Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (Antaranews Kalsel) - The Government of South Kalimantan will soon bring 20 proboscis monkeys (locally known as bekantan) who are now at the Surabaya Zoo (KBS) to be placed on the island in the Sultan Adam Public Forest Park which covers 24 hectares.
The head of the South Kalimantan Forestry Agency Hanif Faisol Nurofiq here said on Saturday he had coordinated with Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini to bring the long-nosed animals.
Furthermore, his party will request permission from the relevant ministry to be able to move 20 of these typical Kalimantan animals to their natural habitat.
The animal that is the mascot of South Kalimantan was forced to relocate because the location on KBS which became the breeding grounds of the proboscis monkey has exceeded its capacity.
One hectare of land in KBS has been occupied by 53 proboscis monkeys, whereas ideally one hectare is only occupied by four proboscis monkeys.
The Forestry Agency has written to KBS and the Big Hall of East Java Directorate General of Natural Resources Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE). The agency also visited KBS with the KSDAE Central Office to ascertain the condition of the leaf-eating animals.
Hanif said, his party has prepared land and locations that are safer and more convenient for bekantan, namely rubber plantation, which is managed by the community.
