A Tiger Enters A Trap In Tapaktuan, South Aceh

The Sumatran tiger entered a trap cage in Tapaktuan, South Aceh Regency, Monday (25/7/2022). BETWEEN/HO

BANDA ACEH - The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) stated that an individual or a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was caught in a trap in Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency.

Head of the Aceh BKSDA Agus Arianto said the traps were specially installed to deal with tiger disturbances in the area.

The Sumatran tiger conflict in Tapaktuan District has been going on since June 2022. Until finally one individual tiger was found in a trap in Lhok Bengkuang Village, Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency, on Monday (25/7) at around 07.30 WIB.

Furthermore, said Agus Arianto, the Sumatran tiger will be observed and carried out a complete medical examination before being released back into its habitat.

"Currently, a team of veterinarians is heading to the location. A survey of the release site will also be carried out in parallel with a team from the Gunung Leuser National Park Center," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, July 25.

Agus Arianto said the conflict or disturbance of tigers in South Aceh Regency has been going on for the last two months. The locations of the disturbances include Batu Itam Village and Lhok Bengkuang Village, Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency.

The Sumatran tiger conflict, he continued, has caused negative interactions, namely preying on community goats. Since the conflict took place, nine community goats have been eaten by these protected animals.

Agus Arianto also said that the BKSDA and the Gunung Leuser National Park Center in collaboration with partners carried out various efforts, including socialization, patrols, installation of monitoring cameras in conflict locations.

"Efforts to get rid of it, including bringing in handlers, and installing trap cages or traps were also carried out. Until finally, one individual tiger entered the trap cage," he said.

Agus Arianto also said the Sumatran tiger is a protected animal in Indonesia based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry.

Based on data from the world institute in charge of animals, the Sumatran tiger is a critically endangered species, at high risk of extinction in the wild.

"We appreciate the support of all parties who helped in the process of evacuating the Sumatran tiger. We also urge the public not to install snares that can affect the safety of wildlife and also trigger conflicts between humans and tigers," he said.