How has Azman Mustapha earned the trust of wild mahseer fish?

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Azman Mustapha Earned the Trust of Wild Mahseer Through Consistent Feeding Over Nine Years

Azman Mustapha successfully gained the trust of wild mahseer fish by consistently feeding them leftover rice by the riverbank for nearly nine years. Initially, the fish were extremely shy and reactive to any disturbance, quickly fleeing Azman's presence. Through daily, predictable feeding routines, he gradually habituated them to humans, associating his approach with a food source, which ultimately narrowed the perceived distance between them and fostered a remarkable level of tameness.
Daily Feeding Routine Established Trust

The process of Azman Mustapha earning the trust of the wild mahseer began in 2017. He would casually toss leftover rice into Sungai Koh during his lunch breaks. Initially, the mahseer, known for their extreme sensitivity to sound, movement, and human presence, would immediately dart away when he approached the riverbank. However, by maintaining this practice almost daily and at consistent times, Azman gradually accustomed the fish to his presence, leading them to associate humans with the readily available food.
Nearly a Decade of Patient Habituation

This patient and persistent effort spanned almost nine years. The mahseer, which are notoriously difficult to approach due to their sensitive nature, gradually became less skittish. This extended period of consistent positive reinforcement, where Azman's appearance consistently meant food, allowed the natural fear response of the wild fish to diminish. This transformation led to the fish becoming remarkably tame, a stark contrast to their initial behaviour.
Transformation into a Tame Attraction

The long-term consequence of Azman's dedication has been the transformation of these wild fish into a significant attraction. What began as a handful of fish responding to stray food scraps has evolved into hundreds of thousands of fish, primarily wild green mahseer, congregating at feeding times. This habituation has effectively turned a stretch of Sungai Koh into a thriving sanctuary, where the normally elusive fish now readily approach humans, drawing visitors to witness this unique phenomenon.

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How has Azman Mustapha earned the trust of wild mahseer fish?

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