By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 15: The whale carcass discovered in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman Division, three weeks ago has been identified as a Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), according to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
In a press release, SFC confirmed the identification through a DNA test conducted by the Forensic and Genetic Resource Section of the Biodiversity Conservation and Research Division, referencing the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The carcass was first reported by local residents near Pulau Seduku on social media on Nov 19, 2024. Four days later, SFC located the heavily decomposed remains stuck on a bar near the Triso Bridge construction site.
“This discovery marks the first confirmed record of a Sei whale in Sarawak waters.
“Previously documented large whale species in Sarawak, based on literature and recent findings, include Bryde’s (Balaenoptera edeni), Sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), Fin (Balaenoptera physalus), Minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales.
“With the Sei whale, the total number of marine mammal species recorded in Sarawak’s coastal and offshore waters is now 25.
“The diversity of marine mammal species reflects the health and pristine condition of Sarawak’s marine environment,” said Abang Arabi, who is also the Controller of Wildlife and National Parks and Nature Reserves.
The SFC urges the public to report any activities involving the hunting, trade, or keeping of protected and totally protected wildlife.
Reports can be made via the following SFC hotlines; SFC Kuching – 019-8859996, SFC Sibu – 084-349455, SFC Bintulu – 086-339842, and SFC Miri – 019-8290994. – DayakDaily
