2 Sumatran Tigers, Surya Manggala And Citra Kartini Released To Jambi

The North Sumatra BKSDA will release two Sumatran tigers (ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - The North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) will release two Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae). The names of the two tigers are "Surya Manggala" (male) and "Citra Kartini" (female) to the location in the Core Zone of Kerinci National Park, Jambi.

"The two tigers were previously treated at the Sumatra Barumun Tiger Sanctuary," said Plt. Head of the North Sumatra KSDA Center Ir. Irzal Azhar, in a written statement, Tuesday, July 7, quoted from Antara.

The release of these animals is to avoid inbreeding or mating with relatives which can reduce the genetic quality of the tiger's offspring later.

The Sumatra Barumun Tiger Sanctuary was established based on the Decree of the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Number Sk.373/KSDAE/SET.29/2016 dated 30 September 2016 concerning the Designation of the Sumatran Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary in Batu Nanggar Village, Batang Onang District, Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra Province.

"This animal sanctuary was built to manage, care for and rehabilitate tigers, both victims of conflict, illness and those about to be released into the wild," he said.

He explained that for approximately 3.5 years in the New Sumatran Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary "Surya Manggala and Citra Kartini" were cared for naturally with their mothers and given live feed regularly in the form of wild boars, rabbits, wild chickens and so on.

In addition, his natural behavior is also regularly observed through CCTV, and under these conditions "Surya Manggala and Citra Kartini" grows and grows naturally even in a cage with minimal human intervention.

Before being released into the wild, preparatory steps have been taken on June 2-4, 2022, where the two tigers have been installed with a GPS Collar from the KKHSG Directorate General KSDAE by the North Sumatra KSDA Center and the Medical Team.

Irzal said the GPS Collar was installed to monitor post-release Sumatran tiger movements.

"The data from this monitoring is very important as material for evaluation and future management of tigers in their natural habitats," said Plt. Head of the North Sumatra KSDA Center.