WCS-IP clarifies

WCS-IP clarifies

We wish to comment on the article in The Jakarta Post on Aug.
9, 1999, Six Sumatran tigers die in reservation, concerning the
deaths of tigers at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, Sumatra.

In an interview with Way Kambas Care Network member Verry
Iwan, the reporter assigned blame for the deaths of the tigers to
the Sumatran Tiger Project (STP). The article asserts that
published accounts by STP lured poachers to the park. We object
to the biased message of the article.

First, the article represents a case of killing the messenger;
STP is held responsible for tiger deaths because they reported
the presence of tigers. That tigers have been present in Way
Kambas for ages is hardly new information. It is poachers who are
responsible for killing tigers and the government of Indonesia
that is responsible for the lack of protection of Indonesia's
parks and endangered wildlife.

Second, fairness in journalism demands that all parties be
given a chance to comment. The reporter appears to have
interviewed only a single person and did not discuss the problem
with STP, park officials or Taman Safari Indonesia (a
collaborator of STP). Finally, Verry says the Way Kambas Care
Network has not finished their analysis of the situation.
Perhaps, after full consideration, the Way Kambas Care Network
will realize that STP is not responsible.

Part of the responsibility of the conservation community is to
identify important areas for conservation and report the results.
Prior to 1995, we had very little reliable information about
Sumatran tigers. STP raised awareness of the importance of Way
Kambas and highlighted the need for tiger protection. More
importantly, STP's work has shown that even degraded forests (Way
Kambas has already been logged) are important to conservation.
This message is especially important given the prevailing pattern
of forest conservation that is practiced on Sumatra and
elsewhere.

Rather than condemning STP, why doesn't the Way Kambas Care
Network discuss what they are doing to improve the situation for
tigers. Vague comments and unsubstantiated opinions help no one
and only smear the reputation of a group of dedicated
conservationists, both Indonesian and international.

DR. TIM O'BRIEN

Co-Director, WCS-IP

DR. MARGARET KINNAIRD

Co-Director, WCS-IP

Bogor, West Java