Black Panther Dies After Being Hit By A Car In Negeri Sembilan
Black panthers, or black leopards, are an endangered species in Malaysia.
By May Vin Ang — 22 May 2023, 11:47 AM
An adult male black panther has died after being hit by a car at Kilometer 19 of Jalan Seremban-Simpang Pertang near Bukit Tangga, Negeri Sembilan on Saturday afternoon, 20 May
According to Harian Metro, Jelebu district police chief Maslan Udin said the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) hit the 40kg animal at 2pm.
The car was driven by a 38-year-old man, who was travelling from Seremban to Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan with his family.
The driver was making a right turn down a slope of the highway when the animal suddenly crossed the road
A video of the aftermath of the incident has since gone viral, showing the black panther looking stunned in the centre of the road, before limping away on its injured hind legs and slipping under a stationary lorry that had stopped to check on the animal.
According to the police chief, the panther then made its way to a drain at the side of the road to rest before succumbing to its injuries.
"The [driver] and his family did not suffer any injuries," he added.
Maslan said the panther's remains have been handed over to the Negeri Sembilan Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan) for further action
Meanwhile, social media users have conveyed their sympathies for the animal.
Some have also suggested solutions to the common predicament, such as the establishment of wildlife bridges to help wild animals cross roads safely.
According to the Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS), black panthers, or black leopards, are an endangered species in Malaysia and are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
