A group of Javan leaf monkeys
(Trachypithecus auratus)
which have been cared for at Petungsewu Wild Animals Rescue Center (PPS
Petungsewu), Malang for a period between 1-4 years are returned to their
home in the wild on August 28, 2007. This group of 6 leaf monkeys is led
by an adult male named Rama. The leaf monkeys will be released in the
Hyang Highlands Wildlife Conservation Area in East Java, after having
undergone medical therapy also physical and behavioural rehabilitation
at Petungsewu PPS Petungsewu.
The leaf monkeys were
obtained through confiscation by the Natural Resources Conservancy (BKSDA)
of the Forestry Department and then transferred to Petungsewu PPS
Petungsewu for further care and rehabilitation. The leaf monkeys were
taken from wild animal traders and also private homes in Probolinggo,
Denpasar, and Yogyakarta. Now that it is viable from both medical and
biological standpoints for the release, the East Java Natural Resources
Conservancy (BKSDA) and Petungsewu PPS Petungsewu are returning the six
leaf monkeys to their habitat in the wild.
The Javan leaf monkey is a
wild animal protected by the law thus making it illegal for trade of
this specie. According to Law number 5/ 1990 on Natural Resources and
Ecosystem Conservation, any individual found guilty of trading protected
animals is liable to a maximum of 5 years sentence in jail and fine up
to Rp 100 million. Unfortunately, despite its status as a protected
animal, the Javan leaf monkey is still frequently sighted being sold at
many bird markets in Java sold at prices as low as Rp150.000 – Rp250.000
each. In several places like Banyuwangi, these primates are also sold
for their meat.
The Hyang Highlands Wildlife
Conservation Area with a cover of 14,145 ha was chosen as the location
for the leaf monkeys’ release due primarily to the fact that this area
is most suited for the primates’ habitat. The Hyang Highlands is also a
secure place from animal poachers and hunters. Previously for almost one
year, the team from Petungsewu PPS Petungsewu has conducted a scientific
survey to evaluate the Hyang area as the location for the leaf monkeys’
release. The survey encompassed survey on vegetation, survey on the
existence of native leaf monkeys and safety of the sanctuary.
This release is funded by
Born Free Foundation, Humane Society
International (HSI), and
ProFauna Indonesia. In addition to that,
Eiger, a widely recognised
outdoor adventure company is also supporting this leaf monkeys’ release
through providing field equipment for the team that will go to the Hyang
Highlands. Concern from companies such as Eiger leaves environmental
protection groups in hopeful spirits as it shows corporate support for
the conservation of wildlife and natural ecosystems in Indonesia.
Other than support from
international organizations and companies like Eiger, an Indonesian
celebrity, Melanie Subono, is also partaking in this year’s release.
Melanie Subono, who is a member of ProFauna shows her concern for the
conservation of leaf monkeys by participating in releasing these
endangered primates into the wild. Melanie is very supportive of the
efforts in saving Indonesia’s wildlife like leaf monkeys that are
growing more endangered each day. Together with Melanie, other
Indonesian celebrities have also stated their support for ProFauna,
among them are Slank, Cokelat, La Luna, and Edi Brokoli.
For further information,
please contact:
-
Rosek
Nursahid (Chairman ProFauna
Indonesia)
- Email: rosek@telkom.net
