The Habitat Of Javan Langurs In Muaragembong, Bekasi Is Threatened Due To Shrinking Mangrove Tree Land

Javanese langur in the middle of a mangrove tree in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java. (Photo: Pradita Kurniawan Syah/Antara)

JAKARTA - The primate habitat of the Javan Lutung in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java is threatened due to the shrinking of mangrove tree land which is one of their food sources and habitats. "There are not enough mangrove trees for them (Javanese Lutung) to live. Because there continues to be land clearing for ponds," said Deputy Chairperson of the Pantai Bahagia Village Tourism Awareness Group, Ahmad Qurtubi in Bekasi, Wednesday. 40 hectares. "Now it is about five to seven hectares in the north, in the south it is the same. A total of 14 hectares are left. In the past, around 1980, the habitat of the Javan Lutung in Muara Flag Village is more than 40 hectares," he said. Qurtubi admitted a small group of Javan langurs consisting of seven to 10 individuals. Ideally a small group of animals that need 12 hectares of land for them to survive.

The secretary of Pantai Bahagia Village also said that apart from habitat loss, the Javan langur population is also being threatened due to the increasingly massive hunting even though the animal is categorized as protected by the government. every year in the two locations since 2013. Previously there were only about 20 to 30 birds. Hunting has always been a scourge, but we as environmental activists together with the residents will continue to protect it," he said. Unfortunately, this is not supported by legality and adequate facilities. "There are several things that need to be done to support the existence of the Javan Lutung to become a favorite tourist destination. First, there must be a determination of the conservation area for langurs and their habitat, both infrastructures must be built to support the target of educational tourism areas. ," he said.