Only two tapirs left at National Botanical Garden

Only two tapirs left at National Botanical Garden

Rapid development around the area has caused the decline of Malayan tapir, says garden director.

tapir

SHAH ALAM:
Rapid development has caused the decline of the Malayan tapir population in the area around the National Botanical Garden here, said the director Mohamad Gadafi Denis.

He said about 10 tapirs thrived in the 2,019-acre garden 10 years ago, but a recent count showed only two of the endangered tapirs left.

“(Development) around this garden such as in Puncak Alam, Bukit Jelutong, Bukit Bandaraya and Meru exposes the animal to danger.

“From 2005 to 2013, four tapirs were killed by vehicles in Jalan Batu Arang-Puncak Alam,” he told reporters after launching the #SayangMyTapir programme here on Saturday.

To rescue the remaining tapirs, Mohamad Gadafi said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) would relocate the animals to the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre.

#SayangMyTapir is an educational programme organised by the botanical garden in conjunction with the Malayan tapir awareness month.

— BERNAMA

SEE ALSO:

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