Protected Tapir That Went Viral on Sumatra Highway Slaughtered by Residents

A tapir that recently went viral for roaming along the Jalan Lintas Timur Sumatera in Mesuji Regency, Lampung, has been killed by a group of residents. A video showing the mutilated carcass of the protected animal is now circulating widely on social media. In the 19-second video, the tapir’s body is seen completely dismembered. Its head is separated from the torso, while other body parts have been cut up and placed on banana leaves in an open area. Several men are present at the scene of the slaughter. One of them is seen facing the camera while smiling and raising his middle finger. A sharp weapon, suspected to have been used to kill the animal, is visible near the carcass. Responding to the video, the Lampung Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) immediately coordinated with the Mesuji Police to investigate the suspected killing of the protected species. Itno Itoyo, Head of the Region III Conservation Section in Lampung, stated that his team is working with the police to verify the location, time of the incident, and to identify the perpetrators. ‘We have coordinated with the Mesuji Police to conduct further investigation. We are currently tracing the location, time of the incident, and the parties involved,’ Itno said. He emphasised that the tapir is a legally protected species, and any form of hunting or killing of the animal is subject to legal proceedings.