Environmental Activist: Land Use Change Is A Threat To The Continuity Of Protected Animals In Aceh

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) found entangled in Gayo Lues. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Environmental activists say that uncontrolled land conversion is currently a threat to the sustainability of wild animals in Aceh Province. Zulfikar, an environmental activist, in Banda Aceh, reported by Antara, Sunday, September 5.

In addition to threatening the sustainability of protected animals, said TM Zulfikar, the conversion of the land has also caused conflicts with humans. As a result of the conflict, both parties are always at a loss. "Humans lose their livelihoods such as destroying agricultural land. While animals end up with death. In fact, these animals are the balance of the ecosystem," said TM Zulfikar.

According to TM Zulfikar, part of Aceh's forest area is indeed ideal as a natural habitat for protected animals such as elephants, tigers, orangutans, and others. This should be maintained to prevent the extinction of these wild animals. However, the forest area continues to shrink due to land conversion and illegal logging. As a result, the lives of these wild animals are being squeezed. "As a result, wild animals are forced to look for prey outside the forest area. Some even come close to residential areas," said TM Zulfikar who is also the Coordinator of the Sustainable Ecosystem Foundation in Aceh, an environmental agency. As happened some time ago in South Aceh, said TM Zulfikar, three tigers, one mother were found entangled near a residential area. This happens because they are looking for prey out of their habitat. Therefore, the former Regional Executive Director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) Aceh invites policy makers to control the rate of land use change in order to end conflicts between animals and humans. "Ending conflicts is not only for safety. humans, but also the survival of wild animals. Moreover, some of these protected wild animals have entered the critical category. So, both parties must be saved, "said TM Zulfikar