Returning Sumatran Tiger Bonita and Atan Bintang to Their Habitat

Wiratno continues, “It is important to involve stakeholders such as concession managers, local governments, local people, and NGOs in conservation efforts. It is hoped that from now on, endangered animals including Sumatran tigers outside the conservation area can be protected along with other wild animals in conservation areas. The spirit of cooperation is the key to future synergies.”

BACA JUGA : Agum Gumelar Minta Purnawirawan TNI Lupakan Perbedaan dengan Polri

The initiator and founder of PR-HSD, Hashim Djojohadikusumo stated, “PR-HSD is committed to continue to support government efforts to conserve and increase the population of Sumatran tigers.

Since its inauguration by the Minister of Environment and Forestry on 29 July 2017, PR-HSD has rehabilitated 6 tigers with 4 individuals has been successfully released back into their natural habitat. Presently, there is still 1 Sumatran tiger under treatment who has just been rescued from Padang Lawas in early July 2019.”

Hashim emphasized that Sumatran tigers are a symbol of ecosystem conservation, as their existence is only possible if their habitat in forests are in good condition.

The Head of the KSDA Regional Office at Riau, Suharyono, SH, MH stated, “KSDA Regional Office at Riau and its partners have conducted a study for prospective release sites for Sumatran tigers. We take into account factors such as distance from human settlements, the availability of prey, and the low level of threat to decide on release sites. We hope that the release of Sumatran tigers in Riau Province will be able to restore the population of Sumatran tigers in this region and preserve the tigers in their natural habitat.”

The Head of Conservation of Natural Resources Office of West Sumatra, Dr. Erly Sukrismanto added, “The tigers are fitted with GPS Collar device donated by ARSARI Djojohadikusumo Foundation to monitor Bonita and Atan Bintang after release.

The data provided by the GPS Collars will let us know the movement of these tigers to observe home range and adaptation in their new habitat. The KSDA Office at West Sumatra together with the KSDA Regional Office at Riau will continue to monitor the Sumatran tigers after their release”. (adv/jpnn)