Mesuji, Indonesia, en.SERU.co.id — Authorities have arrested four men for the illegal killing of a protected Malayan tapir, an endangered species whose meat and skin were processed by the suspects.
The joint operation by Mesuji Police and the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Bengkulu-Lampung, supported by the Sumatra Regional Conservation Agency (BPKH), followed community reports and a graphic video of the killing that circulated on social media.
Mesuji Deputy Police Chief Kompol Trisno Sigit said investigators quickly identified the suspects after receiving the tip-off. Officers arrested four men identified as WS, KS, TS, and MPY in separate locations. Two others, WG and MSR, remain at large and are being actively pursued.
From the suspects, police seized key evidence including a video recording of the killing, a 1.5-meter spear, a machete, tapir bones, and processed meat and skin.
BKSDA officials stressed that the Malayan tapir is fully protected under Indonesian law. Its population has been steadily declining, making every individual critical to the species’ survival.
“Tapirs are not aggressive animals. They usually avoid humans. If people encounter one, they should keep their distance, avoid provoking the animal, and immediately report it to BKSDA or the authorities so it can be handled properly,” said M. Husen, Head of Forest Police at BKSDA Bengkulu-Lampung.
The animals, locally known as tenuk, are familiar to residents in the Mesuji and Tulang Bawang areas, which form part of their natural habitat in Register 45.
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Husen highlighted the need for stronger public education on wildlife protection, noting that continued poaching shows many still don’t fully understand the tapir’s important role in the ecosystem.
The Asian tapir is the only tapir species found outside the Americas. Adults can weigh up to 350 kilograms (around 770 pounds), with some reaching over 500 kg, and grow as long as 2.4 meters.
According to National Geographic Indonesia, tapirs play a vital role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds through their dung. Their large bodies also create natural trails in the jungle that other wildlife use. Because they reproduce slowly — with a 13- to 14-month gestation period and young that remain dependent for up to 18 months — losing even a single animal has a significant impact on the population.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing threats to Sumatra’s biodiversity and the importance of community involvement in protecting endangered species. (aan/mzm)
