5 Binturong Protected Animals Released In West Kalimantan's Landak Traditional Forest

Binturong Animal when released into the traditional forest of Ohak, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan Province, Friday (15/9/2023). (ANTARA)

LandaK - Officers of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of West Kalimantan released five protected animals of the binturung type (Arctictis binturong) in the traditional Ohak forest in Menjalin District, Landak Regency.

"This protected animal was received from a community that had undergone rehabilitation for six months before being released into its habitat," said Head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA RM Wiwied Widodo, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, September 15.

The release of protected animals coincides with the inauguration of the Ohak traditional forest by the traditional people of Binua Ohak in Rees Village.

He said binturung or also called binturong is a protected animal based on PP number 7 of 1999 concerning Plant and Animal Types Preservation.

Based on the list of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he said, this animal has a vulnerable or vulnerable' status due to the drastic decline in population in the wild in recent years.

"We hope that this animal is protected in its natural habitat and indigenous peoples also work together so that this binturung can breed," he said.

Wiwid Widodo also expressed his appreciation and pride for the indigenous people of Binua Ohak who have provided 'homes' for protected animals, binturung.

Temenggung Binua Ohak, Kawi said he was ready to protect dawas to preserve binturung in the traditional forest of Ohak in accordance with the joint commitment of all indigenous peoples.

"We are grateful to the BKSDA for providing binturong to live and develop in the traditional forest of Ohak. We are committed to safeguarding and preserving these forests and protected animals in them," he said.

"Ohak's customary forest is a forest that has been preserved for generations by the people of Binua Ohak because this forest is the main source of water for the people of the region," said Kawi.