Indonesian authorities have recently discovered dozens of rare Java leopards, which are at risk of extinction, on Nusakambangan Island near Central Java Province.
Based on images captured by cameras installed on Nusakambangan Island, the Central Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) estimates that at least 18 Java leopards are living on the island, including 4 Java leopards residing in the eastern part of the Nusakambangan Nature Reserve.
Java leopard at risk of extinction. (Photo: Scentsindonesia)
A video recently circulated on Indonesian social media, filmed from a car at close range, showing a Java leopard walking leisurely. Many believe this video was taken on Nusakambangan Island.
According to wildlife conservationists, leopards do not have an instinct to attack humans as their diet consists of insects, deer, antelope, and other animals. Historically, leopards were found in many regions across Africa and Asia, including Java. However, habitat destruction and poaching have put several leopard species at risk of extinction. Since 2008, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Java leopard as critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining.
To conserve the Java leopard, the BKSDA and related agencies are working to maintain the sustainability of the Nusakambangan Island ecosystem through tree planting and patrol activities. The BKSDA also regularly disseminates information about the rare Java leopards to prevent local residents from hunting protected wildlife. According to Indonesia’s Nature Conservation and Ecosystem Law, anyone caught hunting rare wildlife could face up to 5 years in prison.
