'Sightings' of extinct animals

SURABAYA: A Javanese tiger and Javanese eagle, both declared extinct, have been reportedly spotted by mountain climbers in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java.

The animals were spotted in the 50,275-hectare park, which includes Mt. Bromo, Mt. Tengger and Mt. Semeru, Antara reported.

Andrea and Sampurno are among the climbers who claim to have seen the Javanese tiger and eagle. Both said they regretted not taking photographs of the animals.

Park chief Sudarmadji at Ranu Pani station, Lumajang district, said Andrea and Sampurno had reported their sightings to him.

He said the Ministry of Forestry would give Rp 3 million cash to anyone with a recent photograph of the Javanese tiger and eagle.

The park, which lies between 1,000 meters and 3,676 meters above sea level, is home to about 600 protected plant species, including 21 species of rare orchids, and protected animal 100 species. (swe)