TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - Nature Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) Riau detected two Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in plantation area of Indragiri Hilir.
“From our observation, there are two Sumatran tigers that often appear in that location, both tigresses,” said Head of Region I BBKSDA Riau Mulyo Hutomo in Pekanbaru, on Sunday, February 11.
They are estimated to be 4 or 5 years old. BBKSDA Riau team has observed for 37 days.
“To simplify the identification, we named them Boni and Bonita,” Mulyo said.
The observation and rescue were done after the death of Indragiri Hilir’s resident, Jumiati (33) in early January, pounced by the tiger. “Allegedly Bonita has attacked Jumiati,” Mulyo said.
Jumiati was a freelance employee of PT THIP. She died with a terrible condition while working at KCB 76 Block 10 Afdeling IV Eboni State.
During the 37 days of searching, the team and the community had seen the tiger several times. However, the catching could not be done immediately.
Until now, the team still relies on six box traps or cages with goat-bait to catch the tiger. Each cage is accompanied by a surveillance camera. But unfortunately, the effort has not been succeeded.
The tigers have been recorded on cameras several times, both cameras of surveillance and rescue team. Currently, the team is still on the area to catch them. BBKSDA Riau plans to relocate them.
ANTARA