By: Natalia Trita Agnika

On Global Tiger Day, July 29, 2018, WWF-Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) released a series of rare videos showing Sumatran Tigers successfully breeding in the wild. Endangered animals that can live freely and prosper in the wild are very valuable treasures. It is appropriate that these treasures are protected so that they do not become extinct.

[Watch: Video of Sumatran Tigers Successfully Breeding in the Wild]

Guarding these priceless treasures is not easy. It takes a tough figure or ranger who is willing to go through difficult terrain and far from community settlements. Not infrequently, the guardians of areas that store natural wealth must deal directly with danger; both caused by nature and man. One example of a strong guardian of the Sumatran Tiger is the Tiger Protection Unit (TPU).

The TPU team is a collaborative unit between WWF and the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) to respond quickly to activities related to direct and indirect threats to Sumatran Tigers and other wildlife in the Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve (SMBRBB). There are several activities of the TPU Team related to Sumatran Tiger conservation, namely patrols, investigations, and awareness.

The 16-member TPU team consists of two teams for foot patrol activities, each team consisting of four people (three TPU and one forest ranger). The motorized patrol team consists of two people. Likewise, the awareness team and the investigation team each consist of two people.

The foot patrol team walks through the area to detect threats to Sumatran Tiger conservation in areas that cannot be traversed by vehicles. Meanwhile, the vehicle patrol team (motorcycle or car) is tasked with detecting threats quickly in areas that can be passed by vehicles. Snares found by the patrol team will be investigated by the investigation team to find out who set the snares. Once the perpetrator is known, the team will report it to BBKSDA.

In the past, when a snare was found, it would be confiscated. "But then we thought that if it continued like that, there would be no improvement. Then I came up with the idea of how to make the hunters themselves aware, namely by making them aware through a personal approach. Alhamdulillah, with that method, for now he is no longer hunting. Hopefully it will continue like that in the future," explains Jon Hendra, Coordinator of the Tiger Protection Unit. Apart from snares, the team also identified findings of illegal logging, encroachment, and other illegal activities while on patrol.

In carrying out their duties, the TPU team can enter the forest for up to five days on fast activities (short track) and for 10-15 days on long track activities. After carrying out the task of protecting the SMBRBB area, they will stop at Camp Sungai Tapi¸ on the edge of Petai Village, Sei Tapi District, Kuantan Singingi Regency. Not only as a place to stop, Camp Sungai Tapi is also a place to discuss various work plans.

Hopefully, with the existence of the Tiger Protection Unit, Sumatran tigers in this area will be protected so that the existence of other animals will also be preserved. What about those of us who live in urban areas and are far from the wilderness? Urbanites who are motivated to help monitor, protect and conserve forests and seas can get involved in conservation efforts. One way is by becoming a WWF Warrior. Let's help the rangers protect our natural resources!