Aceh deer in sharp decline

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The number of Sumatran Sambar deer (Cervus Unicolor) in Aceh has sharply dropped to just a few hundred as poachers continue hunting the animals to meet rising demands for its meat.

The head of Dista Aceh Conservation, Bambang Suprayogi, said Wednesday that despite the animal being protected, the number of deer had dropped from 600 to 200 in the last few years.

Bambang said lucrative prices for the deer's meat prompts poachers to hunt the defenseless animal.

Antara reported that poachers in Aceh Besar and Aceh Selatan regencies could command a price of at least Rp 15,000 (US$4.4) per kilogram.

"We are deeply concerned about the rise in poaching and we will continue our campaign to urge locals not to eat the meat," said Bambang. (prb)