Indonesia uses camera traps to make records of endangered animals

Photo of Sumatran Tiger that have been captured in the area of Batang Gadis National Park. (Camera Traps Batang Gadis National Park and Conservation International)

An endangered Malayan tapir and its young have been documented by camera traps in Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP), North Sumatra. In Indonesia, the tapir can only be found in North Sumatra and are very rarely seen.

In total, the study recorded and identified an impressive 29 species in the national park. Cameras were placed for over 30 days in the dry season and significantly documented five endangered species–the Sumatran tiger, the Sunda pangolin, the Asiatic wild dog, the Sumatran clouded leopard, and the Malayan tapir. This also included four of the five Sumatran wild cat species, the endemic Bronze-tail peacock pheasant and Salvadori’s pheasant.

These results further support the listing of over 60% of the park as an internationally recognized Key Biodiversity Area showcasing its global value and need for careful and effective management.

Ketut Sarjana Putra, Vice President of CI Indonesia (CI) said, “This study has proven that the Batang Gadis National Park in North Sumatra is an important haven for some of Indonesia’s most unique animals and we hope it will further motivate all stakeholders to take great care of this highly important area.”

Mr.Putra also noted the essential role of the national park to the livelihoods of the local communities, “Among other important services nature provides, this park ensures fresh water flows for agriculture which is the main income source for 80% of the local people making its protection key to local wellbeing.”

These findings follow the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Conservation International on October 8, 2014 and the BNGP authorities to work together to better protect the area. This landmark agreement aims to strengthen training and facilitate capacity building activities that improve the skill set of those managing the protected area.

“The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is focused on protecting the Tapir, along with 25 other endangered species in Indonesia, due to their endangered status. Our efforts are largely around conserving their habitat so that their numbers can recover,” Ir . Bambang Dahono Adji, Director of Biodiversity Conservation.