PUTRAJAYA: The Malayan tapir (Tapirus Indicus) is probably one of the most unfortunate wild animal species in Malaysia.
This follows an increasing trend in the death of the species, due to road accidents, habitat loss, and falling victim to traps and holes.
A total of 15 Malayan tapirs were reported killed due to road accidents between January to July 31 this year.
Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the number has increased, compared with the 24 cases throughout last year (2020).
He said death cases involving the species are often reported in Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor, and Pahang.
"Most of the deaths are due to accidents involving male Malayan tapirs with the accidents occurring at federal roads, with three cases reported along the East Coast Expressway (LPT1 and 2).
"Based on observations, Perhilitan also found a rise in Malayan tapirs moving out of their original habitat and invading human settlements.
"As such, they could be easily found roaming on the roads, falling into holes and getting trapped," he said in a Harian Metro report today.
Kadir added there was an increase in cases of Malayan Tapirs wandering into residential areas.
Recently, a female Malayan tapir was caught after wandering into Kampung Geylang, Simpang Pertang in Negri Sembilan.
Efforts to install traps were made after the animal frequently damaged crops.
Prior to that, a 200kg female tapir was captured by Perhilitan staff near the Hulu Langat forest reserve in Selangor.
The tapir had wounds at the mouth, and was relocated with the help of the East Klang Valley Expressway Project (EKVE) contractor's machinery.
"The estimated Malayan tapir population in Peninsula Malaysia is currently between 1,100 and 1,500.
"The main threat to the species is habitat fragmentation and hunting using traps and firearms," he said.