In a tragic incident on the North-South Expressway, the carcass of a male tiger weighing approximately 120 kilograms was discovered near Tapah, Perak. The tiger, believed to have been hit by a vehicle at Kilometre 314 northbound, is now set to be preserved and displayed at the Biodiversity Institute of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in Bukit Rengit, Pahang.
Yusoff Shariff, the director of the Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), confirmed that the tiger's body is currently being stored at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai. "The preservation of this carcass can only be carried out at the Biodiversity Institute due to their specialized expertise in taxidermy," he explained. "The process is intricate and time-consuming, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure the specimen remains in pristine condition for a long period."
The tragic discovery was made early Saturday morning, around 5:45 AM, when the tiger's body was found in a roadside drain after being struck by a Nissan Juke. This incident is reminiscent of a similar tragedy that occurred on November 9 last year, when another male tiger was killed by a trailer at Kilometre 303.4 of the same expressway near Gua Tempurung, Gopeng.
During the identification process, Perhilitan officers found wounds and scratches on the left side of the tiger's body. Yusoff suggested that these injuries might have been inflicted by traps set by poachers. "It’s deeply concerning that such traps are still being used," he stated. "These traps not only harm our wildlife but also pose a significant threat to the conservation efforts we are striving to uphold."
The preservation of the tiger’s body will serve both educational and conservation purposes, allowing future generations to learn about Malaysia's rich biodiversity and the challenges faced by its wildlife. Taxidermy, the process of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skin of animals with lifelike effects, is a specialized skill that the Biodiversity Institute is equipped to handle. This process involves careful cleaning, preserving, and arranging of the animal's skin to create a realistic exhibit. The preservation will not only honor the tiger's life but also act as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by endangered species due to human activities.
Wildlife conservationists are urging the public to be more vigilant and report any information related to wildlife incidents. Yusoff emphasized the importance of public awareness and involvement in conservation efforts. "We rely on the public to help us protect our wildlife. If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activities or incidents involving wild animals to Perhilitan immediately."
The increasing frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions is a pressing issue that needs addressing. Highways and roads that cut through wildlife habitats often become death traps for animals, including endangered species like tigers. Conservationists suggest implementing more wildlife crossings and better signage to alert drivers to the presence of wildlife in these areas.
Reference: Pahang Perhilitan to preserve carcass of tiger believed hit by car | The Star
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