JELEBU: A black panther was captured by the Negri Sembilan Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in Kampung Geylang near Pertang here, last night – less than 24 hours after the mutilated carcasses of 15 sheep were found on a village farm here, on Saturday.
State Perhilitan director, Wan Mat Wan Harun said the predator was caught at about 10pm using an iron trap which had been installed in the village two weeks ago.
“The panther was lured using the carcass of a goat, which we had used as bait.
“So far, we have yet to identify the sex and weight of the animal, pending a treatment procedure which will be carried out by the Veterinary Department and Perhilitan,” he said when contacted by NSTP here, today.
Wan Mat said the animal is a member of a rare endangered species which is fully protected according to the second schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
“The panther will be released back to its habitat after a regular inspection procedure is carried out to ensure that it is healthy,” he added.
Wan Mat said an investigation on the killing of the 15 sheep revealed that the panther had entered their enclosure through a gap between the roof and the wall.
“We have since covered the cage with a black net,” he added.
Meanwhile, the sheep’s owner, Ibrahim Maasin, 60, said he only realised that his animals had been killed when he went to their cage to feed them at 9am yesterday.
“The cage is located about 100 meters from my house, and I believe the attack occurred at midnight.
“This is the fourth such incident. (In the) three previous incidents, 20 goats were killed.
“The three previous attacks occurred outside the cage. This latest incident is the first to take place inside the cage,” he said.