Youngsters looking at the carcass of the tapir, which had the flesh near its neck cut off, in Kampung Hulu Cheka yesterday. Pic by Roselan Ab Malek
JERANTUT: Villagers at Kampung Hulu Cheka near here had a rude shock yesterday when they stumbled upon the carcass of a tapir that was missing a large chunk of flesh near its neck.
The animal, scientifically known as Tapirus indicus, was believed to have been hit by a motorcycle before having its flesh cut off.
It was understood that the stretch of road where the carcass was found had no street lights. The motorcyclist is being treated at Jerantut Hospital.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department director Khairiah Mohd Shariff said people should not have committed such an act, as it was an offence under the law.
"The tapir could have strayed from its natural habitat before it was hit."