On Thursday, 27 February 2024, The Ministry of Environment and Forestry with SINTAS Indonesia conducted a kickoff meeting marked as the start of the Java Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) survey, known as the Java-Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS). The design and activity plans of JWLS are all developed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in collaboration with conservation enthusiasts for Indonesia’s large carnivores. The JWLS will be carried out by UPT Direktorat KSDAE-KLHK with its local partners for about two years. The JWLS is fully funded by The Ministry of Environment and Forestry and private partners. The JWLS marked the first wild animals survey based on a community in Indonesia with the most camera traps, locations, funding, and involved parties.
As one of the academic stakeholders, the Faculty of Biology at UGM has given the opportunity to attend this event, represented by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono. The Faculty of Biology UGM consider this survey as an opportunity to obtain more credible scientific data on the population and distribution of leopards throughout Indonesia. The idea of genetic analysis to understand population structure, prey, and inbreeding has proposed, aiming to achieve genetic conservation in line with CBD points. Dr. Sendi, who has previously worked on a similar survey, the Sumatra Wide Tiger Survey, has provided input and is ready to contribute alongside various parties to ensure the success of this national survey. This data expected to serve as a basis for the development of more effective and sustainable conservation strategies. The kickoff event for this leopard survey hoped to be a significant initial step in conservation efforts for this species. The Faculty of Biology at UGM welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the government and non-governmental organizations, to create a better biodiversity for wildlife on the island of Java.