Sumatran tiger population drops

Sumatran tiger population drops

BANDAR LAMPUNG: The population of Sumatran tigers (Panthera trigris sumatrensis) in its natural habitat in the Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung is estimated at only 50, said the head of the park, Bintoro.

Bintoro said that the limited number of the endangered tiger had forced his office to strive harder to safeguard it against any threat, including human encroachment on its habitat.

"The tiger constitutes one of the endangered species, which have to be tightly protected at the Way Kambas National Park," he said without giving details.

Bintoro acknowledged that it was a heavy burden to protect the 125,600-hectare park, in which poaching and illegal tree felling were common.

"Besides arresting illegal hunters, we have also prevented forest destruction in the area," he said, adding that this year alone his office had nabbed and processed 12 people suspected of stealing logs in the park.

Bintoro also expressed concern over rampant hunting, which was also practiced by military personnel as was uncovered recently.

A group of hunters was arrested last month for killing deer, one of the tigers' main prey, he said. -- Antara