Sumatran Tiger Enters Settlement in Indragiri Hilir, Riau BBKSDA Deploys Team
The Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) moved swiftly to follow up on reports of a negative interaction between humans and a Sumatran Tiger in Sungai Danai Village, Pulau Burung District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau. The incident, which occurred on Friday (24/7), involved a wild animal entering a residential area and preying on livestock belonging to residents.
Responding to the event, BBKSDA Riau deployed a Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) team to conduct field checks and mitigation measures. The Head of the Riau BBKSDA, Supartono, confirmed that the team carried out identification at the location accompanied by village officials and the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Pulau Burung Police.
Based on the field identification, the team found fresh footprints strongly suspected to belong to a Sumatran Tiger. The footprints measured 14 cm in length and 13 cm in width. ‘To determine the movement of the Sumatran Tiger, the team installed camera traps and conducted aerial monitoring by flying a drone around the location,’ Supartono stated on Wednesday (29/7).
In addition to technical monitoring, BBKSDA Riau is also focusing on preventive measures to avoid casualties and further material losses. The team provided socialisation and education to local residents and village officials to increase vigilance, especially when carrying out activities in gardens or areas surrounding the tiger’s appearance. Supartono suggested practical steps for residents, including ensuring that livestock such as cows and goats are securely penned to avoid attracting tigers to the settlement, and making spiritus cannons as sound deterrents to drive the tiger back to its natural habitat.
The Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, emphasised that the Sumatran tiger is a key species protected by law and a source of pride for Sumatra Island. ‘Therefore, let us protect nature and its contents for the welfare of the community,’ Satyawan urged. The government is appealing to the public to immediately report to Riau BBKSDA officers or local security forces if they see or become aware of the presence of a Sumatran Tiger. Cooperation between residents and officers is expected to maintain the sustainability of protected wildlife while ensuring the safety of communities living around forest areas.