WCS-IP clarifies<\/p>\n
We wish to comment on the article in The Jakarta Post on Aug.
\n9, 1999, Six Sumatran tigers die in reservation, concerning the
\ndeaths of tigers at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, Sumatra.<\/p>\n
In an interview with Way Kambas Care Network member Verry
\nIwan, the reporter assigned blame for the deaths of the tigers to
\nthe Sumatran Tiger Project (STP). The article asserts that
\npublished accounts by STP lured poachers to the park. We object
\nto the biased message of the article.<\/p>\n
First, the article represents a case of killing the messenger;
\nSTP is held responsible for tiger deaths because they reported
\nthe presence of tigers. That tigers have been present in Way
\nKambas for ages is hardly new information. It is poachers who are
\nresponsible for killing tigers and the government of Indonesia
\nthat is responsible for the lack of protection of Indonesia's
\nparks and endangered wildlife.<\/p>\n
Second, fairness in journalism demands that all parties be
\ngiven a chance to comment. The reporter appears to have
\ninterviewed only a single person and did not discuss the problem
\nwith STP, park officials or Taman Safari Indonesia (a
\ncollaborator of STP). Finally, Verry says the Way Kambas Care
\nNetwork has not finished their analysis of the situation.
\nPerhaps, after full consideration, the Way Kambas Care Network
\nwill realize that STP is not responsible.<\/p>\n
Part of the responsibility of the conservation community is to
\nidentify important areas for conservation and report the results.
\nPrior to 1995, we had very little reliable information about
\nSumatran tigers. STP raised awareness of the importance of Way
\nKambas and highlighted the need for tiger protection. More
\nimportantly, STP's work has shown that even degraded forests (Way
\nKambas has already been logged) are important to conservation.
\nThis message is especially important given the prevailing pattern
\nof forest conservation that is practiced on Sumatra and
\nelsewhere.<\/p>\n
Rather than condemning STP, why doesn't the Way Kambas Care
\nNetwork discuss what they are doing to improve the situation for
\ntigers. Vague comments and unsubstantiated opinions help no one
\nand only smear the reputation of a group of dedicated
\nconservationists, both Indonesian and international.<\/p>\n
DR. TIM O'BRIEN<\/p>\n
Co-Director, WCS-IP<\/p>\n
DR. MARGARET KINNAIRD<\/p>\n
Co-Director, WCS-IP<\/p>\n
Bogor, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wcs-ip-clarifies-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }