Two Sumatran Elephants Found Dead in Bengkulu; Poaching Ruled Out, Habitat Threats Cited

The recent discovery of two dead Sumatran elephants in Bengkulu's Seblat Landscape is a grave concern for conservation efforts in the region. The loss of an adult female and her calf, found in the Air Teramang Production Forest, underscores the precarious existence of this critically endangered species. While initial findings by the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) suggest poaching for tusks is unlikely, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats these magnificent creatures face.

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Tim sekarang sudah menuju lokasi untuk melakukan nekropsi (pembedahan bangkai) guna memastikan penyebab kematian secara ilmiah.

BKSDA Bengkulu Head of Section I, Said Jauhari, confirmed the discovery and the dispatch of a medical team for necropsy to scientifically determine the cause of death. The fact that the adult female's tusks were intact provides a glimmer of hope that this was not a result of illegal hunting. However, Said Jauhari did not mince words in expressing his disappointment with concession holders, stating that similar incidents have occurred repeatedly in their operational areas. He stressed the urgent need for these companies to be more proactive in safeguarding the remaining elephant habitats within their concessions.

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Gigi caling pada gajah perempuan masih utuh. Informasi sementara yang kami dapat, dugaan kematian bukan disebabkan oleh perburuan.

This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of increasing habitat fragmentation. The Seblat Landscape, a vital ecosystem, is being squeezed by rampant illegal palm oil plantations. Just months ago, the Deputy Minister of Forestry warned that only about 25 wild elephants remained in the Seblat area. The corridors connecting elephant habitats are being severed, leading to a shrinking range for these giants and heightening the risk of human-elephant conflict. As a publication deeply invested in Indonesia's natural heritage, Tempo views this as a critical juncture. We must demand greater accountability from those entrusted with managing these lands and redouble our efforts to protect the Sumatran elephant before it's too late. The international community often focuses on the plight of endangered species, but for us, this is about preserving a part of Indonesia's soul and ensuring the survival of a species unique to our archipelago.

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Ini wajib menjadi perhatian serius bagi perusahaan. Kejadian serupa sudah kerap kali terjadi di sekitar konsesi tersebut.