"We are asking the government and other authorities to help catch."Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - The conflict between human and Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) recurred in Bengkulu as the critically endangered species was reported to prey on some cattle in Suban Village, Semidang Alas Maras Subdistrict of Seluma District.
A resident of Suban Village, Samsul, said some goats belonged to local residents were preyed by the big cat, and the tiger was reported to wander around the village.
"We are so worried and unable to do our daily routines such as cultivating the garden and rice field because we are afraid of meeting the tiger," Samsul said here, Monday.
The tiger was reported to prey at night on the resident`s cattle and sometimes dogs.
The residents are also afraid of human casualty as there was an incident of a tiger attack that killed a resident some years ago.
"We are asking the government and other authorities to help catch or drive away the tiger," Samsul said.
Head of Natural Resource Conservation Agency of Seluma, Jaja said the Agency had deployed a team to the village to respond to the report.
Suban village is located near the forest area, yet the tiger`s natural habitat has been diminishing due to encroachment and deforestation that cause the tiger loses its natural prey and consume the residents` cattle.
"We recommend the local resident to stay alert, especially when doing their routines. The team is working to capture and move the tiger," Jaja said.
(Uu.A059/KR-BSR/B/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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