KOTA KINABALU, Dec. 22 -- Positioning the elusive Bay Cat as a flagship species for research in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA) could significantly strengthen the identity of this fully protected area while elevating its standing in global conservation and ecotourism.

The suggestion was put forward by Jadda Suhaimi, senior manager of Yayasan Sabah's Conservation and Environmental Management Division, during the recent MBCA Ecotourism Workshop organised by Yayasan Sabah.

For Jadda, the suggestion carries personal value. In 1998, he had a rare encounter with the wild cat while driving near the Maliau Basin Studies Centre.

"It was around noon, and I was surprised when I saw a wild animal crossing the road. I could clearly see th...