GUA MUSANG – A male tapir was found dead by the roadside of Jalan Gua Musang-Kuala Krai, near the Felda Chiku Satu settlement, here today after most likely being hit by a vehicle and dragged for around 15 metres.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department director Ady Ermanty Haniff Mohamed Hanif in a statement today said the remains of the 450kg tapir was found by a member of the public, who was passing the area at 7.45am today.
He said the person contacted the department, which conducted an investigation and brought the remains to the office for further action.
He said the 8-year-old mammal was believed to have been hit by a vehicle between midnight and early this morning.
“Initial investigations indicate that the tapir was trying to cross the road before being rammed by a vehicle in the dark.”
He added that the animal had left its habitat probably because it was looking for food.
According to the department’s records, three tapirs have been killed after being hit by vehicles in the state last year. – Bernama, January 31, 2021
