Riau. A Sumatran tiger was found injured in Riau province last Saturday and was subsequently evacuated to a rehabilitation center in West Sumatra.

The tiger sustained injuries after being trapped in an industrial plantation forest concession.

A team from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) in Riau along with employees from Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, the operating arm of APRIL Group, acted quickly to evacuate the tiger and ensure it was able to receive medical treatment immediately.

The tiger is now receiving treatment at the Dharmasraya Sumatran Tiger Rehabilitation Center (PRHSD) in West Sumatra, and has been named ‘Corina’.

The name was chosen because the incident coincided with the coronavirus outbreak.

"The name Corina was given to this Sumatran tiger as a reminder that it was entangled while the world is preoccupied with the news about the coronavirus. The incident serves as a reminder for us of the importance of what we do," Riau’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) head Suharyono said on Tuesday.

At present, Suharyono said that Corina's health condition is recovering and the tiger is under the supervision of the medical team.

He said the PRHSD and BBKSDA medical teams are striving to heal the snare wound on the front leg of the animal, which is also known by its scientific name, Panthera tigris sumatrae.

"The tiger’s current condition seems to be recovering, demonstrated by its aggression, and it also develops the appetite to eat and drink," he said.

Suharyono thanked the management of RAPP for being responsive in reporting cases and assisting in the evacuation of the tiger. If the tiger had not been evacuated, the condition could have worsened and the healing process for the tiger would have been more difficult.

"We thank the company because with faster recovery, the Sumatran tiger can be released in a place that is suitable for its habitat," he said.

Corina was found trapped in the concession area of RAPP’s Estate Meranti, Teluk Meranti district, Pelalawan regency, Riau.

The company reported the incident to BBKSDA Riau and immediately provided support to rescue the tiger.

Observation results indicate that the female tiger is under five years old. The tiger has a body length of 170 centimeters and weight of 85-90 kilograms.

Based on the 2019 data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, there were only 603 Sumatran tigers remaining. The ministry has asked all parties to work together to preserve this species.