“If there’s one thing that’s dangerous in this forest, it’s humans.” – Eric, our guide for the hike in Mont D’Azur.  

This sentence lingered in my mind throughout the day after the hike. It was my first time seeing wildlife mammals like European bison, red deer, and wild boars in real life. During the hike, I learned a lot about them. Eric explained every detail of the forest, from the richness of the soil to the barks on the trees, and the delicate life processes of the mammals living there.  

We arrived at Mont d’Azur around 1pm. My phone showed a temperature of 1°C, yet the sun was so bright that we hardly felt the cold. It was as if the mountain had its own natural heater, warming the air with its rays. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the damp earth. The crunch of leaves beneath my sports shoes blended with the rustling of tree branches. As we ventured deeper into the forest, I began to realize how little I knew about these creatures.  

Growing up, we are taught to see them as ‘scary’ and ‘dangerous’ creatures. They are always portrayed as villains who fight and kill each other. You rarely hear people say, “Don’t get too close; you might disturb them!” It’s always, “Stay away! They will attack you!” This mindset, instilled in us from a young age, continues to shape how many of us perceive wildlife.

In reality, the statistics tell another story. Wildlife mammals make up only 4% of the mammal population on Earth, while the remaining 96% are humans and domestic mammals. Wild mammals constitute only a tiny fraction of the mammals biomass. Over the years, countless wild animals have been slaughtered for various reasons—clothing, accessories, and the supposed “benefits” of their body parts. How can species that once dominated vast regions dwindle to become so severely diminished?  

During World War I, for example, European bison became an endangered species due to human actions. The occupying German troops killed many European bison in the Białowieża Forest for sport, meat, and horns. Historical records indicate that by 1919, only nine individuals were left. In World War II, the forest once again was a focal point of destruction. Nazi officials attempted to manipulate wildlife populations through controversial breeding programs, further endangering species like the European bison. 

We were all taught about the major events of history, wars, political leaders, battles, and their human consequences. But as I reflect on those lessons now, I realize something is missing: the impact these wars had on nature, particularly on animals. We are exposed to the catastrophic events that caused destruction to cities, people, and lands, but never about how the forests, wildlife and ecosystems were also destroyed in the process. It’s strange to think that while we studied history through a human lens, the silent suffering of animals was left out, as if their pain and loss did not matter. Why weren’t we taught about them too?

The rapid decline isn’t just due to hunting and deforestation. It’s also a consequence of how disconnected we are from them. Do we know how many Malayan tigers are left? There are fewer than 150 Malayan tigers remaining in the wild as of 2022. Do we even care about the most iconic symbol of Malaysia? Our urbanized lives distract us from these creatures, causing us to forget their significance.  

This indifference extends to how we interact with wildlife, even in places designed to raise awareness, such as zoos. I believe all of us, if not the majority of us, love going to the zoo. When I was younger, going to the zoo and museum was one of the main activities to do during holidays. I am not against going to zoos for fun as I believe they have links with conservation centers for the animals. However, as I get older, I was thinking if showcasing animals is only a form of entertainment for humans. Not many people are interested in donating or listening to the keeper explaining about them. Some just take out their expensive cameras, click a few shots, and go back home. As if the animals are just a form of art, not some living creatures.

This is not something new. We’ve heard about animal extinction and environmental degradation for years, but have we truly cared enough to act? 

Neglecting wildlife is not just about ignoring their importance in the ecosystem, but also about failing to acknowledge the role humans have played in their decline. Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of governments or environmentalists; it’s a collective effort. The next time you consider buying something made of leather or animal skin, or assume that your plastic waste doesn’t hurt anyone, please think again. Every species has a purpose, and their absence creates a void that cannot easily be filled.

Amidst all this information, witnessing these animals first hand made me realize the beauty and harmony we risk losing.

As we roamed deeper into the forest, we spotted a red deer chilling by itself under a shady tree. There were also some wild boars playfully chasing each other, unbothered by our presence, and their snouts snuffling the underbush. We then noticed a male bison walking not far from his family, while some Przewalski horses grazed together nearby. It was a picture of harmony, one I’d never imagined or seen on televisions. A sight that will always be my Roman Empire.

As I left the forest, I carried with me not just the majestic memory of everything that lived there but also knowledge and awareness about wildlife. It was not just the pictures of animals that I have seen, but also the realization that they might not be around much longer. The thought of these animals vanishing is unbearable. But there is hope. If we all strive to become more mindful of our actions, perhaps we can ensure that these creatures, our forgotten 4%, continue to thrive for generations to come.