The Indonesian government has taken a major step towards the preservation of its Sumatran elephants and tigers by expanding one of their last havens.
Img: Sumatran tiger. Credit: Monika Betley.
The wildlife refuge on the island of Sumatra known as Tesso Nilo National Park will be expanded from its current 38,000 to 86,000 hectares. The national park is one of the last refuges of the endangered Sumatran elephants and critically endangered Sumatran tigers according to a WWF-Indonesia release. The park's new boundaries are home to an estimated 60-80 elephants and 50 tigers say the group.
"This is an important milestone toward securing a future for the Sumatran elephant and tiger," said Dr. Mubariq Ahmad, WWF-Indonesia's Chief Executive. "To ensure that the commitment is effectively implemented, we must redouble our efforts on the ground to eliminate poaching and illegal settlements within this special forest."
First created in 2004 in Riau Province, Tesso Nilo National Park is the largest rainforest in Sumatra and is home to the largest range of lowland plant biodiversity known to science with over 4,000 species discovered to date.
As well as providing a vital refuge for Sumatran elephants and tigers, the park acts as an important watershed for the more than 40,000 people who live in the surrounding 22 villages says the Foundation.
"Tesso Nilo is still under serious threat from illegal activities,but if we can protect the forests there, it will give some of Sumatra’s most endangered wildlife the breathing room they need to survive," Dr Ahmad said.
"And while we greatly appreciate this precedent for more protection from the Indonesian government, there are other areas on Sumatra that need safeguarding for the sake of its wildlife, its threatened indigenous peoples and to reduce the climate impacts of clearing."
WWF has also assisted in the establishment of a community fund to give villagers living in the buffer zone more say in the managing of the park. The Tesso Nilo Community Forum has been designed to allow villagers a voice in how the park is run.
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