For those living near the jungles of Negri Sembilan, there has been talk for the last three years about a mysterious black panther prowling nearby
It has been claimed recently that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has finally caught the feline, bringing an end to a long hunt.
Is this true?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The Negeri Sembilan Perhilitan captured a male black panther weighing 47.5kg in Kampung Tumang, Johol on Sunday (March 2).
State Perhilitan director Faizal Izham Pikri said efforts to capture the animal had been ongoing for the past three years following complaints from villagers about its presence.
He said his team had received information that the black panther had entered a tiger trap in the area at 7.40am on Sunday.
"Perhilitan staff arrived at the scene at 9am and found a male black panther that had sustained injuries to its face after being caught in the tiger trap.
A veterinarian from Perhilitan confirmed that the panther had injuries on its face and neck," he said in a statement.
He added that, according to records, three different animal traps had previously been set up at the location, but the animal had proved elusive.
Faizal said footage from cameras around the traps indicated the animal had previously tried to enter a trap baited with a goat but was unsuccessful due to its large size.
"So, we decided to set up a tiger trap to capture the black panther, which ultimately entered the trap after three years," he added.
He said the animal would be taken to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) for treatment before being released back into the wild.
