Deforestation a threat to wildlife

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Continuing deforestation by local residents is posing a threat to the existence of four endangered species in the Duasudara Conservation Park in Bitung regency here.

The illegal deforestation has damaged the natural habitats of the black monkey, the tarsius monkey, the rangkong bird and the maleo bird, chief of the conservation park Luther Papalangi said here on Tuesday.

Luther said the local residents had used heavy equipment to cut down trees and had earmarked the 4,299 hectare conservatory forest for further felling.

"The activity contravenes Law No.5/1990 on conservatory management," he said as quoted by Antara

The conservation park also serves as a research forest for international institutions and state universities. (dja)