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