BKSDA Deploys Team To Overcome East Aceh Tiger Disorders

Bhabinkamtibmas Banda Alam Police, showing tiger footprints on Jalan Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam, East Aceh, Aceh Province, Monday (14/8/2023). PHOTO BETWEEN/HO-BKSDA Aceh

BANDA ACEH - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) dispatched a team to deal with disturbances to Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in East Aceh Regency, Aceh.

"We have deployed a team to deal with tiger disturbances reported to have pounced on the livestock of residents in East Aceh Regency," said Head of the Conservation Section Region I BKSDA Aceh Kamarudzaman as reported by ANTARA, Monday, August 14.

Previously, a Sumatran tiger was reported to have pounced on a calf in Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam District, East Aceh Regency. The resident's animal was found to be a carcass with wounds on his neck and back and covered in blood.

His party has not been able to mention the gender and age of the tiger. This is because the team is still in the field examining and analyzing the traces of these protected animals.

"We are still waiting for the team's report in the field. After that, the tiger's negative interaction will be handled immediately. We also urge the public to limit their activities until conditions are completely safe," said Kamarudzaman.

Meanwhile, Zakaria, the owner of the tiger eaten by the tiger, said the protected animals were often seen in residents' plantations. Even the tiger is also reported to have entered residential areas.

"Tiger footprints were found at several points in residential areas. We are worried about the safety of children playing outside the house if the tiger enters residential areas," he said.

He said the community asked the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to deploy a team to expel these protected animals. This is because its existence has been monitored since the beginning of the year.

"For months the tiger roamed around here. There were residents who caught him in the garden. Some residents were worried and reduced activity in the fields," said Zakaria.

Head of the Environment and Hygiene Service of East Aceh Regency, Teuku Muhammad Yunus, appealed to the public to avoid negative interactions with these protected animals.

"If you find footprints of protected animals on roads or residential areas, immediately report the related parties so that tiger disturbances are immediately handled," he said.

In addition, he also appealed to the public not to release their livestock into plantations or forests. Livestock should be grounded to prevent tiger disturbances

"To maintain safety, it is hoped that residents who live close to forest areas will avoid night activities," said Teuku Muhammad Yunus.

Based on the list of animal scarcity issued by the world conservation agency International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), this animal, which is only found on the island of Sumatra, has a critically endangered species, and is at high risk of extinction in the wild.

The Aceh BKSDA appealed to the public to jointly preserve the Sumatran tiger by not destroying the forest which is the habitat of various types of animals.

And not to catch, injure, kill, store, possess, maintain, transport, and trade protected animals alive or dead.

Then, do not install snares, poisons, high voltage electric fences that can cause the death of protected wildlife. All illegal acts are subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with statutory regulations.

In addition, other illegal activities can also cause wildlife conflicts, especially the Sumatran tiger with humans. This conflict resulted in economic losses to casualties, both humans and the survival of the wildlife, said Teuku Muhammad Yunus.