IPOH: A male tapir estimated to weigh around 200kg was rescued on Monday (July 14) after being found injured at a durian orchard in Kampung Sungai Lui, Selangor.

The Selangor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said that upon receiving information from the public, they rushed to the scene with a veterinarian from the Ex-situ Conservation Division.

It added that the team was assisted by the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Selangor Malayan Tiger Conservation Unit.

“The wild animal is believed to have been caught in a snare trap on its front right leg and suffered bite wounds from stray dogs.

“The orchard owner became aware of the incident after hearing loud noises from the nearby forest, witnessing the tapir being attacked. The animal later ran into a shed to seek shelter,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 16).

The department added that the tapir was successfully secured in a special transport crate and taken to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai for further treatment.

“It is currently in a stable condition and under close observation at the NWRC,” it said.

The department added that the successful rescue reflects Perhilitan’s ongoing commitment to protecting and conserving the nation’s increasingly threatened wildlife species.

“The public is reminded to promptly report any wildlife sightings or incidents to the authorities to help prevent unwanted situations,” it said.