On Sunday (4/2/2024), the West Sumatra Province Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) team, assisted by several other elements, succeeded in evacuating a Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris Sumatrea), which was in conflict with the environment and disturbing the community.

The evacuation of "Inyiak Balang" (the name for tigers in Minangkabau) was motivated by the animal conflict in the Tigo Nagari (village) sub-district area, Pasaman Regency, which lasted from June 2023 to the end of January 2024.

During that period, BKSDA recorded that 15 residents' livestock, consisting of five cows and 10 goats, became food for the tiger. To prevent the widespread impact of the conflict between Sumatran Tigers and the environment, BKSDA has made various efforts, from deterring them to continuing to intensify patrols.

The chronology of the capture of a female tiger with a length of 160 centimeters and a weight of around 70 kilograms began with a report from residents on January 2 in Tigo Nagari District regarding livestock that was suspected to have been eaten by the tiger.

After coordinating with various parties, the team verified, carried out patrols, herding, and monitored camera traps, including using thermal drones, until finally deciding to install three trap cages.

On Friday (2/2) the tiger that was being sought fell into a trap set by officers but escaped. Then on Sunday (4/2) the animal managed to get into the cage using a goat as bait.

After catching the tiger, BKSDA immediately sedated it and took it to Kinantan Wildlife and Cultural Park Conservation, Bukittinggi, for temporary care and hospitalization. Based on initial observations, this tiger is estimated to be three to five years old.

The West Sumatra Province BKSDA team cannot yet confirm when and where the location for the animal release will take place. Because, currently, the medical team, especially veterinarians who handle tigers, are still monitoring developments in their health.

SOT: ANTONI VEVRI - DAILY EXECUTIVE HEAD OF THE WEST SUMATRA BKSDA
TC: 02.50 – 03.20

"We will review it first, based on recommendations from the doctor; how is his health? Does he carry other diseases and toxins? Then we will release it. There are several name recommendations, but we are not sure yet. The name is puti-mala-bin, which is an abbreviation of Puti Malampak Ladang Panjang and Binjai."

The West Sumatra BKSDA noted that, apart from disrupting the forest ecosystem, the reduction in the population of animals that have been hunted for food by tigers has also triggered these animals to descend into residential areas, including if tigers are attacked by disease.

Throughout 2023, BKSDA recorded around 15 to 20 tiger conflicts with humans or the surrounding environment. Specifically, the Puti Malabin case was the longest conflict, where one individual attacked dozens of residents' livestock.

Many things cause tigers to conflict with residents, one of which is illegal logging activities.

BKSDA addresses the issue of conflict so that a long series does not occur and cause serious problems. For example, when the tiger population decreases, at the same time, the wild boar population can increase.

This condition poses a real threat, especially for farmers or communities living around forest areas. Because if the pig population increases drastically, they could become pests and damage agricultural land.

This is a condition that must be considered. As individuals who occupy the top of the food chain, tigers play a role in balancing the ecosystem.