BKSDA Sends Team To Handle Tiger Disturbances In South Aceh

The photo archive - Veterinarians check the health condition of the Sumatran tiger in Tapaktuan, South Aceh Regency, Saturday (3/2/2024). ANTARA/Risky Hardian Saputra

BANDA ACEEH - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) dispatched a team to deal with disturbances to the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) which reportedly preyed on residents' goats in Panjupian Village, Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency.

"We have deployed a team to respond to reports of tigers preying on the livestock of residents in Panjupian Village, Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency," said Head of BKSDA Aceh Ujang Wisnu Barata as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, February 15.

The team has moved to the location where the carcass of the goat was found which was allegedly eaten by a tiger on Friday (14/2) night. The location of the tiger reportedly preyed on goats near residential areas.

Efforts are made, among others, by expelling these protected animals away from residential areas and entering forest areas which are their habitats.

In addition, the team also installed a camera trap to verify whether there was a tiger in the area or not. Because, from the search at the location, other indications were found.

"We urge the public not to release livestock and put it in place to prevent negative interactions with protected animals," said Ujang Wisnu Barata.

Based on the list of animal scarcity issued by the world conservation agency International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Sumatran tigers are only found on the island of Sumatra. These animals are critically endangered species, at high risk of extinction in the wild.

The community is advised to jointly preserve the Sumatran tiger by not destroying the forest which is the habitat of various types of protected 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.