Residents Of Kuansing Riau Find Tapir With Injured Eyes Due To Sharp Objects

PEKANBARU - The medical team from the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) examined a tapir ( Tapirus indicus ) found by residents in Lubuk Ambacang Village, Hulu Kuantan District, Kuansing Regency, with injured eyes suspected of being caused by sharp objects.

"When it was first discovered by local residents, the condition of the right eye of the male tapir had decayed so that he lost his right eye," said Riau BKSDA daily executive, Hartono, to reporters, Monday, November 15.

According to him, in addition to injuries to his eyes, a number of wounds were also found around his temples, which were suspected to have been caused by sharp objects. Tapir is thought to have suffered injuries due to conflict with humans and was forced to lose his eye.

He said the animal could be saved after the Riau BBKSDA received information from the local community on Friday, November 12. This protected animal roams in Said Hasim's garden in Lubuk Ambacang Village.

"On Saturday (13/11) the Riau BBKSDA Division I team was dispatched to the location and coordinated with the Lubuk Ambacang Regional Secretary, Imas. Information obtained by the team together with the village secretary and a number of residents stated that the tapir had been in the garden for a day and was not afraid of humans. " said Hartono.

After being found, the team secured the tapir. Then, give water and food such as cassava leaves as first aid. The goal is that the tapir's condition is maintained. The medical team that participated immediately provided medical assistance, to prevent infection in the wound.

In addition to identification of the wound, other results showed that the tapir was 5 years old and 1 meter 20 centimeters long. It was first discovered that his condition was weak due to a rotting wound at the edge of his temple. Due to the severity of the tapir's eye condition, further treatment was given by evacuating him to Pekanbaru.

"Furthermore, the tapirs are put into cages and then taken to the Riau BBKSDA transit cage. Thank you for the public's concern in providing information and if in the future you see the appearance of wild animals entering the garden, please don't hurt them," he said.

“The most important thing is that the community does not set a trap for any reason. Because the perpetrators can be charged with Article 40 of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems," he said.

"Then, for anyone who finds violations or suspicious related to hunting or trade in protected animals to immediately report to the call center of the Riau KSDA Center at Number 081374742981," Hartono said.