300KG Tapir Found Dead In Likely Road Accident In Puncak Alam
The Malayan tapir is an endangered species.
A Malayan tapir was found dead on the side of a road in Puncak Alam, Selangor, believed to have been struck by a vehicle
According to Harian Metro, Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh said the nocturnal animal was likely crossing the road, which is nearby a forest reserve, at night when the accident occurred.
The Selangor state PERHILITAN team was called to remove the 300kg tapir from Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari yesterday morning, 14 November.
Wan Mohd said the animal's carcass was sent to the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre for a post-mortem.
Image via Malaysia Animal Association (Facebook)
Unfortunately, this incident is not the first of its kind
The PERHILITAN director said the area is a hotspot for wildlife crossing, especially tapirs, at night and early in the morning.
However, that also means Puncak Alam is also a hotspot for roadkill incidents, with a total of four tapirs, besides other animals, having been killed in motor vehicle accidents in the area in the past five years.
He advised road users to exercise caution when passing through the area to avoid such incidents from recurring.
According to PERHILITAN records from 2018, there are fewer than 1,500 Malayan tapirs in Peninsular Malaysia, making it an endangered species
Commenting on the issue, the Malaysia Animal Association questioned how many incidents have to happen before the country takes steps to prevent further unnecessary wildlife deaths.
"Uncontrolled deforestation is one of the main causes for the tapir's shrinking habitat and inadequate food sources for tapirs," said the association.
Malaysians have suggested the construction of wildlife bridges over highways where frequent animal movement is recorded:
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