Deforestation a threat to wildlife

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)