Javanese Eagle Eggs Hatch In Mount Halimun Salak National Park

Screenshot of the Javan eagle with its newly hatched chicks at the Javan Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary Center, Mount Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Friday (11/3/2022) (ANTARA/HO-KLHK)

JAKARTA - The population of the Javan eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) increased after the eggs of the protected and endangered species hatched in Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) in West Java, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).

TNGHS Head Ahmad Munawir said that after being incubated for about 50 days, the Javan eagle eggs hatched at 01.35 WIB at the Javan Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary Center (PSSEJ) Loji, West Java, Friday (11/3).

"Based on the data we got from CCTV camera monitoring, the eggs were monitored in the nest on January 20, 2022. The incubation period is an important process in the life cycle of birds of prey or raptors for the sustainability of their species," said Munawir, quoted by Antara, Monday, March 14.

He explained that the Javan eagle only experienced one breeding period in two years. The number of eggs is also only one so naturally the population level is low.

The natural hatching event in the rehabilitation cage, he explained, was an important moment considering that the species was included in the endangered category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The hatched eggs named "Rama" (male) and "Dygtha" (female) are a pair of Javan eagles that were handed over by officers from the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) to the PSSEJ manager on 27 October 2018.

Munawir said the birth of the Javan eagle cub added to the population of endangered birds protected in TNGHS. In the ecosystem, the Javan eagle has a very important role, namely as a predator of a forest area to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

"Hopefully this little baby can grow and develop well into adulthood, so that one of the next steps that can be taken is through the release of rehabilitated animals. Rama and Dygtha's condition and the development of their little baby will continue to be monitored through CCTV," he said.