Tigers on sale in Jakarta

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The authorities here will check on reports that a baby Sumatran tiger recently confiscated from an animal market in Jakarta came from Lampung.

Lampung forestry district head Eko Wardoyo and head of Tanjungkarang's Natural Resources Conservation Irjanto WS told Antara the investigations were underway.

Sumatran tigers, whose habitats are increasingly threatened, have been found being sold alive or stuffed. Some have been reportedly exported for herbal medicines.

Eko said the concern comes in the face of conservation efforts by World Wildlife Fund Indonesia program to save these tigers. Harjanto called for the prevention of wild animals from ever being exported.

Harjanto admitted that smugglers, whether individual or in groups, continued to hunt the tigers--dead or alive. (01)