QuickCheck: Was a clouded leopard found dead on a Perak highway?

The discovery of an animal's dead body along a highway usually does not generate much of a buzz; however this is different when the creature in question is of an endangered species.

It was claimed online recently that such an incident happened in Perak when a clouded leopard's body was found along the West Coast Expressway (WCE) near Beruas.

Is this true?

VERDICT:

TRUE

The discovery was confirmed by Perak Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Yusoff Shariff who said the animal was found and its carcass retrieved on Wednesday (March 20) evening.

He said that the male animal was about five years old and weighed about 20kg, adding that its dead body was found at KM253.3 of the WCE.

"The carcass was already bloated and rotting when we found it. We believe it was hit by a vehicle two days earlier based on its condition," he added in his statement.

A 22-second video was shared on social media platforms showing the body laying by the roadside.

The clouded leopard is categorised as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in its Red List of Threatened Species.

Meanwhile, Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said motorists should be careful when driving on roads near forests.

"Road users should slow down, especially at night, as there can be animals crossing the road. We also urge the people to make a report immediately if they come across animals that have been hit by vehicles," he added.