SEMATAN – An adult female false killer whale died on 3 October after becoming stranded twice at Pueh Beach, with a post-mortem examination finding shark bite marks and minimal stomach contents mixed with sand, according to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
The marine mammal was initially found stranded along the Pueh Beach coastline, prompting members of the public and relevant agencies to respond and return the animal to the sea.
SFC expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in the Lundu and Sematan district, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and members of the public for their swift response during the initial stranding.
At about 9am, however, SFC received information from local fishermen that the marine mammal had returned to the Pueh Youth Camp Beach area. The animal was reported to be in a weak condition and subsequently died at about 2pm.
SFC identified the animal through examination of its external characteristics and number of teeth as an adult female false killer whale, scientifically known as Pseudorca crassidens. It measured 3.85 metres in length and 1.77 metres in circumference.
Following the death, SFC carried out procedures for stranded marine mammals, including a necropsy examination of the carcass. Biometric specimens were also collected for inclusion in a DNA database for future reference.
The examination involved nine SFC personnel, with assistance from six residents of Kampung Pueh.
According to the findings, the animal had visible shark bite marks on its body. The examination also found very little material in its stomach, with the contents mixed with sand.
SFC said the findings indicated that the animal may have been unable to obtain sufficient food before it became stranded.
Based on the necropsy, SFC said the death was believed to be associated with complications arising from the stranding. These included possible circulatory system failure linked to heat stress, or heat stroke.
The findings provide an assessment of the animal after death but do not establish that any single factor was solely responsible for the stranding or subsequent mortality.
SFC reminded the public that marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and dugongs, are classified as fully protected animals under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
Members of the public who encounter stranded, injured or dead wildlife are advised not to handle the animals themselves. Instead, incidents should be reported promptly to SFC through its hotline or the nearest SFC Kuching Regional Office.
The reporting procedure allows wildlife officers to assess the situation and determine appropriate rescue, examination and management measures while reducing the risk of further harm to the animal or people at the scene.
SFC also recorded that a false killer whale was previously found stranded on a beach in Miri in 2013.
The corporation thanked government agencies, local residents and members of the public for their assistance and cooperation during the Pueh Beach incident.
The case also highlights the importance of coordinated responses when marine mammals are found stranded, particularly where an animal is weak or returns to shore after an initial release. – Sarawak Daily
