VIVAnews – The fire that has been raging across the Riau forests have created another side effect. Having their habitat and prowling grounds disturbed and destroyed, tigers escaped the forests and head for the currently more friendly residential areas. Four of them in particular are in the city of Dumai.
The tigers are Sumatran tigers (Panthera Trigis Sumantraensis). “We strongly suspect that the tigers entered the villages because their habitat is on fire. As we know, the Senepis conservation area in Dumai at this point is also affected by the forest fires,” said Bastoni, Director of Rescue and Conservation of Sumatra Tigers (PKHS) Foundation, Thursday, Jan. 29.
Bastoni explained that the four tigers are from the Senepis conservation area and that they are a family: one tigress, one male tiger, and two cubs. The rare species could be seen throughout the week around the area of Basilam Baru, Sungai Sembilan district, Dumai city.
“The village is indeed located near the edge of the conservation area, but tigers were previously seldom seen around the village. But in the past week, tiger trails are visible. And that’s because their habitat is on fire,” said Bastoni.
Bastoni suspects that the tigers may not be the only species that have roamed residential areas. Other animals, such as Tapir, are probably also wandering near the villages for the same reason. “Their habitat is being threatened. Tapirs have also been seen in the village. Such wild animals would not leave their homes unless there is a threat such as the current forest fire,” said Bastoni.
Preventive actions to save the wild animals have been taken by placing cage traps with live goats as baits to catch the tigers. If the tigers can be successfully caught, they will be returned far into the Senepis forest area. “This has to be done in order to avoid a confrontation between humans and tigers,” he said.
The Forestry Minister had appointed Senepis as a conservation area specially for the Sumatra tigers as of 3 January 2006. It covers an area of about 106.081 hectares. This area is also being threatened by illegal land-clearing.
“Senepis area is very ideal to prevent the extinction of Sumatran tigers because there is available food chain for them. There are at least 30 tigers there,” said Bastoni
Coverage by: Hafiz Hasian | Riau
Translation by: Ramona Sofianne Dewi
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