A female Malayan tiger was rescued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) yesterday (16 June) after it was snared and injured in a poacher’s trap in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
According to BERNAMA, Perhilitan rushed to rescue the 80kg female tiger at the NTT Metro Farm in Gua Musang’s Pos Blau after being alerted by the farm staff.
Kelantan Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani elaborated that the rescue operation was carried out by staff of the Wildlife Conservation Division, Perhilitan Headquarters Kuala Lumpur and Perhilitan Kelantan as well as the National Wildlife Rescue Centre and the National Tiger Conservation Centre.
The rescue operation proved to be difficult due to the geographical conditions of the area. Mohamad Hafid asserted,
“The location of the tiger was difficult to access because it was in a steep area on the bank of the river (there), in addition to heavy rain. The rescue party used a motorboat to inspect the condition of the wild animal.
“The operation to rescue the tiger was carried out at 10.30am after information on its position and condition was clearly obtained through the use of a drone. A tranquiliser gun was used to temporarily put it to sleep to facilitate the rescue work,”
Checks found that the female Malayan Tiger had been trapped by the snare on the front left ankle. Accordingly, a physical examination and blood sampling had been carried out with the whole operation taking 3 hours and involving 21 personnel.
The tiger has since been taken to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre for further treatment.
Mohamad Hafid said that the culprit or culprits could be fined not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM100, 000 and jailed not more than 10 years if convicted.
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