Viral Video Shows Tapir Roaming Along Mesuji Highway in Lampung

A Malayan tapir has been recorded roaming along the Trans-Sumatra Highway in the Register 45 area of Mesuji Regency, Lampung, with footage of the protected animal quickly going viral on social media. In the 17-second video, the black-and-white tapir can be seen walking on the road, causing several motorcyclists to slow down as they pass. The person filming followed the tapir from behind, while other residents stopped at the roadside to watch the wild animal before it eventually moved to the edge of the road and disappeared into the vegetation. Itno Itoyo, Head of Conservation Section III Lampung at the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), stated that no official report regarding the tapir’s appearance had been received. However, he noted that there were previous reports in 2022 and 2023 confirming the presence of tapirs in the Register 45 area. Despite the lack of a formal report, BKSDA will conduct an investigation to verify the video and check the animal’s presence at the location. The agency plans to gather field information, assess the current land cover conditions, and compare the findings with previous tapir population data. Itno explained that the Register 45 area still has the potential to serve as a habitat for tapirs, making such appearances possible, though they require further field verification. He urged the public not to approach or disturb the animal if it is spotted again near roads or residential areas, advising against feeding or provoking the tapir and requesting that any sightings be reported immediately to the authorities.