Wildlife under increasing threat

Wildlife under increasing threat

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The population of animals in Rawa
Aopa Watumohai National Park near here is rapidly dwindling due
to poaching, the governor said yesterday.

Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said that under increasing threat
are small buffaloes endemic to Sulawesi called anoa, deer and
birds.

"I'm afraid rare species like anoa and deer will be extinct in
the near future unless proper steps are taken to conserve the
natural resources," Kaimoeddin said, reported Antara.

The 105,194 hectare Rawa Aopa Watumohai park was declared a
national park on Dec. 17, 1990. It crosses the regencies of
Kendari, Buton and Kolaka.

The park boasts 155 recorded species of birds, 37 are endemic
to Sulawesi and 32 are endangered.

Poachers use traps and operate at night to evade forest
rangers, whose numbers are far from adequate and who rely on
horses and dogs for their operations. (pan)