August 9, 2024
In a startling incident that has left residents on edge, a clouded leopard was caught on CCTV in Sg. Siput, Perak, snatching a pet cat from a family's backyard.
The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, has sparked fears among locals, who are now worried for their safety and that of their pets.
The incident came to light when 30-year-old Nurul Bakhtiar, who often leaves her cat Petra at her parents' home in the village, noticed something was amiss. Petra, known for her calm demeanor and tendency to stay close to home, had mysteriously disappeared. This prompted Nurul to check the CCTV footage, where she made the shocking discovery.
The video shows the clouded leopard, about the size of a small goat, sneaking into the backyard in the dead of night and carrying Petra away. Nurul explained that this wasn’t the first time a cat had gone missing in the neighborhood; three other cats had also disappeared recently, but no one had suspected anything unusual until now.“
My parents have several cats, and while Petra had become a familiar sight around the village, she was still my most beloved pet,” Nurul shared. “When I saw the footage, I was horrified. I never imagined a wild animal could be responsible.” With the revelation that a clouded leopard is on the loose, other villagers are now on high alert. The local Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has been notified and has dispatched a team to investigate the area. Traps are being set to capture the leopard, and residents are being urged to take extra precautions to protect their pets and livestock.
The incident has not only shocked the small community but also raised questions about the proximity of wildlife to human settlements, particularly in areas undergoing rapid development. As the search for the elusive clouded leopard continues, the village remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to the unsettling situation.
About Sungai Siput
Sungai Siput, located in northern Peninsular Malaysia's Perak state, is a town rich in geological and cultural history. Covering 155.141 hectares and managed by the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council, the area is underlain by limestone bedrock, interbedded with shale and chert that have undergone metamorphism, forming foliated "schist."
These rocks, likely dating back to the Carboniferous and Permo-Carboniferous periods, have been intruded by granite and quartz-porphyry, erasing any fossil evidence. Culturally, the town's name, meaning "snail river" in Malay, reflects its diverse heritage, with influences from Malay, Jawi, Tamil, and Chinese communities.
Sungai Siput's unique geological features and rich history make it a significant part of Perak's natural and cultural landscape.
Clouded Leapord
The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) in Malaysia is a medium-sized wild cat known for its striking, cloud-like spots on its coat. Native to the forests of Southeast Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, this elusive species is well-adapted to dense, tropical rainforests and mountainous regions.
Clouded leopards are excellent climbers, with powerful limbs and long tails aiding in their arboreal lifestyle. They are solitary and primarily nocturnal hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and occasionally larger animals. Listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching, the clouded leopard plays a crucial role in Malaysia's forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this rare and enigmatic species.