Global News - August 2007

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Experts meet to try to save endangered Indonesian animals

Thu 30 August 2007 12:00 UK — Australasia

Over 100 wildlife experts and officials have met in Indonesia to discuss a possible action plan to save the country's threatened elephants and tigers.

Recent satellite images revealed that large areas of lowland tropical forests on Sumatra island have been cleared. As these areas are the primary habitat for elephants and tigers, experts believe they are now at risk of becoming extinct.

In total, 100 Sumatran elephants were killed between 2002 and 2007, as they increasingly came into contact with human settlements.

Reuters reports that a three-day meeting of 120 local and international delegates began in the city of Padang on Wednesday (August 29th).

The group will aim to develop a conservation strategy and action plan to save the island's rare animals.

As well as representatives from companies and communities affected by human-wildlife conflicts, various government officials will also be in attendance at the meetings.

Conservationist groups estimate that the number of Sumatran elephants in Indonesia has declined by approximately 35 per cent over the past 15 years.

In addition, Sumatran tiger numbers have plummeted to such an extent that just 400 are thought to now survive in the wild.

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