Efforts To Protect Animals Conservation, BKSDA Releases Pangolins In East Kotawaringin Forests

JAKARTA - Efforts to save protected animals continue to be carried out as an important part of maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Pangolins, one of the animals that are now increasingly rare, are again receiving attention after being evacuated and released into their natural habitat by the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) Resort Sampit, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan.

"The pangolin has been released into the forest area of East Kotawaringin Regency," said Head of BKSDA Resort Sampit Muriansyah in Sampit, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that a pangolin was handed over to the BKSDA by the Kotim Fire and Rescue Service (Disdamkarmat) on Wednesday, October 1. This handover was carried out after officers together with the Sampit Reptil Community evacuated the animal from the Bagendang Container Terminal (TPK), North Mentaya Hilir District.

Animals with legal protection status were previously seen roaming the port area. Officers managed to secure it from inside a container, then hand it over to the East Kotim Disdamkarmat for follow-up.

When it was first received by the BKSDA, the condition of pangolins was allegedly due to dehydration, but overall it was still healthy. After receiving treatment for two days, the condition of this animal improved and was declared ready to return to nature.

The release was carried out after the BKSDA coordinated with the SKW KSDA Region II Pangkalan Bun. The animal with the Latin name Manis Javanica was released in a forest area that is far from human activities and has the availability of natural feed.

"Before the release, we had conducted a survey and this area was a good area for release, especially pangolins because it was far from community activities and there were found many natural pangolin foods," he continued.

BKSDA also invites the public to play a role in preserving wildlife. Protected animals are not only valuable national assets, but also have an important function in maintaining the ecosystem.

In addition, Muriansyah reminded Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems prohibiting hunting, arrest, maintenance, and illegal trade in protected animals.