The Cantung Forest Management Unit (KPH) patrol recently seized an owa-owa (Hylobates muelleri) or gibbon maintained by a resident in Mangkirana Village, Kelumpang Hulu Sub-district, Kotabaru Regency.


The Head of the Forest Protection Section of Cantung KPH, Dani Prasetyo, said Monday that gibbons are protected animals because they are threatened to extinct, so they should not be confined as pets.

"Many people may not know that gibbons are protected animals," he said.

Previously, when patrolling forest and land fires (karhutla) in Mangkirana Village, the team received information that there was a gibbon maintained by a resident. The team immediately went to the place.

When found, this primate looks tame because it has been maintained since childhood. Because it is not allowed by law, this animal was forced to be secured.

"After we gave the understanding that gibbon should not be groomed, the owner then voluntarily surrendered the animal to officers," Dani explained.

Furthermore, it coordinates with the South Kalimantan Forestry Service. This rare primate was finally evacuated with the Batulicin Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Sub-Section.

"The gibbon is temporarily treated until later it is released into natural habitats," he said.

Pewarta: M Shohib

Editor : Mahdani


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