SUNGAI BESAR: A tapir was killed in an accident involving a motorcycle along Jalan Sungai Panjang here yesterday.
This latest incident occurred less than 24 hours after a male clouded leopard was killed after being hit by a vehicle at Kilometer 253.3 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) from Trong heading towards Beruas, Perak, yesterday.
In the accident, the rider of the Kawasaki Z250 motorcycle, whose identity could not be confirmed, was injured and taken to the Tengku Ampuan Jemaah Hospital (HTAJ) in Sabak Bernam for treatment. Meanwhile, the adult male tapir died on the spot due to the injuries sustained.
Selangor Wildlife Department director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh said a physical examination of the male tapir's carcass revealed that the animal succumbed to severe head injuries.
"Initial investigations found that the male tapir came from the Sungai Karang Forest Reserve area, which is about one kilometer away from the area where the incident happened. The area is a known hotspot area for wildlife crossings.
"The carcass has been brought to the Wildlife Department's office for further investigation," he said when contacted today.
Wan Mohd Adib said a similar case occurred in Hulu Selangor on March 19.
"The incident occurred on Jalan Sungai Tengi-Bukit Tagar involving a male tapir that was hit by a car.
"The wild animal is believed to have come from the Bukit Belata Tambahan Forest Reserve area, which is just 500 meters away from the incident area.
"Like Sungai Besar, that area is also a hotspot for wildlife crossings," he said.
Therefore, the public has been urged to be more cautious when driving in wildlife crossing areas, to adhere to the speed limit, lower vehicle headlights, and slow down if wildlife crossing signs are seen.
Any complaints or information regarding wildlife can be channelled to the Department of Wildlife through the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or through e-complaints on the website www.wildlife.gov.my.
