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)