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Five Elephants Die from Poisoning in Riau
Pekanbaru - Five Sumatran elephans (Elephas maximus sumatranus) were found dead from poisoning in the area of PT Citra Sumber Sejahtera, owner of industrial production forest (HTI) permit in Pauhranap village, Peranap subdistrict, Indragiri Hulu district, Riau.
“Our temporary hypothesis is that all five elephants were poisoned,” said Head of Region I Division of Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), Edi Susanto, on Sunday.
He explained the elephants were found dead by locals on Friday (26/11). Temporary diagnosis from a team of veterinarians and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) concludes the elephants died from poisoning.
But, Edi said, the modus operandi and type of poison used is still under investigation.
There is strong belief that the elephants are from one group. The bodies were found in two sites, which are about 600 meters apart.
One female elephant, estimated to be 3 years old, was found in the first site. In the second site there were 4 elephants estimated to be 2.5 years old, with one being male.
Edi said there is high suspicion the incidence was motored by conflict with human. Near the site there are privately owned rubber and oil palm plantations.
“The position of the five elephants is within their routine walking route,” Edi said.
He said, the center with the Indragiri Hulu Resort Police will investigate the case thoroughly.
Previously four Sumatran elephants were also found dead from poisoning in Peranap subdistrict in 2009. The bodies were found within the area of a local concession company. (T.F012/P003)
Source : Antara