Endangered Malayan Tapir Found Dead on Terengganu Road After Being Hit by Vehicle

A road user in Kijal, Terengganu, stumbled upon a tragic sight yesterday (26 December), finding the carcass of a male Malayan tapir on Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan.

The carcass was found near a lemang stall at around 11:40 AM and is believed to have been hit by a vehicle.

A Malayan tapir was found dead in Kijal, believed to have been hit by a vehicle

BERNAMA quoted Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Loo Kean Seong as saying that the 250kg tapir had injury marks on its mouth, legs and body.

“The results of the inspection found that there were injury marks on the mouth, legs and body of the wildlife carcass,” Loo stated to the national news agency.

He added that four members of the Kemaman district Perhilitan had since taken the carcass to be disposed of.

“We advise road users to always be careful and aware of wildlife crossing areas,” Loo reminded the public.

There are fewer than 2,500 Malayan tapirs left in the wild

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is the only living tapir species native to Southeast Asia, namely across Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand.

According to Earth.org, the species has suffered a significant population decrease due to habitat loss and urban development.

The mammal has been classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List since 1986, with its total population estimated at fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. 

Also read: “A betrayal of Malaysia’s heritage” – Tiger Carcass with Bullet Holes Found in Perodua Alza, 3 Men Arrested