When we talk about saving forests in Malaysia, the instinct is to think big: national parks, huge reserves, major conservation bodies. But Shariff Mohamad took a different approach, by purchasing three acres of land in Hulu Selangor, and simply letting it grow back.

His camera traps have since recorded more than 20 mammal species on that small patch, including Malayan tapirs, leopard cats, and the yellow-throated marten. The land sits at the edge of Selangor State Park, and its wild fig and fruit trees have turned it into a magnet for wildlife passing through. On its own, three acres isn't much of a habitat for large animals - Shariff is the first to say so. Yet it's already proving how much life a tiny, unmanaged patch can hold.

What made him choose conservation over development on his own land? How does he decide when to step in and when to simply leave nature alone? And what does his experiment suggest about the role ordinary landowners could play in protecting biodiversity? We speak to Shariff about these and more, and also how he documents his experiences through social media on Dusun Liar.

Image Credit: Shariff Mohamad