Javan Hawk-eagle Endangered, IPB University Professor: Its Presence is an Indicator of a Healthy Ecosystem
The Javan eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi), a bird of prey endemic to Indonesia, is now threatened with extinction. In fact, its presence in the wild indicates a balanced and healthy ecosystem. This was conveyed by Prof Syartinilia Wijaya, Professor of IPB University from the Faculty of Agriculture.
According to Prof Syartinilia, Javan eagles are highly dependent on natural forests, especially tall trees as nesting sites. She emphasized that conservation of raptors (birds of prey) and their habitats is key to preserving the environment and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Raptors are indicator species that are sensitive to ecosystem dysfunction. Therefore, their presence is important in ecological studies and monitoring of environmental conditions,” she said in an interview on the sidelines of his busy teaching at the Department of Landscape Architecture at IPB University (6/26).
Furthermore, this researcher at the Asian Raptor Research Conservation Network (ARRCN) explained, there are two types of raptors based on their life patterns, namely endemic raptors such as Javan eagles and migrant raptors such as Asian cycads (Pernis ptilorhynchus).
The Javan Hawk-eagle itself is categorized as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and has been designated as a national priority species by the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (DG PHKA) through Director General Decree No. 200/IV/KKH/2015.
Currently, the Javan Hawk-eagle population is estimated at only 511 pairs, spread across 74 habitat patches with a total area of about 10.804 km² or about 8,4 percent of Java Island. This habitat is now threatened by forest fragmentation, illegal hunting, climate change and human activities.
Prof Syartinilia also emphasized the importance of integrated landscape management with a landscape ecology approach. “Javan Hawk-eagle conservation requires multi-scale, cross-border and adaptive management to change,” she explained. Without real and integrated steps, Prof Syartinilia projected that by 2050 the potential habitat area of Javan Hawk-eagle will decrease significantly.
Therefore, Prof Syartinilia provides a number of conservation efforts that can be carried out through the selection of the right spatial scale in conservation planning, habitat corridor management, and adaptation to climate change and human disturbance. (IAAS/RWA)
