Jenderak Seladang Sanctuary (25km from Temerloh)

Jenderak Seladang Sanctuary

LOCATION : The park is located 25km from Temerloh town. OPENING HOURS : Mondays to Fridays 8.15am to 4.30pm GETTING THERE : By Road : From Kuala Lumpur take the Karak Highway to Temerloh. Exit at the Temerloh toll exit, turn right and follow the road directions to Kuala Krau

The Seladang (bos gaurus hubbaki) captive-breeding centre in Jenderak is a sanctuary for the protection of the species. Occupying 20 hectares of land, the centre comprises 27 animal enclosures and paddocks. The Seladang is Malaysia's second largest mammal after the elephant. It has been confirmed by wildlife experts from the US and Europe to be bigger than the American bison, with the largest of the species and the average weight of a large bull about one tonne. Shy and sociable by nature, the Seladang used to roam freely in its rainforest habitat where it grazed uninhibited in the lowland river valleys. Nocturnal by habit, herds of up to 30 animals move in fixed territories. During the day when it is hot the Seladang would take refuge in the jungle and only venture out to graze after dark. At Jenderak, the Seladang is fed natural vegetation, gathered from surrounding forest while the sambar deer grazes on paddock grasses. Both the Seladang and sambar deer are given 'salt licks' and mineral pellets to supplement their diet.

Source: Pahang Trekker

Best to call the ranger's office just to inform them that you would like to visit the sanctuary.

Site Ranger Contact:

Jenderak Seladang Breeding Centre

Kuala Krau, 28000 Pahang. Tel : +6 09-276 2593

On the edge of the 55,000hectare grounds of the Krau Forest Reserve(Pahang) lies a little plot of land where much is being done to ensure that the dwindling population of the Seladang and Sambar deer in the Peninsular get a fair stab at the survival game.

What is a Seladang?

The seladang or gaur or wild ox is the second largest land mammal found in Malaysia after the elephant. To locals, it is the most formidable animal in the jungle. Even tigers fear them and would always stay clear away from the beast unless they have calves with them. Hungry tigers would often attempt to steal a calf or two from the watchful herd, putting themselves open to a great possibility of being gored by the powerful bull if escape was unsuccessful. It is estimated that there are only 350 to 500 individuals left in Peninsular Malaysia. The seladang has been classified under the wildlife protection act 1972 as a vulnerable species and without arresting the many problems pertinent to the survival of the species, the Seladang's days are definitely numbered. Their distribution ranges from India, Indo-China, and from there down to Peninsular Malaysia. They, like the tigers, are not found in Borneo. Perhaps when Borneo broke off from the main mass of land, these creatures had not transmigrated that far south and hence were left behind.

Seladangs generally live in herds of about 30 individuals and are creatures of habit, just like the rhinos. They live in fixed territories. During the day, the herd retreats into the safety of the forest cover to rest and come out during the night, moving into open areas in the forest and river valleys to feed on the tall grass, herbs, climbers, shrubs and other tender grass or shoots that they can find. With such scheduled routines, the poachers have an easy time locating them. Although the bull may put up a good fight but not much can be done against firepower.

Another unfortunate beast taken for a few dollars. courtesy of Arkib Negara Malaysia

Source: Journey Malaysia

Pusat Pemuliharaan Seladang Lokasi : Felda Jenderak Selatan, Kuala Krau Tempat ini merupakan pusat untuk menjinakkan seladang yang ditangkap. Ini dilakukan untuk mengelakkan daripada berlakunya kepupusan haiwan ini. Para pengunjung dibenarkan melihat seladang secara lebih dekat jika berkunjung ke sini. Untuk melihat kesemua hidupan ini, pengunjung perlu berjalan kaki mengelilingi kesemua kandang-kandang yang ada di mana seladang di tempatkan. Secara keseluruhannya terdapat 36 ekor seladang di tempatkan di dalam 5 kandang besar yang disediakan. Walaubagaimanapun ada seladang yang akan dipindahkan. Kesemua seladang ini di beri nama mengikut jantina seperti Noni, Pooja, Ciku, Mawar, Michael, Ogy dan sebagainya. Terdapat juga seladang yang jinak dan boleh bermesra dengan pengunjung. Tempat ini juga dijadikan sebagai tempat penyelidikan pelajar-pelajar Universiti dan juga sering dikunjungi oleh pelancong-pelancong asing. Sebagai maklumat untuk para pengunjung, apabila seladang mengamuk atau 'naik angin' ia boleh di redakan dengan menggunakan ranting kayu atau batu halus kerana haiwan ini takut pada kedua-duanya. Para pengunjung tidak perlu risau akan keselamatan diri apabila berkunjung ke sini kerana seladang-seladang di tempatkan di dalam kandang besi yang kukuh.