Elephants' habitat under threat

PEKANBARU, Riau: Special attention must be given to saving some 200 elephants in the forests of Riau which have been ravaged by fires, said Riau Governor Soeripto.

Soeripto maintained that much of the haze covering the province came from fires outside the province, but still there was a need to be aware of the dangers posed to the habitat of elephants.

The governor was speaking during a ceremony held to mark the donation of fire extinguishers from the Swedish government.

Antara reported that a four-man team of the Swedish Rescue Services Agency led by Thord Schyberg visited the governor at his residence in Pekanbaru Saturday night and handed over the fire- fighting equipment.

The worth of the equipment was estimated at about Rp 500 million.

According to Soeripto, the flash points in the province are mainly located in Indragiri Hilir regency. (mds)