The Tame and The Wild

(17 December 2002)

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Tame animals, namely household pets are actually descendants of their wild ancestors. Having adapted to an existence among humans for centuries, these animals have lost their wild instincts, and have become affectionate pets, although some closely resemble their wild cousins. Their very existence depends upon man who takes care of their needs. On the other hand, wild animals have rather specialized niches in their natural habitats. Being highly dependent on the ecosystem, their very existence is threatened by changes in their ever decreasing habitats. They are far less adaptable than their tame cousins and are likely to die out if habitat destruction continues.

Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

A descendent of the wild cat, the domestic cat has for centuries, bee a popular household pet world-wide. Bred into many different varieties throughout the years by man, unlike dogs, the domestic cat has not totally lost its wild instincts. It is still an efficient killer and it uses its keen eyesight at night to hunt for rats, house shrews, and small birds.

Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis)

Slightly larger than the domestic cat, this wild cat inhabits forests and mature plantations throughout much of Malaysia. It is an efficient killer and hunts for small mammals and birds principally at night. It's beautiful yellowish coat, which is marked with dark spots, makes it resemble a small leopard. Very aggressive, it is extremely difficult to tame. It will disappear if its natural habitat continues to be destroyed.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)

This bird originates from Australia and New Guinea, where it inhabits tropical rainforests. Its voice consists of harsh shrieks which is unpleasant to the ear. It is a popular cage bird because of its wholly white plumage and its erect light yellow crest. It can be taught to perform a variety of acts, and is very popular at bird shows in bird parks and zoos in Malaysia.

Buffy Fish-Owl (Ketupa ketupu)

This large owl inhabits forested waterways and swampy localities throughout much of lowland Malaysia. Its yellowish underparts with fine dark streaks make it a beautiful bird. It feeds principally on fish and amphibians which it captures in or near water. It is still a fairly common bird in rural localities.

Porcupine fish

The porcupine fish belongs to the same family as the putter fish. It has the ability to expand itself to look much bigger, in order to ward off protection. The porcupine fish is found in tropical oceans, often frequenting coral reefs.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Unlike the porcupine fish, the goldfish is a freshwater species. Since ancient times, the Chinese have bred this species as an ornamental fish, to be displayed in fish tanks for its beauty. In Malaysia, it is in many households. The goldfish is yellowish-orange in colour. However some varieties are all black, and also white with patches of red.

Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis)

This is among Malaysia's largest squirrels, inhabiting forests, keeping principally to the canopy and middle storey. It is an attractive animal with black upper parts and creamy under parts. It feeds largely on fruit and seeds and will frequently gather in fruiting fig trees to feed on ripe fruit, often in the company of fruit-eating birds.

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Although found wild in temperate countries, the rabbit today is a common household pet. Domestic rabbits come in various colour, from black, brown, and white to a combination of colors. It is easy to rear on a diet of fresh vegetables. It is also reared commercially on a small scale for its meat. 

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