Dozens of Javan leopards (Panthera pardus melas) were found to inhabit Nusakambangan Island, Head of the Cilacap Regional Conservation Resort Dedi Rusyanto stated.

“Based on the monitoring, there are about 18 leopards, but another observation is necessary by using a method and strategy according to the standard inventory and monitoring of wildlife species,” he noted in Cilacap District on Wednesday.

The head remarked that based on the monitoring conducted by the Central Java natural resources conservation center (BKSDA) through trap cameras, at the eastern part of Nusakambangan Nature Reserve, it was confirmed that four leopards live in the area, while others are spread across the Nusakambangan island.

Javan leopards are spotted in the eastern Nusakambangan Nature Reserve area, as it allows for free movement and is an abode for the Javan leopards, Rusyanto added.

“Leopards have no instinct to attack humans because their food is wild boar, deer, antelopes, and other animals,” he explained.

To this end, his team along with other stakeholders are striving to maintain the sustainability of the Nusakambangan ecosystem through patrol activities and tree planting.

It also routinely disseminates information to the public, so as not to disturb or hunt protected wildlife.

Anyone found hunting protected wildlife are subject to five years of imprisonment and a fine of Rp500 million under Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

In connection with an amateur video that was viral on social media that showed a Javan leopard, his team could not ascertain if its location was in Nusakambangan.

In the 30-second video, a leopard was seen roaming, as captured closely through a person’s camera from the top of their car. The video mentioned that the location was on Nusakambangan Island.

“I cannot be sure yet. I am still looking into the information source,” Rusyanto affirmed.

Source: Antara News