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