Breaking The Chain Of Conflict With Humans, Wildlife Tracks Will Be Built In Sumatra

In order to preserve wildlife and reduce the potential for conflict with humans, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) is designing the construction of animal corridors on the island of Sumatra.

This track is expected to be a long-term solution so that the movement of wild animals is not disrupted by human activities.

The Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, said that the construction of this corridor was a response to the increasing frequent clashes between humans and wildlife, such as the latest case of elephant conflicts in Air Sugihan District, Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency, South Sumatra.

Hanif explained that on the island of Sumatra there are a number of important megafauna species, such as the Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Elephant, Sumatra Rhino, Sumatran Bull, and Orangutan. However, their natural habitat is now divided due to plantation expansion and industrial forest development, which causes fragmentation of the cruising area.

When their natural path is cut off by human activity, animals tend to enter residential areas or agricultural areas of residents. This is the main cause of the conflict," said Hanif, as quoted by ANTARA.

The construction of this animal corridor is designed by considering the specific needs of each type of animal. For example, elephants need food that contains salt. Therefore, the elephant track will be filled with plants with high salt levels to keep them on that path and not deviate to human territory.

Apart from South Sumatra, other areas such as Riau are also places prone to conflict between humans and animals. This province has about 4 million hectares of palm oil which is often the route for animal trajectories, including elephants and tigers. As a result, unwanted encounters with humans often occur.

"The handling of this conflict cannot be left only to one party. Cooperation between institutions, local governments, communities, and land concession owners is needed," said Hanif.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is currently finalizing the plan for animal trajectory spatial planning so that it can be implemented in the field immediately. The hope is that the existence of this corridor will be able to create a balance between conservation and human activities, while maintaining the survival of rare species in Sumatra.