Indonesia uniqueness is not only found in the natural wealth and beautiful panorama. In this beloved country, you can find dozens of endemic animals that will not be found in other parts of the world. The reason for this is that Indonesia is a country
Indonesia uniqueness is not only found in the natural wealth and beautiful panorama. In this beloved country, you can find dozens of endemic animals that will not be found in other parts of the world. The reason for this is that Indonesia is a country with the high animal population. It is estimated that there are more than 165 species of mammals, 397 species of birds, more than 150 reptiles, and more than 100 species of amphibians are recorded as endemic in Indonesia. Below it’ll be discussed some of them.
1. Sumatran Elephants
The Sumatran elephants are a subspecies of the Asian elephants that only have habitats on the island of Sumatra. Sumatran elephants have smaller posture than sub species elephant India. The population is declining and becoming a highly threatened species. Around 2000 to 2700, Sumatran elephants are left in the wild based on a survey in 2000.
As many as 65% of Sumatran elephant populations disappear due to human activity, and 30% are likely to be killed by human poisoning. About 83% of Sumatran elephant habitats have become plantation areas due to aggressive encroachment area.
See Also: Endangered Sumatran Elephants
2. Javan Rhino
Javan Rhino, or small-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a member of the Rhinocerotidae family and one of the five remaining rhinos. This rhino enters the same genus as the Indian rhinoceros and has a mosaic skin that resembles a steel armor. The rhino has a length of 3.1 to 3.2 m and a height of 1.4 to 1.7 m. The size of the horn is usually less than 20 cm, smaller than that of other rhino species. This rhinoceros was once one of Asia’s most widespread rhinos. The population of 40-50 rhinos lives in Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java.
3. Javanese Eagle
Javanese Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) is one species of medium-sized eagle that is endemic in Java. This animal is considered synonymous with the symbol of the Republic of Indonesia, namely Garuda. And since 1992, this bird is defined as the mascot of endangered species of Indonesia. This bird has sized from medium to large, slim, with a body length of 60-70 cm.
The eagle is limited in Java, from the western end (Ujung Kulon National Park) to the eastern tip of Peninsular Blambangan Purwo. However, its distribution is now limited in areas with primary forests and in forested hill lands in lowland transitions with mountains. Most are found in half the southern hemisphere of Java Island.
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is a tiger subspecies whose original habitat on the island of Sumatra, is one of six tiger subspecies that survive to date and is included in the critically endangered criteria on the threatened species list of IUCN Conservation Society. The wild population is estimated to be between 400-500, especially living in national parks in Sumatra.
Recent genetic testing has revealed unique genetic markers, indicating that this subspecies may develop into separate species, when successfully sustained. The destruction of habitat is the greatest threat to the current population. Logging continues even in national parks that should be protected. Recorded 66 Sumatran tigers were killed between 1998 and 2000.
See Also: Sumatran Tigers Conservation
5. Jalak Bali
Jalak Bali (Leucopsar rothschildi) is a kind of medium-sized chirping bird, with a length of approximately 25cm. The Balinese starlings have special features, among them having white feathers all over their bodies except at the tail end and its black wings. The cheeks are not overgrown, bright blue and grayish legs.
Jalak Bali is endemic in Indonesia, Bali Starling is found only in the forests of the western part of Bali Island. This bird is also the only endemic species of Bali and in 1991 was crowned as the symbol of the fauna of Bali Province. The existence of endemic animals is preserved. The Balinese starlings were first discovered in 1910.
6. Rangkong Gading
This bird also became the mascot of West Kalimantan Province and included in the type of fauna that is protected by law. In the culture of Borneo, the hornbill ivory is the symbol of “Upper Realm” which refer to other worldly existence.
On the island of Borneo, ivory hornbill is used as a symbol of the region or symbols of the organization such as the symbol of the province of West Kalimantan, Rangkong Gading bird is also a symbol of Dayak unity which is often embodied in the form of carving on Dayak Culture, while in Banjar culture, The Ivory hornbill is carved in a disguised form.
See Also: Dayak Tribe
Orangutans are found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in the Indonesian part of the country. They usually live in dense trees and make their nests from the foliage.
Orangutans can live in various types of forests, ranging from the forest, hills and lowlands, watersheds, freshwater swamp forest, peat swamps, dry land on mangrove swamps, to the mountain forests. 