KUCHING: A male proboscis monkey died due to severe injuries from dog bites.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) received a report from a concerned member of the public that a monkey, a totally protected animal, was attacked by a pack of stray dogs at Kem Permai last Thursday.
A team later discovered multiple dog bites on the primate’s head and right shoulder, the possible cause of death.
A forensics team took the carcass for further investigation and will be preserved.
The exhibit will be placed either at Bako National or Matang Wildlife Centre for educational purposes.
“The numbers of proboscis monkeys left in the wild today are less than 1,000, and it has been dropping over the past 30 years. This might eventually lead to the extinction of the species,” said wildlife controller and SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton in a statement.
SFC will collaborate with other relevant authorities to remove the stray dogs from the beach to avoid the same incident from happening again.
Members of the public can channel any report through SFC’s hotlines – Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8332737), Miri (019-8290994).
