Post by : Shakul

Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau — A critically endangered Sumatran elephant calf has been found dead in the Lancang Kuning Resort area of Tesso Nilo National Park, according to Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry.

The carcass of the wild calf was discovered on February 26 and was already in an advanced state of decomposition, with officials estimating it had died about a week prior. Preliminary on-site examinations suggested that the elephant suffered a severe leg infection, believed to have resulted from a wound caused by a snare trap.

Medical teams from the park authority conducted immediate handling procedures and began detailed examinations, including a necropsy, to scientifically determine the exact cause of death. Authorities emphasized that findings remain preliminary pending laboratory analysis.

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan visited the park following the discovery, accompanied by officials from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency. He stated that law enforcement would pursue legal action if criminal elements are confirmed in connection with the suspected snare trap.

The Sumatran elephant is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with its population continuing to decline due to habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.

According to data cited by the World Wildlife Fund, the remaining population of Sumatran elephants is estimated at around 2,400 to 2,800 individuals in the wild. Tesso Nilo National Park itself has long faced pressures from illegal logging, land encroachment, and plantation expansion, which have fragmented elephant habitats and increased encounters between wildlife and human activities.

Conservation authorities reiterated that snare traps pose a significant threat not only to elephants but also to other endangered wildlife species in Sumatra. Officials called for stronger cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, and local communities to prevent further wildlife losses.

#world news #Global News #Indonesia News