Marabahan, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Three conservation forest management zones (KPHK) are set in Barito Kuala (Batola) District to protect the bekantan (proboscis mongkey) habitat from extinction, a local official said.
"The three locations of bekantan protection area in Batola are Kaget Island, Kuala Lupak, and Bakut Island," said Regional Secretary Supriyono in Marabahan, Tuesday (9/5).
According to him, with the existence of KPHK the protected bekantan is known not only nationally, but even internationally. He therefore urged the community around KPHK not to hunt and kill the rare habitat.
People, he said, should be given the understanding to provide space allocation so that the rare habitat breeds and freely roamed in the open as needed and comfort.
Separately, Head of Protection and conservation on Forest Resources of South Kalimantan Forestry Agency HA Ridani said efforts to maintain bekantan habibat among others through counseling to the community in and around the forest.
In addition, he explained, forest security patrols, joint operations, settlement of conservation area boundaries, to form a participatory forest security group, forming a community of fire-caring groups.
"More importantly, community empowerment in social forestry activities," he said.
