Endangered Sumatran tiger dies after five days trapped in poacher's snare
A rare Sumatran tiger has died after being caught in a snare for five days. The animal, found near the Bukit Batu Wildlife Reserve in Riau Province, succumbed to dehydration and was unable to free itself. Authorities suspect the trap was set by poachers, who are now under investigation.
The dead tiger was confirmed as a female Sumatran tiger, one of the world's most endangered subspecies. Estimated to be four to five years old, she belonged to a population now numbering fewer than 400 in the wild. Sumatra remains the last refuge for these tigers in Indonesia, following the extinction of the Javan and Balinese subspecies.
The carcass was discovered in Bengkalis Regency, close to a protected wildlife area. Conservationists have warned that poaching has risen during the coronavirus pandemic, threatening already fragile species. This incident follows another recent case in East Aceh, where a headless elephant was found in an oil palm plantation, with one suspected poacher arrested and four others accused of buying ivory. Sumatran tigers, the smallest surviving tiger subspecies, face severe threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting. Their dwindling numbers highlight the urgency of anti-poaching efforts across the island.
Police are now examining the circumstances of the tiger's death, with the trap believed to have been set by poachers. The loss of another individual further reduces the already critically low population of Sumatran tigers. Conservation groups continue to push for stronger protections as illegal activities escalate.
