Endangered `anoa' dwindling

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)