Tapir that appeared on the road was slaughtered by residents of Mesuji, BKSDA is still checking the chronology

JAKARTA - The Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) said it was still investigating the information that was developing to ensure the chronology of the tapir incident that was slaughtered by the people of Mesuji, Lampung Province, in full.

"Yes, we have received information that the tapir that went viral in Mesuji has been slaughtered by residents. Currently, our team has also headed to the location to communicate with the Police and conduct a direct review," said Head of Conservation Section III Lampung BKSDABengkulu Itno Itoyodilansir ANTARA, Friday, July 3.

He explained that the BKSDA had previously received a video clip on Thursday (2/7) morning regarding the tapir that crossed Jalan Lintas Register 45 Mesuji Regency. In the video clip, it seems that residents are trying to rescue the animal.

"Therefore, we have made appeals through social media to prevent people from taking actions that can endanger wildlife and the safety of residents," he said.

According to him, until the afternoon the BKSDA believed that the protected wildlife was still alive. However, the BKSDA received information accompanied by a video clip showing that the animal had died.

"After receiving this information, the BKSDA team immediately coordinated with the police to collect supporting data and information in the field," he said.

He conveyed information obtained by the BKSDA, the community who killed the tapir had also been secured by the police.

"The information we received from the Mesuji Police has arrested the person who killed the tapir," he said.

In the future, he continued, the BKSDA will increase socialization to the public regarding the steps to be taken when dealing with wildlife.

"We hope that the public understands the correct procedures when finding wildlife, so that the safety of both humans and animals can be maintained," he said.

The BKSDA also reminded that hunting and actions against protected wildlife have been regulated by laws and regulations.

"The rules regarding wildlife protection are very clear. If there is hunting activity or illegal actions against protected animals, there are legal provisions that regulate it," said Itno.

For information, a tapir viral on social media appeared on Jalan Lintas Register 45, Mesuji Regency, and shocked the surrounding residents. In the video that went viral, a large-sized tapir seemed to walk leisurely on the road. A number of motorists chose to slow down their vehicles, even stopping to watch the black and white-colored animal directly.