TEMPO.CO, Bengkulu - The Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Bengkulu-Lampung chapter noted that there are only 17 Sumatran tigers (Phantera tigris sumatrae) left in the forest of Bengkulu Province.

“After conducting observations in human-tiger conflict areas, and based on reports filed by by residents and field officials’ patrols, the tiger population in Bengkulu is estimated at 17,” the BKSDA Bengkulu-Lampung official Said Jauhari said on Monday in Bengkulu.

Said revealed that human-tiger conflicts mostly occur in Seluma District, followed by North Bengkulu District.

Forest fragmentation due to illegal logging, land conversion and wildlife hunting are the main challenges in preserving the Sumatran tigers.

The government is aiming at increasing Sumatran tiger and elephant populations in their respective habitats by 3 percent per year.

“To increase endangered species populations, we are prioritizing the preservation of their forest habitats,” he said.

Among the Sumatran tiger forest habitats is a 9,000-hectare Semindang Bukit Kebau Hunting Park in Seluma District.

The BKSDA is aiming to restore 1,500 hectares of forests in the Park with the help of locals.

Moreover, the agency will also propose to change the status of the area from a hunting park to a wildlife reserve.

“Because other than tigers, the forest is also a home to other endangered species, such as siamangs and sun bears,” he said.

Said added that if the endangered species habitats are well-preserved, the population will go up and extinction can be prevented.

ANTARA