KUCHING: The dead whale found in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman Division three weeks ago has been identified as a Sei whale.
This identification was confirmed through a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test conducted by the Forensic and Genetic Resource Section of the Biodiversity Conservation and Research Division, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), with reference to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.
On Nov 19, local residents reported the sighting of a whale carcass near Pulau Seduku on social media; and four days later, the SFC team located the severely decomposed remains, which were stuck on a bar near the construction site of the Triso Bridge.
This discovery marked the first confirmed record of a Sei whale in Sarawak waters, adding to the previously documented large whale species, including Bryde’s, Sperm, Fin, Minke, and Humpback whales, and bringing the total number of marine mammal species recorded in the region’s coastal and offshore waters to 25.
“The high diversity of marine mammal species reflects the health and pristine condition of Sarawak’s marine environment,” said SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran who also serves as the Controller of Wildlife and the Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves.
The public is encouraged to report any information about activities related to the hunting, trade, or possession of protected and totally protected wildlife to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
Information can be shared through the following hotline numbers 019 885 9996 (SFC Kuching), 084 349 455 (SFC Sibu), 086 339 842 (SFC Bintulu) and 019 829 0994 (SFC Miri).
