Eight Javan Leopards Identified in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The recent identification of at least eight Javan leopards in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) marks a significant step in understanding and protecting this critically endangered species. Data from the Java Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS), a collaborative effort involving Bakti BCA, the Ministry of Forestry, and Yayasan SINTAS Indonesia, underscores the urgent need for robust conservation strategies.

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Forest is their home, and the presence of humans around it will definitely have an impact. As long as we don't disturb or provoke, animals like the Javan leopard will not attack.

As human activities expand, the natural habitat of the Javan leopard shrinks, leading to increased interactions with local communities. Hariyo Wibisono of Yayasan SINTAS Indonesia highlights the importance of coexistence, stating that "sharing time is the most realistic solution" when sharing space becomes difficult. This perspective resonates with local residents like Randi from Ranu Pani, who acknowledges that leopard appearances near settlements are often a consequence of ecosystem disruption, not aggression.

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Leopards are wild animals, so their instincts are like that, especially when they are near residents' livestock. But we also understand, they come down to the village because there must be a reason. Their ecosystem could be disturbed.

This initiative, supported by BCA's corporate responsibility program, not only focuses on data collection but also on building local capacity through training in wildlife monitoring techniques. The involvement of various conservation institutions demonstrates a unified approach to safeguarding Indonesia's unique biodiversity. From our perspective at Tempo, these efforts are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of the Javan leopard, a symbol of Indonesia's rich natural heritage, and for fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.

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If the place is safe, they will not come down to the residents. So it's not really about chasing them away, but how we both take care of it so that humans and leopards can continue to live side by side.