Sumatran Tiger Dewi Siundul Dies With Several Infection Injuries, BKSDA: Conflict With Humans

Sumatran tiger Dewi Siundul when examined by doctor/ Photo: Antara

North Sumatra Head of the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) Elvina Rosinta Dewi said the Sumatran tiger, named "Dewi Siundul" in the Barumun Animal Sanctuary (Saturary), was declared dead.

"The Sumatran tiger named 'Dewi Siundul' (DS) was declared dead, Sunday (19 March), after approximately 2.5 months of intensive care by the North Sumatra BBKSDA medical team (animal doctor) and the Sumatran Barumun tiger sanctuary keeper which was monitored directly by drh. Anhar Lubis," Elvina said, quoting Antara, Wednesday, March 22.

Elvina said DS was a tiger that victims of conflicts with humans in several villages including Siundul July Village, Pagaranbira Jae Village and Hutabargot Village, Sosopan District. The conflict occurred for about a month, because it preyed on residents' livestock and disturbed the community because it was often around settlements.

A female DS, 14 years old, was secured from Siundul Julu Village, Sosopan District, Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra on December 16, 2021, and taken to the Sunctuary tiger Sumatera Barumun.

"When DS was secured, DS was old, had a body length (tail head) of 234 cm and a height of 74 cm, in a state of illness because there were wounds on the stomach to the appearance of thugs, malnutrition so that he was physically weak and thin," he said.

He said the age of 14 for Sumatran tigers has entered old age and is even very old considering the age of Sumatran tigers in the wild is only around 10-15 years old.

After being treated for almost six months, the North Sumatra BBKSDA proposed that DS be released into the wild and approved by the center.

"However, based on general check-ups and disposal analysis in the context of preparation for release, it is found indications that DS has experienced a decline in survival power in nature and it is feared that it will not be able to survive in its new habitat. Where DS is unable to hunt so that the tiger release process is postponed," he said.

Elvina explained that while being treated and placed in the asylum of the Sumatran Barumun tiger, DS suffered several times of illness and injuries that required intensive care.

Finally, on March 11, 2023, intensive care was carried out for DS with a new leg wound, old wounds during the evacuation of his stomach and back had healed and hair grew on his wounds.

"The wounds on the feet began to dry out, but new wounds began to arise on the tail, elbows and stomach, appetite was still there but had to be fed, the road was still able but staggered and there were indications of high blood sugar (blood sugar levels for tigers around 21-109, the results of Dewi Siundul 178 blood sugar tests," he said.

Elvina added that on March 15, 2023, DS's condition was able to eat meat, but could not walk. DS looks hard to stand and his body is shaking.

While under treatment, the holder sprayed iodine, rectified for wounds on the legs and tail, and treatment for back wounds.

"Keper feeds chicken meat and drinks by auctioning. Observing the unfavorable condition of DS, on March 17, 2023, an online meeting was held to discuss DS with meeting participants consisting of the Directorate of KKHSG of the Directorate General of KSDAE, the Center for KSDA Sumatra and the KSDA Division of the Padangsidimpuan IIT Region," he said.

He said the results of the meeting of the parties supported to save DS, including sharing the experience of handling sick tigers, the current priority is to restore conditions.

However, on March 19, 2023, DS's condition looked still weak and finally at 16.25 WIB DS was declared dead. The next action was that DS' carcass was buried in the Sumatran Tiger Animal Sanctuary," he said.