Clouded leopard killed by wire snare found in Gerik
KUALA LUMPUR: A clouded leopard was found dead in Kampung Sarok, Gerik, on Thursday, caught in a wire snare laid out by poachers.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the leopard’s carcass was found with wire meshes entangled in one of its hind legs.
“The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has already destroyed snares found in the area.
“The carcass has been taken to the Gerik Perhilitan office for further action,” he said, adding that the method of using wire snares to trap animals were common among poachers.
“The use of snares is inhumane as it could seriously injure or kill the animals. This can affect the country’s wildlife population. It also poses a risk to humans who pass by the area.”
He said the use of snares was a criminal act under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and if found guilty, one is liable to a fine b etween RM50,000 and RM100,000, or a maximum of two years’ imprisonment.
Wan Junaidi said it was timely for the ministry to introduce 2018 as the anti-snare year (Tahun Perangi Jerat), and focus on enforcement and eradication of snares in conservation areas and wildlife habitats.
He said the ministry had
planned many programmes to raise awareness among the people on the danger of snares.
The public can provide information on wildlife through Per-
hilitan’s hotline at 1800-88-5151 (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm) or through e-complaints via Perhilitan’s website at www.wildlife.gov.my.