Quoting data collected by WWF, Syamsidar said in 2011 the bodies of 10 dead elephants were found in a timber estate in Duri city, Bengkalis and Kuantan Singingi districts. In 2012 there were 15 elephants found dead in plantation belonging to local people and companies operating in the province.
As in 2013, the bodies of 14 dead elephants were found, consisting of 13 in the Tesso Nilo National Park area and one in a timber estate managed by a private company. Recently, it was reported that seven more elephants were found dead in timber estate in Riau province, Syamsidar added.
"WWF expects the government will seriously investigate this case and those held responsible for killing the elephants are sent to jail," he said.
Meanwhile, spokesman to Pelalawan district police Adjunct Commissioner Lumban G Toruan said he had deployed police personnel to investigate the finding of seven elephant bones recently in the timber estate belonging to PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP).
The elephant bones are temporarily kept by Riau provinces Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) for further investigation to see the cause of the seven elephants death.
Earlier, spokesman from PT RAPP stated the company was ready to assist the police in the investigation process.
Reporting by Fazar Muhardi
Translating and Editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
