Rare flower in park vandalized

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Illegal loggers are suspected of ripping up a rare giant rafflesia flower recently discovered in South Bukit Barisan National Park in Kubunicik here, Antara reported.

Park official Iwen Y. Imarson said on Monday the flower's petals were found tossed last week in a monument near where the plant grew.

"We suspect the vandals were illegal loggers upset because park officials foiled their activities several times," Iwen said.

Park rangers found the flower last November in Sukaraja Atas on the border of the Tanggamus and West Lampung regencies, near the site where a similar flower was found in October 1996. (byg)