Endangered Animals in Indonesia that Need to Be Preserved

 Endangered Animals in Indonesia that Need to Be Preserved

Indonesia, with its incredible natural wealth, is home to a variety of unique and rare animal species. From tropical rainforests to beautiful coral reefs, Indonesia holds a treasure trove of biodiversity. However, unfortunately, many endangered animals in Indonesia face the threat of extinction due to habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and climate change. In this article, we will recognize some rare animals that need to be preserved in Indonesia.

1. Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)

Orangutans are a symbol of Indonesia's biodiversity. This animal is found only in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The orangutan population continues to shrink due to the loss of the rainforest in which they live due to deforestation and illegal poaching. Conservation efforts, such as the improvement of national parks and the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned orangutans, are essential to protect this species.

2. Komodo dragon ( Varanus komodoensis )

Komodo dragons are giant lizards found only on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, and Flores. They are unique carnivorous animals and become one of the largest reptile species in the world. However, their natural habitat is threatened by illegal hunting and human disturbance. Conservation and education are key to maintaining their survival.

3. Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

The Sumatran tiger is one of the most endangered subspecies of tigers in the world. Their increasingly limited habitat and illegal hunting make their population continue to decrease. Conservation efforts, such as strict law enforcement against poaching and habitat restoration efforts, are needed to save Sumatran tigers.

4. Sumatran rhinoceros

The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the largest remaining land animals in the world. They are endangered due to illegal hunting for the purposes of their precious horns. Conservation efforts include anti-poaching patrols, captive rearing programs, and increased public awareness of the importance of protecting this species.

5. Javan rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros sondaicus )

The Javan rhinoceros is one of the largest and rarest mammals in the world. They can only be found in the remaining forests of Java, and it is estimated that there are only about 70 to 80 individuals left in the wild.

6. King Cockatoo

The King Cockatoo, also known as the Black Cockatoo, is one of the rare birds found only in New Guinea. They have unique personalities and are known for their speaking skills. The uptake of wild birds and the destruction of their habitat pose a serious threat. Habitat preservation and prohibition of poaching are essential to maintain the survival of the king cockatoo.

7. Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus)

The Sumatran elephant is one of the smallest elephants in the world and can only be found on the island of Sumatra. They face serious threats from habitat destruction and illegal poaching for ivory.

8. Roro Black Cockatoo ( Coracopsis vasa )

The Roro Black Cockatoo is an endemic bird from the Maluku Islands, Indonesia. They have a unique black color and are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

9. Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise is one of Indonesia's greatest natural treasures. Known for its beauty and uniqueness, this bird is a symbol of Papua's biodiversity. In the wild, they can be found mainly in New Guinea and some surrounding islands.

It is estimated that there are more than 40 different species of birds of paradise around the world. New Guinea, as home to most of these species, is considered the center of paradise diversity. Each species has unique characteristics and shades, making it an object of scientific research and an attraction for birdwatchers.

One of the most striking things about birds of paradise is their incredible plumage. Some species, such as cendrawasih rajah (Paradisaea raggiana), have long, multicolored tail feathers that extend like ribbons. There are also those who have strange decorations, such as wavy feathers, threads, or even a veiled head.

Cendrawasih usually inhabits tropical rainforests and dense mountainous forest areas. They are fruit-eating birds, insects, and nectar. Some species are even famous Due to their beautiful and intricate signature dance, which is used to attract a partner during the mating season.

Various conservation efforts have been made to protect birds of paradise. These include the establishment of national parks and conservation, bans on illegal hunting, as well as public education on the importance of protecting biodiversity.

10. Javan Leopard (Panthera Pardus Melas )

The Javan leopard is a subspecies of leopard which is endemic to Java, Indonesia. They are known for having larger and rarer spotted shades compared to other leopard subspecies.

The Javan leopard population is endangered and considered a highly vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to the loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation, illegal poaching, and conflict with humans. As their population declines, conservation and protection of Javan leopards is crucial.

A number of conservation organizations, governments, and volunteer groups are working to protect and restore the Javan leopard population. These efforts include monitoring and law enforcement against illegal poaching, rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals, and habitat conservation programs.

Hopefully these efforts can help maintain the existence of the Javan leopard and preserve biodiversity on the island of Java.

11. Peacock ( Pavo )

The peacock is a bird that is famous for the beauty of its very beautiful and colorful tail feathers. The scientific name of the peacock is Pavo, and it belongs to the family Phasianidae. There are several species of peacocks, including the green peacock (Pavo muticus) and the blue peacock (Pavo cristatus).

Peacocks are usually found in tropical rainforests, savannas, and other open areas. They can also be found in gardens and gardens. One of the distinctive features of peacocks is a long and beautiful tail consisting of very pretty and colorful feathers. The tails can form like a spectacular fan when they develop them.

Peacocks are insectivorous, seeds, fruits, and sometimes also eat small snakes and other small animals.

Male and Female Characteristics: Male peacocks generally have more striking and beautiful plumage than females. Males also have spectacular "crawling", which is a dance ritual and physical display to attract females during mating season.

12. Snake-necked Tortoise (Chelodina mccordi)

also known as the McCord long-necked turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle best known for its extremely long and slender neck. Here is some more information about snake-necked turtles:

Habitat: The snake-necked turtle is an endemic species found only in a few rivers, swamps, and other fresh waters on the island of Borneo, Indonesia. They prefer quiet and swampy habitats.

Long Neck: One of the most striking features of snake-necked turtles is their long neck which can reach incredible lengths, up to about twice the length of their body skeleton. This long neck is used to chase and catch prey in water, such as fish and aquatic insects.

Appearance: The snake-necked turtle has a rather flat shell and can reach a length of up to about 20-30 cm. They are usually brown or grayish-green with spots on their shells.

Food: Snake-necked turtles are carnivorous eaters and feed on different types of prey that they catch with their long necks. They also sometimes feed on aquatic plants, algae, and detritus.

Conservation: Snake-necked turtles are considered an endangered species due to the loss of their habitat due to encroachment and destruction of the environment. In addition, the illegal trade in these turtles is also a serious threat to their population. Therefore, conservation efforts have been made to protect and restore this species, including increased law enforcement against illegal trade and rearing programs in captivity. This species is also protected by Indonesian law.

13. Flores Eagle (Nisaetus floris)

is a bird of prey that is an endemic species of Flores Island in Indonesia. Here is some more information about the Flores Eagle:

Flores eagle has a relatively small body for an eagle, with a body length of about 40-50 cm and a wingspan of about 110-120 cm. They have dark brown to black fur on the upper part of the body and white fur with black patches on the lower part of the body. Juvenile Flores eagles have a slightly different appearance, with a lighter coat color.

Habitat: Flores eagles inhabit the lowland tropical forests and mountains of Flores Island. They can also be found in open forests, forest edges, and agricultural areas.

Food: Flores eagles are predators that feed on many different types of prey, including small birds, small mammals such as rodents, and reptiles such as snakes and lizards.

Conservation: The Flores eagle is considered an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to their populations include habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal poaching, and human intrusion of their natural habitat. Conservation efforts include building public awareness, protecting habitats, and law enforcement against illegal poaching.

Legal Protection : Flores eagle is protected by Indonesian law and is included in Appendix I of Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 concerning the Preservation of Plants and Wildlife.

Conservation efforts and protection of its natural habitat are essential to ensure the survival of the Flores eagle and preserve the biodiversity of the island of Flores.

14. Dugong (Dugong dugon) 

is a large marine mammal and is the only species in the family Dugongidae. They have several distinctive characteristics:

Physical Appearance: Dugongs have a large body and are shaped similar to oxen, with smooth skin and a brownish-gray color. They have a round-shaped front fin and a tail similar to the muzzle of an aircraft.

Habitat: Dugongs typically inhabit shallow waters in tropical and subtropical regions, including seagrass beds, coral reefs, and calm coastal waters. They are often found in coastal areas, estuaries, and estuaries.

Food: Dugongs are herbivores and their diet is mainly seaweed. They can spend a significant amount of time searching for and consuming seagrass, which is their main source of nutrition.

Reproduction: Dugongs have a slow reproduction rate. The female usually gives birth to a cub in each birth, and the gestation period can last up to 13 months. Baby dugongs are called "dugong calf" and usually remain with their mothers for several years.

Conservation Status: Dugongs are considered a species vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to dugong populations include habitat loss, illegal poaching, and incidental catch in fishing nets.

Protection and Conservation: To protect dugong populations, many countries have adopted conservation policies and programs. These efforts include the establishment of marine reserves, restrictions on human activities in dugong habitats, and public education about the importance of protecting this species.

Dugongs have an important role in marine ecosystems because they contribute to maintaining the balance of marine plants. Therefore, the conservation and protection of dugongs is essential to ensure the survival of this species and the marine ecosystems associated with it.

Indonesia has a great responsibility to protect these endangered animals. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and civil society is urgently needed to ensure that this incredible biodiversity remains for future generations. Through conservation and education efforts, we can keep Indonesia's rare animals part of the world's natural wonders.