Deer poaching plagues Sumbawa

Deer poaching plagues Sumbawa

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Illegal deer hunting on the West
Nusa Tenggara island of Sumbawa has become worse, with venison
now readily available at markets, said the provincial branch of
the World Wide Fund (WWF).

Nusa Tenggara WWF program manager Tri Agung Rooswiadji said on
Tuesday that the deer, a protected animal, had become a prime
target for poachers.

He did not say how the illegal hunting had affected the deer
population on Sumbawa, but warned they could face extinction.

"They (hunters) no longer use traditional weapons, but guns,"
said Tri Agung, adding that the hunt for deer had grown from a
hobby into a lucrative business for poachers.

Venison, he said, was easily found in markets in Sumbawa, and
visitors bought the meat as a souvenir.

Tri Agung also warned that protected birds on Sumbawa faced a
similar threat from hunters, who capture and sell them as pets.
-- Antara