3/25/12

Farmer mistakes kin for sun bear and shoots him – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Farmer mistakes kin for sun bear and shoots him – Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre


A FARMER mistook his cousin for a bear and shot and killed him in Sabah, Harian Metro reported.

The 42-year-old farmer said he went on a hunting trip with Nuis Upil, 36, and two other friends at about 2pm in Ulu Sungai Mususur, Tambunan, on Wednesday.
The farmer aimed his bakakuk (home-made gun) at a rambutan tree and fired, causing Nuis to fall from the tree that he had been climbing.
The hunting party then started searching for the “animal” and was shocked to see Nuis lying in a pool of blood.
Keningau OCPD Deputy Supt Zahari Mohamed confirmed that the farmer and his friends were in custody to assist in investigations.
> The daily also reported that exotic animal parts are a big hit, especially among senior citizens wanting to boost their sexual energy.
Otters and crocodiles are among the most sought after, it said.
It is illegal to trade animal organs and sellers can be charged under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. However, this had not stopped traders from selling their products in villages as well as public places.
According to an Indonesian trader, his products were very popular among male senior citizens.
“Money is not an issue for my customers because most of them are desperate to improve their sexual performance, especially men who have younger wives,” he said.
Kelantan Perhilitan director Rahmat Topani said those who continued to sell animal parts of protected species would have to face the consequences.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wong’s notes:
This sad accident indicated a few things:
1) Conservation education is HIGHLY needed to educate local communities about the protection status of many wildlife. Most local folks and communities do not aware of the legal status of a bear. Sun bears are totally protected species. No one is allow to kill, harass, keep, eat, or harm sun bear by any mean.
2) Sun bear still highly sought by the poachers. Their hunting/poaching pressures are still high despite national laws and state law prohibit anyone to do so.
3) Conservation and protection of sun bears need every one to take part – local communities, general public, stakeholders, land owners, biologists, government officials, law enforcements.
My condolence to the victim family.
Bookmark and Share

No comments: