Throughout 2021, PROFAUNA found 80 bird, 11 mammal and 5 reptile species on Sempu Island
Throughout 2021, the team of the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (locally abbreviated and known as BBKSDA) and PROFAUNA Indonesia recorded 80 bird, 11 mammal and 5 reptile species in Sempu Island Nature Reserve, located in Malang Regency, East Java - Indonesia. Several species of hornbill family birds that fall into the rare category were also recorded in the 877 hectare nature reserve, including the oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), the wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), and the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros).
In addition to the hornbills, other birds founded include the crested serpent eagle (Splirornis cheela), the white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), the barn owl (Tyto alba), the yellow-throated hanging parrot (Loricullus pusilus), the yellow-eared barbet (Psilopogon australis), the black-banded barbet (Psilopogon javensis), the coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephala), the Javan banded pitta (Hyodrornis guanjanus), the Horsfield's babbler (Malacocincla sepiarium) and the common emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica).
As for the mammals, the team recorded 11 species including the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjack), the Java mouse-deer (Tragalus javanicus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), the black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Javan langur (Trachyipitechus auratus), long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis), the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), and pangolin (Manis javanicus).
While the group of reptiles, 5 species were founded including the Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina), the painted bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus), the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), the common flying dragon (Draco volans) and the tokay gecko (Gecko gecko).
Considering the diversity of the wildlife, Sempu Island Nature Reserve is arguably a complete natural laboratory to learn about the diversity of flora, fauna and ecosystems. Sempu Island has important values in science, conservation and geography.
"Sempu Island nature reserve must be preserved, therefore tourist activities are not allowed, because it can interfere the existence of the wildlife and their natural habitats," said Erik Yanuar, field manager of PROFAUNA Indonesia.
According to Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of the Natural Resources and Ecosystems, activities that are allowed to take place in the nature reserves are for research, science, education and supporting cultivation. While tourist activities are not allowed.
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