How long did it take Azman to gain the trust of the wild mahseer?

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It took Azman nearly nine years to gain the trust of the wild mahseer.

Azman Mustapha spent approximately nine years cultivating the trust of the wild mahseer fish in Sungai Koh, Batu Mengkebang. This extensive period was necessary due to the species' inherent shyness and extreme sensitivity to human presence, sound, and movement. His daily ritual of feeding the fish eventually led to them becoming accustomed to his presence, transforming the river stretch into a thriving sanctuary.
Gradual Acclimatisation Through Consistent Feeding

The process began in 2017 when Azman first observed a few young mahseer in Sungai Koh. He started by casually tossing leftover rice into the river during his lunch breaks. Initially, the mahseer would retreat whenever he approached. However, by consistently feeding them at roughly the same time each day, they gradually began to associate human presence with food, bridging the gap between them over the years.
Mahseer's Natural Sensitivity Posed Challenges

Wild mahseer are known for being exceptionally timid and easily startled. In the initial stages of Azman's efforts, the fish would immediately disappear if they detected any footsteps along the riverbank. Overcoming this natural wariness required immense patience and persistence on Azman's part, as he had to demonstrate a non-threatening and reliable source of sustenance.
Transformation into a Thriving Sanctuary

Azman's dedication has successfully transformed about three kilometres of Sungai Koh into a sanctuary for the wild green mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis). His efforts have not only made the fish remarkably tame but have also led to a significant increase in their numbers, along with other fish species, which he estimates to be in the hundreds of thousands. This dense concentration of wild mahseer in their natural habitat is now a major draw for visitors to the FMC Kelah Eco Park.

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How long did it take Azman to gain the trust of the wild mahseer?

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