By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 7: An urgent response has been launched by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) after a whale carcass, suspected to be a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), was found washed ashore at Telok Melano beach in Lundu on Friday (April 5).
A statement on SFC’s Facebook page revealed the corporation has sent an internal team to investigate the remains after a video of a whale carcass at Telok Melano beach went viral and gained significant attention.
“Preliminary observations suggest it could be a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), a Baleen whale species also known as Mysticeti.
“Efforts are underway to definitively identify the species. Notably, Bryde’s whales were previously spotted over the Talang-Talang Islands, close to the current location, during a 2008 aerial survey conducted by SFC,” read the statement.
SFC said that its forensics team would thoroughly examine the carcass and report its findings.
SFC also stated that its park staff is currently safeguarding the carcass in preparation for the forensic examination.
“This incident highlights the rich biodiversity of Sarawak’s seas, home to at least 21 cetacean species, including the Bryde’s whale, fin whale, humpback whale, and several species of dolphins and porpoises. All these species are protected under Sarawak’s Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998.
“The carcass was buried with the help of the contractor at Masjid Telok Melano, as coordinated by the local police officers and SFC Samunsam staff.
“In a related note, on March 18, 2024, a pygmy sperm whale was successfully rescued and returned to the sea by local fishermen after being found stranded in shallow waters at Pantai Luak, Miri,” SFC remarked.
Furthermore, SFC chief executive officer (CEO) Abang Arabi Abang Aimran expressed appreciation to the community for their support in protecting wildlife and urged them to keep reporting any similar incidents. — DayakDaily
