Species selection is based on their conservation value or commercial worth. Endangered species require captive breeding programmes to increase their populations. Commercially valuable species are bred to supply commercial breeders, providing direct income to both the government and breeders.
Commercial breeders must have suitable facilities and financial resources. Application forms for commercial breeding can be obtained from any state PERHILITAN office or the Department’s website. After completing and submitting the form to the relevant state PERHILITAN Director, the department will conduct an assessment and site visit before forwarding the application to PERHILITAN Headquarters for further evaluation. If supported, the application will be submitted for approval by the Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
PERHILITAN focuses on creating DNA barcodes for wildlife species in Malaysia to identify specimens or parts thereof. This is crucial for conservation and enforcement purposes. DNA is also used to determine the sex of bird species, even at the juvenile stage. The Department is developing new techniques for paternity testing and individual wildlife identification.
In Wildlife Management:
Identifying species from parts of wildlife that cannot be identified in enforcement cases.
In Wildlife Conservation:
Assessing and measuring the genetic structure of wildlife populations. Genetic improvement can be made to populations with low genetic diversity through the introduction of new breeds. This can be applied to both captive and wild populations.
Breeders can add wildlife stock (of the same species) through offspring born, purchasing from a licensed dealer (legitimate breeder), or capturing under a hunting licence without weapons. Identified stock (of the same species) must be registered/licensed with the relevant state PERHILITAN (Schedule 1) and reported to Headquarters. For Schedule 2 wildlife, it must be sent to Headquarters for an additional Special Permit.
Yes, provided approval is obtained from the relevant State Director to house the animals at another facility. The state must consider the number, identification tags, and loan duration. For Schedule 2 species, approval must be obtained from Headquarters (Director-General).
Currently, the Department has not set a specific number of species for a permit or facility. However, for administrative ease, it is recommended that each breeding permit (facility) breeds species within the same group to avoid conflicts. For example, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, etc.
Breeders must submit an application to the relevant state PERHILITAN, which will forward it to Headquarters for approval. This applies to species from both Schedule 1 and 2.
A new application can be made whether or not the applicant has wildlife in possession. If the applicant does not have wildlife, they must specify how they will acquire it. The source must be legitimate, such as through a hunting licence, purchase from a pet shop, breeder, or the Department. Applicants are encouraged to register up to ten breeding stock initially.
Permit holders are given up to 14 days to apply for renewal from the permit’s expiry date. Failure to do so may result in action by the Department.
Currently, there is a discrepancy between the expiry dates of breeding permits and special licences in the e-licensing system. Since the e-licensing system cannot synchronise them, the expiry date is considered based on the breeding permit’s expiry date.
Currently, sales can only be made during the open season and up to 30 days thereafter. The Department encourages breeders to wait until they have more than ten breeding stock before selling.
Breeders can sell wildlife to anyone. However, if the buyer intends to keep the wildlife, a keeping licence is required. In the meantime, breeders must have a business licence for their sales activities.
Tagging is mandatory for all bred wildlife. The Department encourages the use of microchips for larger wildlife. For wildlife that is difficult to tag, such as crocodiles in large enclosures, mousedeer, butterflies, insects, turtles, etc., breeders should place labels on cages or enclosures. If the animals are to be captured, sold, moved, etc., tagging must be done before sale or other activities.
Generally, there is no issue. However, the facility must have two permits: a breeding permit and a permanent zoo/exhibition permit. They must comply with permit conditions, such as veterinary officer requirements and enclosure sizes. The Department suggests having two areas: an exhibition area open to the public and a breeding area not open to the public for administrative ease.
Wildlife offspring from eggs collected and incubated are considered legitimate if the source is legal. For example, eggs of reticulated pythons collected by a licensed hunter and given to a breeder for hatching are considered legally bred offspring.
