Conservation Of Papuan Endemic Animals, BBKSDA Saves Thousands Of Tukiks And Labi-Labi Moncong Babi Eggs

The rescue of endemic animals in Papua (the condition of the pig-nosed hatchlings (ANTARA/HO-BBKSDA Papua)

JAKARTA - Endemic animal conservation is one of the important efforts to protect biodiversity that is increasingly threatened by human activities. In Indonesia, especially in Papua, conservation is crucial considering that this region is home to various endemic species that are unique and vulnerable to the threat of extinction.

One of the inspiring stories in this conservation effort is the success of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) through the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) in saving thousands of eggs and pignosed labi-labi hatchlings (Carettochelys insculpta).

BBKSDA Papua has recently succeeded in protecting thousands of eggs and pignosed hatchlings that are threatened with extinction in Asmat Regency, South Papua.

As quoted by ANTARA, this rescue was the result of a close cooperation between BBKSDA Papua and the Asmat Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

On December 13, 2024, the authorities secured around 9,000 eggs and 1,809 hatchlings at the residence of a perpetrator with the initials MKP. Only one day later, on December 14, 2024, 10,000 eggs and 1,385 hatchlings were found again in other locations involving different perpetrators. This operation was carried out on the basis of public reports followed by an in-depth investigation by the Asmat Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

This success is the result of a joint synergy. We really appreciate the support of the Asmat Police, various related agencies, and the Papua BBKSDA Region I Conservation Section team. It is hoped that this collaboration can continue to be improved in order to preserve Papua's biodiversity," said Head of BBKSDA Papua, AG Martana.

After being secured, the hatchlings were placed in the Asmat Police office. Meanwhile, the eggs that have not hatched remain at the scene of the case (TKP) and are guarded by a police line.

The monitoring process for eggs and hatchlings is carried out intensively by the Conservation Section of Region I BBKSDA Papua together with veterinarians from the Asmat Regency Food and Agriculture Plant Service. Every day, a number of eggs are reported to have hatched in two discovery locations.

On December 28, 2024, BBKSDA Papua and related partners managed to release around 6,000 hatchlings into their natural habitat. However, there are still around 1,000 hatchlings that are currently being accommodated at the Asmat Police Station. In addition, around 10,000 eggs that have not been hatched are still being monitored to be released into the wild in the future.

Pig-nosed labs are endemic Papuan animals whose population is increasingly threatened by illegal hunting and habitat damage. These animals fall into the vulnerable category based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List.

Therefore, this protection effort is an important step in ensuring the survival of this species in the future.

Through the cooperation of various parties, it is hoped that conservation in Papua can continue to be strengthened to protect very valuable biodiversity. Every small effort to protect the environment can have a major impact on the sustainability of ecosystems and life on earth.