Fireworks Upset Wildlife in Gede Pangrango National Park

Sukabumi, W Java (Antara) - Fireworks that were set off near Gede Pangrango Mount National Park (TNGGP) to mark the eve of Idul Fitri have caused distress to the animals in the park, said an environmentalist on Friday. According to Ligar Sonagar, spokesperson for Volunteer Panthera, explosions of fireworks disturbed the animals in the park. Fortunately, no animal was injured. "We have urged the police to review the permit for fireworks parties and to ban people from lighting fireworks either near or in the national park," Ligar Sonagar said. Moreover, the sparks from fireworks might burn dry leaves or trees in the national park and cause forest fires. Thus, the activist urged Gede Pangrango Mount National Park Agency to restrict the usage of fireworks, especially in Pondok Halimun, Sudajaya Girang Village, and Sukabumi District. Some of the protected animals in Gede Pangrango Mount National Park include the Javan eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi), Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), and Owa Jawa or Silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch). The sound of exploding fireworks not only upsets the wildlife in the national park but it also disturbs the visitors, who want to enjoy their visit to the park, which is located between two volcanoes in East Java¿Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. "Fireworks parties should not be allowed in the national park and surrounding areas as they can be disturbing to the animals," Sonagar said. (*)