An Indonesian government proposal offering rare Sumatran tigers up for adoption by wealthy citizens has drawn scorn from environmental activists, who say it's the wrong approach to conservation. There are only 400 Sumatran tigers left in Indonesia, where deforestation has destroyed much of their native habitat and they are hunted for traditional medicines and illegal menageries. Tiger “adoption” – where a pair can be rented out as pets in exchange for a billion rupiah ($107,100) deposit – could help curb illegal hunting and trade, a Forestry Ministry official said Friday. “There are many orders from rich people who want them, who feel if they own a tiger they are a big shot. We have to take concrete steps to protect these animals,” said Darori, the ministry's Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation. The tigers will remain state property and will be returned to the state if they are no longer wanted, he said.
