Stop sharing videos of wildlife sightings on social media, says Perhilitan

 

Perhilitan says there is a danger that videos of wildlife, like tigers, on social media will attract the attention of poachers.

KUALA TERENGGANU: People have been advised against sharing videos of wild animal sightings on social media to avoid threats from poachers.

Terengganu wildlife department (Perhilitan) director Loo Kean Seong said these videos should instead be sent to his department to allow further action and monitoring.

“Sharing wildlife sighting videos on social media, with details such as location and time they were spotted, only gives the opportunity to irresponsible parties to act against them.

“There are negative effects from sharing (these videos) on social media and this must stop,” Loo said today.

Last night, a 33-second video of a tiger spotted by a driver in Paka area went viral on social media.

It was posted by a man who recorded the animal coming out of the bushes and crossing the path used by villagers in Santong, in Paka, near Dungun.

Loo said Terengganu Perhilitan had yet to receive a complaint from any party regarding the discovery of the tiger.

“Individuals who come across a tiger should keep a safe distance as there is the possibility of the wild animal acting aggressively.

“If they want to take a video, just do it from a safe distance and report it to Perhilitan to facilitate monitoring,” Loo said. - FMT