Endangered `anoa' dwindling

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial legislative council has criticized the local government for doing little to stop illegal poaching of endangered anoa deer.

Council chairman Soedjatmiko said the government should punish people for killing the animal.

Poachers kill anoa and sell their horns and skin, which some traditionally believe to have medical or magical qualities.

The dwindling anoa population in the province has prompted environmentalists to call for a government intervention.

Soedjatmiko said that the punishment handed down to poachers was too lenient. "The authorities only reprimand the suspects and seize the goods," he said as reported by Antara. (pan)