West Sumatra BKSDA evacuates tiger that entered trap cage in Agam
West Sumatra — The Wildlife Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of West Sumatra has evacuated one Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) that entered a trap cage in Batang Palupuh, Nagari Koto Rantang, Palupuh District, Agam Regency, on Friday.
Ade Putra, Head of Resort of Regional Conservation II Maninjau, BKSDA Sumbar, in Lubuk Basung on Friday, said the evacuation involved a joint team from BKSDA Sumbar, Patroli Anak Nagari (Pagari), Palupuh Police (Polsek Palupuh), Lubuk Basung Military District (Koramil Lubuk Basung) and local residents.
“Evacuation was conducted after the animal was tranquilised and carried using a sarong to a settlement about 200 metres away. The evacuation started on Friday (22/4) afternoon and finished at around 15:00 WIB,” he said.
He said the tiger was immediately taken to the West Sumatra BKSDA’s Section I Office in Koto Bukittinggi for health observation.
If the animal is healthy, it will be relocated to a more distant area away from communities or other activities.
“Once at the office, the tiger will be observed and if healthy it will be relocated to a safer location,” he said.
He noted that the BKSDA Sumbar team remained at the site for further handling, because at the location the tiger had entered a trap cage, with another individual still found.
“The handling will continue for several days at that location,” he said.
The tiger was known to have entered the trap cage on Friday (22/5) around 09:00 WIB.
At that time, BKSDA Sumbar personnel along with Pagari and residents saw the trap cage, and along the journey many tracks of the protected animal were found.
“By the time we reached the trap cage, the door was closed and there was one tiger individual inside the cage, aged under two years,” he said.
From camera trap monitoring results, the tiger had entered the trap cage since 02:30 WIB.
The tiger that entered the trap cage has previously appeared in Palembayan, Matur and Palupuh sub-districts.
The tiger briefly encountered people while in rice fields and their plantations.
“We have conducted several handle operations and this evacuation is the last option to ensure the animal’s safety and public safety,” he said.