Sumatran tiger numbers decline

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The number of Sumatran tigers in Aceh is continuing to sharply decline despite the animal being high on the list of protected species.

The head of the Dista Aceh Conservation, Bambang Suprayogi, said the number had dropped from 800 to 500 tigers in Aceh in the last five years.

Bambang said the sharp decline was caused primarily by the decrement of the tiger's forest habitat.

He noted that several tigers had also been killed by poachers or by local residents to protect their livestock which were often attacked by the tigers.

As quoted by Antara, Bambang also said a major problem was that the wildlife officials could not shelter caught tigers because there is no zoo in Aceh. (mds)