West Sumatra BKSDA Releases Pangolin At Singgalang Tandikat TWA

West Sumatra BKSDA officer showing Pangolin (Via ANTARA)

W Sumatra - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of West Sumatra released a protected animal, Pangolin (Manis javanica) in the conservation area of the Singgalang Tandikat Nature Tourism Park (TWA).

Head of West Sumatra BKSDA Ardi Andono said the released pangolins were a handover from residents of Nagari IV Koto, Agam Regency, which is a buffer zone for TWA Singgalang Tandikat.

"Marapi Resort received information at around 11.00 WIB from the B Reptanic community. The West Sumatra BKSDA Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) team through the Marapi Resort Conservation Area II then immediately took care of the animals," he said in a release received in Padang, Antara, Wednesday. , February 23.

When officers arrived at the location, the female pangolin was estimated to be approximately one year old and then handed over to the officers. After observation, the animal is in good condition, no injuries or injuries and is actively moving.

Pangolins are one of the protected animals under Permen LHK No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018. This animal is protected because it is endangered due to irresponsible human behavior.

He said the rampant hunting of pangolins was due to the public's belief in the animal's scales which were considered to be able to cure poisoning, inflammation, scabies, and rheumatism.

Illegal hunting and selling of pangolins has led to a reduction in the wild population.

In addition, the forest which is the pangolin's habitat has been converted into gardens so that the habitat as a proper place to live has been reduced.

"After we know that pangolins are protected, let's try to be more concerned with the survival of the animals around us, because if we stop trying, we will most likely end up in a world where we won't find tigers or elephants. even pangolins," he said.

On Tuesday (22/2), the West Sumatra BKSDA released 2 pairs of Siamang (Symphalangus syndactilus) with an average age of 10 years in the High Conservation Value (HCV) area of PT Kencana Sawit Indonesia, South Solok Regency.