By Dyah Eka Rini and Cendera Rizky
Pekanbaru, (05/07) - A Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) found dead in PT.Arara Abadi ‘s acacia concession, Pangkalan Kuras District, Pelalawan, Riua after being trapped in the snare, last week(01/07). The scene is about 18 km from Tesso Nilo National Park. Based on WWF’s observation and information from the local people the snare was set to catch wild boar, but the poor tiger was crossing the areaand finally got trapped. The trapped tiger is a male and approximately 1.5 year old. His right leg was seriously injured.The tiger condition was made worse by dehydration which eventually killed the tiger.
The tiger could have been saved if its condition was reported earlier. According to the information from the local people, the tiger was actually found since June 25. WWF received the information five days later and headed straight to the scene immediately. At the location, WWF-Natural Resource Conservation Agency Tiger Patrol Unit (TPU) still found the tiger alive. However his condition was very week. At 11:45 the tiger died before he could be evacuated.
WWF-Indonesia deeply regretted the tiger deathThe Sumatran tiger population was spread outside the protected areas, including the company's concession. In the concession area, the tigers usually pass through and cross the area to other forest corridor to find prey.Osmantri, WWF-Indonesia Tiger Patrol Unit Coordinator who also leads The Wildlife Hunting and Trade Monitoring Program said that the existence of tigers in the concession area of PT. Arara Abadi has been acknowledged by the company. The company is already aware that people often set a pig snare inside the concession. However real action to urge people not to install trap that can kill animals other than wild boar has not been taken yet by the company.

The investigation conducted by WWF-Indonesia Tiger Patrol Unit revealed that there is indication that snare was made of nylon and sling which was not only used to catch wild boars but also other animals including tigers and bears. “We can figure out what animals intended to be caught from the snare used,” Osmantri said. “To prevent unintended catch of protected animals, WWF suggested that snares particulary those which are made of nylon and sling or similar materials inside the tiger habitat are strictly prohibited. Those who disobey will be imposed sanctions.
""The cooperation of all parties, both public, corporate concession holders, government officials is essential to avoid similar incidents in the future,"" he added.
Conservation expert from WWF-Indonesia, Chairul Saleh, said that when a company knew that there were tigers inside the concession; companies had to implement better management practices in order to protect key wildlife. ""This can be done by companies such as prohibiting the installation of snares within the concession,"" he said. WWF is also calling for investigations to discover the case. aThe autopsy results can be followed up in accordance with the procedure.