurveyed, leaving gaps in information on their distribution and habitat use,” he said.

The expedition will also help build conservation capacity by giving new rangers field exposure and enabling knowledge transfer from experienced personnel.