Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Panther found dead with paws and skin missing

"It was difficult to trace those responsible for killing the panther!" Imagine 6 other traps and still no clue? Orang asli tipped off too. So I am sure orang asli also knew about it. As usual the custodians are at a blank. "Biasalah", they said.

Tuesday February 16, 2010
The Star
By NIK NAIZI HUSIN

KUANTAN: A black panther was found dead without its paws and skin in the Persit forest reserve of Sungai Yu, Lipis District.

State Wildlife Department director Khairiah Mohd Shariff said the adult panther was believed to have been caught in a trap set by hunters.

Khairiah said her staff had entered the forest to check on reports that a panther had been found dead by orang asli at 4.30pm on Sunday.

“My officers said the panther was dead for five to six days with its paws and skin removed.

“We also found six other traps, and we have destroyed them,’’ she added.

It is learnt that the traps were put up to capture tigers prowling in the area.

“If it had been a tiger, the bones would have been removed too, as they are very valuable,’’ she added.

Khairiah said it was difficult to trace those responsible for killing the panther.

“We hope they are aware that endangered species like tigers and panthers are not allowed to be caught,’’ she said.

Khairiah added that the case was being investigated under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Act 76) Section 64(2)(a).

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