Validasi Eksistensi Harimau Jawa. Part 1.

Summary

This presentation by Peduli Karnivor Jawa discusses their ongoing efforts to validate the existence of the Javan tiger through DNA analysis and field investigations. Despite the species being declared extinct by IUCN and the Indonesian government, the organization and volunteers have continued their verification work since 1997. The presentation covers the history of tiger sightings, the team's expedition to Meru Betiri National Park, and various methods used to identify evidence of the Javan tiger, including footprints, feces, hair samples, and other signs of presence. Their work is a crucial attempt to uncover the truth about the Javan tiger's survival in the wild.

Takeaways

• 😀 The main focus of the webinar was on DNA analysis as a tool to validate the existence of the Javan Tiger.
• 😀 The validation and verification of Javan Tiger presence have been ongoing efforts by Peduli Karnivor Jawa since 1997.
• 😀 DNA, hair, and other biological evidence, including scat and tracks, have been collected and analyzed to confirm the presence of the Javan Tiger.
• 😀 The Javan Tiger is classified as extinct by the IUCN Red List, but still appears in Indonesian legislation (PP No. 7/1999) and some reports up to 1994.
• 😀 In 1993 and 1994, sightings of the Javan Tiger were reported in the Argopuro and Welirang Mountains by members of Perbakin.
• 😀 Despite the official extinction status, Peduli Karnivor Jawa continues its research and field investigations to verify sightings and other signs of the Javan Tiger's existence.
• 😀 The distribution of the Javan Tiger was thought to be limited to the Meru Betiri area in the southeastern part of Java as of 1970.
• 😀 In 1997, an expedition team conducted a 15-day field investigation in Meru Betiri, gathering various signs such as footprints, scat, and scratches to confirm the Javan Tiger’s presence.
• 😀 The identification process involves differentiating between various species based on signs like track shape, scat content, and marks on trees, all of which are essential for verification.
• 😀 Over the years, there have been significant discoveries, including hair samples in 2018, which were later confirmed to belong to the Javan Tiger by BRIN, further prompting investigations into its possible existence.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the presentation in the transcript?

The presentation focuses on the validation of the existence of the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) using DNA analysis and other investigative methods.

What evidence has been gathered to support the existence of the Javan tiger?

Evidence includes DNA samples, hair strands, and physical signs such as footprints, feces, scratches on trees, and remnants of prey found during field investigations.

When did the efforts to validate the existence of the Javan tiger begin?

The efforts to validate the existence of the Javan tiger began in 1997 with an expedition to the Meru Betiri National Park.

What were the findings from the 1997 expedition to Meru Betiri?

The 1997 expedition found various signs of the Javan tiger's presence, including feces, paw prints, and scratches, leading to the conclusion that the Javan tiger may still exist in the area.

How has the status of the Javan tiger changed over time according to official records?

The Javan tiger was declared extinct by the IUCN Red List, but it is still listed in Indonesian government regulations (PP No. 7/1999). The last confirmed sightings were in 1993 and 1994.

What specific location was identified as a potential habitat for the Javan tiger in the 1940s?

In the 1940s, the Javan tiger's habitat was identified in Meru Betiri and surrounding areas, with potential sightings also reported in regions like Gunung Halimun and Gunung Gelap.

Why is the Javan tiger considered extinct by some, despite ongoing investigations?

The Javan tiger is considered extinct by some due to the lack of verified sightings and the removal of its name from the official government list in 2018. However, investigations continue to gather evidence of its possible survival.

What methods were used to identify and differentiate the signs of the Javan tiger from other animals?

Methods included examining paw prints, feces, and hair. Each sign was analyzed for specific characteristics such as claw marks, tooth impressions, and distinct smells, which helped differentiate the Javan tiger from other carnivores.

What role did the community play in the investigation of the Javan tiger’s existence?

The community played a crucial role by providing eyewitness accounts and local knowledge, which guided the expedition teams in their investigations and helped verify the presence of the Javan tiger.

What are the key findings that suggest the Javan tiger might still exist in the wild?

Key findings include hair samples identified as belonging to the Javan tiger, as well as physical signs like paw prints and feces found in areas such as Meru Betiri, which suggest that the Javan tiger might still inhabit these regions.