"The population of Sumatran tigers in Jambi has declined due to decreased forest cover and also as a result of rampant poaching in the forest areas, so their habitats are being increasingly affected," Head of BKSDA Jambi Syahimin stated in Jambi on Monday.
Data released by the IUCN World Conservation Society has placed the Sumatran tigers on the red list of threatened species and classified them as critically endangered species.
The population of Sumatran tigers, which have been included in the list of 25 endangered animal species, should be increased in line with the medium-term plan of the BKSDA, Syahimin noted.
"According to the plan, the number of tigers should be increased by at least three percent of the current population in the next five years. For instance, if the current population is one hundred tigers, the number should be increased by three," he explained.
The Sumatran tiger, or commonly known as the king of the jungle, gives birth to two or three cubs every year.
"Not all cubs necessarily survive or even reach adulthood. Occasionally, natural selection comes into play, and some are also killed by humans," he pointed out.
In an effort to protect Sumatran tigers from various threats and to increase their population, the BKSDA has made efforts, such as monitoring the population in their habitats.
"We are monitoring all tigers on a regular basis. Moreover, patrols are being conducted to avoid poaching by rogue elements, who act irresponsibly," he explained.
Syahimin noted that the tiger population was observed to currently reach only some 150.
"It could be less or more," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Forum Harimau Kita Jambi Yoan Dinata has stated that the Sumatran tiger is the last surviving tiger species in Indonesia after the Bali and Javan tigers became extinct.
Yoan affirmed that concrete efforts must be made by all parties, including the public, to preserve tiger habitats.
"It means that rescue efforts should be made by the government to protect the Sumatran tigers from becoming extinct and to ensure that their habitats are safe and sustainable," Yoan added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
