Indonesia investigates deaths of 3 critically endangered Sumatran tigers

Jakarta, Apr 26 (EFE).- Indonesian authorities have opened an investigation into the death of three critically endangered Sumatran tigers after they were caught in snare traps.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates there are fewer than 400 of these tigers left in the wild in Sumatra, the only place they are found.

Two females and one male were found on Sunday in a palm plantation in Aceh province in north Sumatra, the regional conservation agency said in a statement on Monday.

The three tigers were trapped in snares, a cheap and widely used method used by hunters and farmers to prevent wild animals from destroying their crops.

Authorities will perform necropsies on the carcasses, and requested the collaboration of local communities to stop the placement of snare traps in forests or areas where animals pass by.

“Crimes that can cause the death of these protected wild animals can be subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” said Aceh Conservation of Natural Resources head Agus Arianto.

He added that the incident will be investigated. Indonesia hands down punishments of up to five years in prison for people who intentionally kill a protected animal.

Sumatran tigers, the most endangered tiger subspecies, are under increasing pressure from poaching and shrinking jungle habitat, according to the IUCN. EFE

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