The Population Of The Javan Rhino Is Getting Scarce, Translocation Is A Step For The Preservation Of Species
JAKARTA - The preservation of the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), one of the rarest mammals in the world, is the government's main focus in maintaining the sustainability of this species.
With a very limited population and threat of habitat degradation and low genetic diversity, strategic steps such as the translocation of individual rhinos to captivity areas are now an important part of conservation efforts.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) is preparing to transfer a number of Javan rhino individuals who have been selected to a special conservation area, namely the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA), as part of a controlled breeding program.
The Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Satyawan Pudyatmoko, emphasized the importance of this transfer program to support the improvement of the genetic diversity of the rhino population.
He explained that currently there are indications of a decline in genetic variation in the wild, so that the translocation program is expected to prevent inbreeding and strengthen population genetic resilience.
"The condition of the Javan rhino population in nature has indications of a decline in genetic varieties. So that the translocation to JRSCA can also help prevent inbreeding and strengthen the genetic resilience of the Javan rhino population," he explained, as quoted by ANTARA, June 5.
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The transfer of this rhino will be carried out from its natural habitat on the Ujung Kulon Peninsula to JRSCA which is located in Ujungjaya Village, Pandeglang Regency. Although both are still in the Ujung Kulon National Park area, the JRSCA location is about 14 kilometers apart and must be passed by crossing the sea.
This process involves collaboration with various parties, including the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI), and a number of conservation organizations. To ensure smooth and safe transfer, the 1 Marine Artillery Transport Amphibious Vehicle Battalion (Yonkapa) has held a simulation using the K-61 amphibious vehicle in Jakarta on Wednesday (28/5).
The simulation aims to test the vehicle's ability to transport special rhino cages across the waters safely and stably.
"This step is important to reduce risk during quite a challenging journey," Satyawan said.
Marine Major Bayhaky C. Chipta, Commander of Infantry Battalion 1, added that the Indonesian Navy's involvement in this conservation also reflected preparedness in assisting the evacuation of animals during disasters such as tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, or forest fires.
The transportation cage used in the simulation is specially designed with ventilation systems and vibration damping to stay comfortable for rhinos. The weight of the cage reaches 1 ton, while the simulated rhino weight is about 1.6 tonnes.
The results of the trial show that the Kapa K-61 vehicle is able to carry out this task efficiently, becoming an important solution in the preservation of the Javan rhino through a technology approach and cross-sector synergy.