'Awang Besul' The Roaming Tiger In Dungun Has Died
"It was not aggressive, walked in circles, experienced seizures, and had nasal discharge."
By Tamara Jayne — 23 Jul 2019, 05:50 PM
The tiger which was recently found strolling in Kampung Besul Lama died earlier today, 23 July
According to The Star, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) said that the five-year-old tiger named Awang Besul died at 5.30am today, despite efforts to save it.
The animal was at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak.
Awang Besul is one of two tigers which villagers claimed were wandering around the 'kampung'.
After videos of the animal went viral on social media, Perhilitan managed to capture one of the tigers on Friday, 19 July
Perhilitan revealed that the tiger was infected by Canine Distemper Disorder virus, a sickness which can easily affect other animals, including pet dogs and cats.
"It will cause the animal to be confused and go against its predatory instincts," Forestry Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim previously said, according to New Straits Times.
Kadir had also added that it could have explained why the animal did not harm humans and livestock that had come into its path.
After several days of observation under NWRC, Perhilitan said that the tiger displayed neurological symptoms
"It was not aggressive, walked in circles, experienced seizures, and had nasal discharge," it said, according to Malaysiakini.
The animal also had wounds on its legs and was dehydrated when it was captured.
It was possible that the virus was spread by other wild animals around Kampung Besul Lama in Dungun, where it was found, Perhilitan added.
Based on its paw prints at several locations in the area, Kadir believes that there is only one tiger
However, traps have been set up for a week or two to ensure that there is no other tiger as previously reported.
Perhilitan urged the public to contact them at 1-800-88-5151 if anyone comes across any tigers.
