Govt to Release Deers to South Sumatra Forest After Tiger Attack

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Environment and Forestry Ministry (KLHK) planned to increase the food supplies of tigers by releasing deers to the forest following the tiger attack against a resident in Muara Enim, said South Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) head Wiratno.

“I’d like to offer my condolences and concern for the victim in Muara Enim. KLHK has sent a team to help install trap cameras and guard the field. The problem is [the tiger] roams outside the open field, while it usually likes closed areas,” said Wiratno in Jakarta, Monday, December 30.

Earlier, a resident of Padang Bindu village, Muara Enim regency, was killed allegedly due to a tiger attack. The incident occurred at around 100 meters from a public residence outside the protected forest.

According to Wiratno, if the tiger’s home range diverted to an open area, the possibility of humans to meet the animal will increase. Besides, the food supplies of the protected species must not be hindered.

Therefore, KLHK appealed to the people to not hunt for the tiger’s foods, such as deers and wild boars as it would cause an imbalance in the tiger’s food chain.

The ministry, Wiratno added, was still finalizing the plan to increase the food supplies by enhancing the deer breeding to be released to the forest areas that are the home range of the endangered species to prevent it from entering residential areas.

In the meantime, Wiratno called on the people to remain vigilant and report to related parties, including BKSDA. He also expected locals to monitor the tiger’s home range and avoid to open lands in its surrounding areas.

ANTARA