West Sumatra Conservation Agency bans trap use near farms to protect Sumatran tigers
West Sumatra Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has issued an edict banning the use of rattus traps, sling traps, or steel wire snares around community farms for controlling wild boar pests, due to the risk to protected species including the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).
“Once set, traps must be immediately removed to prevent harm to protected species such as Sumatran tigers, sun bears, and others,” said Ade Putra, Head of the Maninjau Conservation Area Unit of West Sumatra BKSDA, on Tuesday in Lubuk Basung.
He stated that the ban follows Edict No. 1 of 2026 on the Prohibition of Using Pasaman Rattus Traps, Dangerous Sling Traps or Steel Wire for Wild Boar Pest Control.
The edict, he added, aims to protect biodiversity and prevent the death of protected wildlife, particularly Sumatran tigers, sun bears, and other species, caused by dangerous traps.
According to him, the edict is intended to prevent injury and death to protected species from traps, reduce poaching practices, and eliminate indiscriminate trapping methods.
West Sumatra BKSDA also promotes safe and environmentally friendly wild boar pest control methods, while encouraging community participation in protecting wildlife and forest ecosystems.
Individuals are prohibited from making, setting, possessing, selling, or using dangerous traps such as sling traps or steel wire to capture wildlife.
“We will conduct patrols and enforcement operations with law enforcement agencies to confiscate illegal traps and prosecute offenders,” he said.
This is based on Law No. 32 of 2024 amending Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Resources and Ecosystems.
Article 21 states that anyone is prohibited from hunting, capturing, injuring, killing, storing, possessing, transporting, or trading protected species. Trap users causing death or injury to protected species face criminal penalties under applicable regulations.
“Offenders may face imprisonment, fines, confiscation of equipment, and other administrative sanctions as per the law,” he stressed.