TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - Skeletons of seven elephants have been found in the area of Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Pelalawan, Riau. The elephants, predicted to have died three months ago, consist of one female, one male and five cubs.
"The team on the field has informed there were seven dead elephants found as skeletons," said the Riau World Wildlife Fund (WWF) spokesman, Syamsidar, to Tempo yesterday. He received the information from TNTN on Thursday.
The dead elephants were found in the PT RAPP concession area, Baserah sector, Ukui district. The male elephant lost its trunk and was found a little far from the female and cubs. Syamsidar believes the elephants have been poisoned by irresponsible people who see the elephants as unwanted pest. However, autopsy result is needed for evidence.
"We are still investigating it," said TNTN Head, Tandia, to Tempo.
The finding extends the list of dead elephants in Riau. In the last three months, 10 elephants were found dead which 9 of them were believed to be poisoned. On December 24, 2013 an elephant were found dead in Bengkalis Regency. In January, 2014, another elephant died in Siak Regency, after being evacuated from Rokan Hulu. Later, another elephant was found dead in Bengkalis Regency on February 7.
Syamsidar regretted the continuing death of elephants which is already in a critical number. Such deaths will keep on happening should there be no law enforcement by the government.
RIYAN NOFITRA