Protecting rare animal species

Protecting rare animal species

Thank you for your recent feature articles on two of the
exotic animal species found in Indonesia.

The temporary capture of a living specimen of the rare
Sulawesi civet was quite remarkable. Those responsible are to be
commended for documenting this unique animal, and especially for
releasing it unharmed back in its native habitat.

The accompanying article describing the plight of the
orangutan was particularly informative. It is truly regrettable
that there should be a black market buying and selling this
gentle creature.

No temporary gain, financial or otherwise, can ever outweigh
the importance of preserving the orangutan in its natural
surroundings. If this and other endangered species should die out
as a result of man's selfish or shortsighted actions, or lack of
action, it will be an irretrievable loss. The incredible
diversity of nature must be preserved for posterity.

May all responsible parties redouble their efforts to protect
the orangutan and its natural jungle habitat in Sumatra and
Kalimantan, and to eliminate illegal burning of tropical forests
and the hunting or trading of protected animals.

ALLYN W. DEVEY

Jakarta