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Friday, 09 August 2024 06:56
Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry Releases 4,605 Pig-Nosed Turtles into Their Natural Habitat in Papua
Written by Daniel
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The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) reintroduced 4,605 captive-bred pig-nosed turtles into their natural habitat on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in the indigenous forest of Kampung Nayaro,
Mimika Baru District,Central Mimika Regency, Papua. Photo: menlhk.go.id
VOInews, Jakarta: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, has successfully reintroduced 4,605 pig-nosed turtles (Carretochelys insculpta), bred by CV. Alam Nusantara, into their natural habitat. The release occurred on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in the indigenous forest of Kampung Nayaro, Mimika Baru District, Central Mimika Regency, Papua.
The pig-nosed turtle, an endemic freshwater species found in Papua, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia, is protected under Ministerial Regulation No. 106 of 2018 and classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. This release is part of a restocking program aimed at boosting the population and ensuring environmental sustainability.
A.G. Martana, Head of the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center, stated that all released turtles had undergone health checks by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services of Mimika Regency. “All animals are in good health and ready to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. The location in the indigenous forest of Kampung Nayaro was chosen due to its pristine condition, remoteness from settlements, and support from the local indigenous community,” Martana explained.
Dani Gunalen, Director of CV. Alam Nusantara, detailed that the 4,605 pig-nosed turtles originated from eggs collected between 2021 and 2023, with only half of them successfully hatching. “The care of hatchlings has been quite challenging, with frequent mortality rates. Nonetheless, we are committed to continually improving our breeding management,” Gunalen remarked.
Pratita Puradyatmika, Environmental Central System & Project Manager at PT Freeport Indonesia, added that the company's support for environmental conservation in Papua is part of its broader commitment. "Collaboration with various parties, including the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center, is crucial for achieving optimal results in biodiversity preservation,” Puradyatmika noted.
Nunu Anugrah, Director of Biodiversity Conservation for Species and Genetics (KKHSG), observed that this release demonstrates how ex-situ conservation can support in-situ efforts. "We hope the released pig-nosed turtles will contribute to increasing the population in their natural habitat. This aligns with regulatory mandates requiring breeding units to conduct restocking,” Anugrah explained.
Nunu also emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in wildlife conservation. "PT Freeport Indonesia’s support in this release exemplifies the implementation of the PROPER program, which encourages corporate compliance with environmental management standards,” he added.
Nunu commended all parties involved in the release process, including the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center, the Central Papua Fish, Plant, and Animal Quarantine Center, PT Freeport Indonesia, CV. Alam Nusantara, and the Kampung Nayaro Government.
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Published in
Indonesia Today
