Not Only the Kalimantan Red Cat, IPB University Researchers Successfully Record Rare Otter Civet
Researchers from IPB University have once again documented the reappearance of two rare species that had been absent for years. In addition to the return of the Kalimantan red cat (Catopuma badia), the research team also successfully recorded the otter civet, or water civet, which was last seen through photographic evidence in 2009 in the Sebangau peat swamp forest and in 2023 in the Rungan–Kahayan landscape.
The otter civet is a rare carnivorous mammal species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified this animal as an endangered species.
Dr Dede Aulia Rahman, a lecturer at the Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism (KSHE), IPB University, explained that the reappearance of these rare species is closely tied to advancements in technology such as camera traps and drones. These technologies have made it easier to detect and monitor wildlife that was previously difficult to observe directly through field surveys relying solely on human vision.
Furthermore, Dr Dede highlighted that the reappearance of these rare species is also possible due to other factors, such as the combination of rare species with difficult-to-understand behaviors, uneven distribution, low population density, as well as the lack of routine biodiversity inventory or monitoring activities.
“In the past, before such technology existed, monitoring activities were very limited. It is possible that species like the Kalimantan red cat and the otter civet existed but were not detected, given that these animals have camouflaged morphology in their habitats and tend to be shy and sensitive to human presence,” he said.
The Kalimantan red cat itself is an endemic wild cat species classified as internationally endangered. Its last confirmed sighting was documented in 2022 in Central Kalimantan.
In a collaborative study between Dr Dede, the University of British Columbia, and the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, the research team even discovered previously unrecorded color variations.
“We found red cats with several color variations, including gray and black, differing from the characteristic red color previously known. This finding has been published in the journal Cat News and is currently in the process of being published in other reputable international journals,” Dr Dede revealed.
In addition to the otter civet species, which had been absent for over a decade, previous discoveries also documented the reappearance of the Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri), first detected again in 1972 via camera traps, and documented again in 1998 and during the 2008–2010 period.
Dr Dede emphasized the importance of conservation efforts and actions, as well as the role of all parties, not just the government, researchers, and activists. According to him, “Indonesia, as one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world after Brazil and the Congo, we as Indonesian citizens have a special responsibility to preserve Indonesia’s native wildlife.”
Finally, Dr Dede stated that the best conservation effort to preserve plants and wildlife is to protect their natural habitats. “We need to protect the habitats of various rare plants and animals and prevent these habitats from being damaged. Another step is to undertake ex-situ conservation efforts, such as breeding programs for rare species, as done in the Sumatran rhinoceros conservation effort,” he concluded. (dh) (IAAS/PRO)
