Meru Betiri National Park with Ujung Kulon National Park and Gunung Halimun Salak National Park hold approximately more than one third of the Javan leopard population, making these national parks to become the three most important refugia for the remaining Javan leopard global population. The monitoring of these big cats in Meru Betiri National Park initiated since 2017. This activity aimed to determine the presence of leopards and their prey, as well as give us a better understanding of the occurrence, distribution and status of this big cat in Meru Betiri National Park.
Camera traps have been installed at several points in national park for three months every year since 2017. Meru Betiri National Park and SINTAS Indonesia have also analyzed the results of the camera traps.
Furthermore, several activities also have been carried out as supporting activities to conserve the Javan leopard and its habitat in Meru Betiri National Park. Including some trainings to process and analyze data, as well as conservation education in schools around the national park area.
The In-house training on data analysis was carried out in order to optimize the monitoring activities in Meru Betiri National Park. The monitoring became a method to enhance the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) habitat.
In 2022 we had our very first time conservation education. The education about Meru Betiri National Park provided important opportunities for students to become engaged in environment issues, also promoted awareness about wildlife in Meru Betiri. Including four priority wildlife, Javan leopard, Javan banteng, peacock, and sea turtles.
We had a chance to play and have fun with some students from the Sawunggaling Football School, 02 Sanenrejo and 03 Andongrejo Elementary Schools, Jember Regency.
All the students from three schools were enthusiastic and looked pleased when participating in this activity. We drew animals who lived in Meru Betiri National Park, played card games, and filled out the worksheets. Through story book, puzzle, and card games we learned how Javan leopards or even others wildlife adapted on their habitat. Hopefully this is can be a continuous activity so that in the future this will give a positive impact on Meru Betiri National Park.
SINTAS has been awarded as NGO partner of Nature Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) for supporting the reinforcement of the conservation area.
Friday, 2 September 2022, the Minister of Environment and Forestry together with the Vice Minister of Environment and Forestry, Head of Peat Restoration Agency Republic of Indonesia (BRGM), Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and The Directorate General of Nature Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (executing tasks) are pleased to award the 2022 Nature Conservation Award to the community, institutions or agencies, both individuals and groups for their achievements, roles and contributions in supporting nature conservation activities.
Being one of the 16 awardees of the 2022 Nature Conservation Award is an honour for SINTAS Indonesia. SINTAS has been awarded as NGO partner of Nature Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) for supporting the reinforcement of the conservation area. We realize that collaboration is the key to conserving Indonesian wildlife. Therefore, we are very grateful to all partners for their dedication to support our projects in conserving Indonesian wildlife and nature. Especially for the Meru Betiri National Park who give us the trust so that this partnership can provide great benefits in preserving the Javan leopard. We hope this step can be an encouragement for continuing the conservation of Indonesian wildlife and nature.