Animals at Taman Safari

Animals at Taman Safari

From Kompas

Taman Safari Indonesia -- located in Cisarua in the Puncak area, West Java, and constructed with the objective of conserving fauna and flora, especially of rare species -- should pay serious attention to aspects that support the park's continued existence.

I recently visited the park and found that its collection of rare species of plants and animals from around the world was quite impressive. There was one thing, however, that I would like to comment on: the condition of the animals and their habitat.

The animals in the park were languishing and tended to shy away from visitors. Their habitat was not well managed and not in keeping with each of the species' needs. The fences were not even well maintained.

I think that each species requires a specific habitat which closely approximates its original environment. Thus, the source of its food, its biotic surroundings like plants, shrubs and animals, as well as its abiotic surroundings like water, air and land should all be taken into account.

It would be a good thing if the park's management started rearranging the park's ecosystem by constructing living areas that more appropriately fit the needs of each of the species living there.

The unsuitability of the existing living areas may well be the cause of the animals' present condition of suffering. Technicians in forestry, farming, veterinary science and environmental biology could form a strong support system for these proposed improvements.

RAHMAWAN PRAMUDYANTO

Jambi