Poaching rife in SE Sulawesi

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Angered by reports about the poaching of endangered animals, Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin has ordered strict control over private guns.

Kaimoeddin specifically asked the local chapter of the Indonesian Target Shooting Association to tighten supervision of its members.

He said he received frequent reports from citizens that many association members misused their guns to illegally hunt deer and anoa (wild buffalo endemic to Sulawesi) in Watubangga forest.

"Any members found misusing their guns should be dismissed," he said, reported Antara.

The governor said reports on the involvement of association members in poaching were reasonable given they legally possessed guns.

The 60,000 hectare Watubangga forest is the second largest habitat of the protected deer and anoa after the Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park in Southeast Sulawesi.

"Hunting deer and anoa is illegal and residents should help the police catch the poachers," he said.

East Sulawesi is home to an estimated 300,000 deer, according to official statistics. (pan)