THE RM10,000 reward offered by the Terengganu government for the capture of Arapaima gigas (dragon fish) in Tasik Kenyir underscores the problem of foreign species that have been inadvertently introduced into local rivers and waterways.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia is concerned because alien fish species that are dumped into local waterways pose a threat to indigenous fish species. Sometimes, local fauna, too, is endangered by alien species, some of which are imported as pets but later abandoned by traders or pet keepers.

Environmental pollution and destruction of natural habitats have made it easier for non-native species to establish themselves and become invasive as many of them are colonising species that benefit from the reduced competition that follows habitat degradation or destruction.

Global climate change also contributes to the spread and establishment of alien species.

The pet boom is another factor.
For example, non-native fish species such as luohans, peacock bass and cichlids have been brought into the country and traded as pets, but many are discarded into waterways where they thrive and pose a threat to local fish.

The introduction of foreign species will continue owing to the expanding world trade in pets.

This should serve as a wake-up call to the Fisheries Department, the Department of Veterinary Services and the Wildlife Department to intensify the monitoring of pet shops.

Also, these agencies should carry out counter measures to address the problem, such as prohibiting the import of non-native animals as pets, the sale of such animals in pet shops, and the commercial breeding of non-native animals.

Customs, quarantines and other import-export practices, developed in an earlier time to guard against human and economic diseases and pests, are often inadequate to safeguard against foreign species that threaten indigenous species and biodiversity.

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Veterinary Services must deal with this issue.

S.M. MOHD IDRISfor Sahabat Alam MalaysiaPenang