Two changeable hawk-eagles released into Darajat Forest area
Garut (ANTARA) - Two crested serpent eagles (Nisaetus cirratus), which previously underwent rehabilitation at the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute, were released into the Darajat Forest area, Garut Regency, West Java, on Saturday to help maintain ecosystem sustainability.
Andri Hansen Siregar, Head of Technical Affairs at the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), stated that the two eagles, named Sukma and Ajeung, were rescued and subsequently rehabilitated to restore their wild instincts before being released back into their natural habitat in Garut.
“Rehabilitation for these eagles began in 2023. We conducted assessments and observed that their behaviour showed they were becoming wild again, and we also tested their health,” said Andri.
He explained that the two eagles were handed over for intensive rehabilitation at the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute in Kadungora District, Garut, involving a team of veterinarians. He noted that the eagles have shown growth in their predatory instincts, meaning they will be able to hunt for their own food in the wild after release.
“The eagles will be able to survive once released. We have been planning this release since last year and were finally able to realise it this year,” he added.
He expressed his gratitude for the support from the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute and Star Energy Geothermal Darajat in supporting the wildlife release programme for eagle species in Garut.
He noted that animals handed over to wildlife parks or zoos are often difficult to release back into the wild as they are often requested to be kept as part of a collection; however, the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute chose instead to rehabilitate and release them.
“We greatly appreciate the extraordinary effort from the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute, as well as the incredible support from Star Energy, which made the release of this wildlife into its habitat possible,” he said. “These animals are rare; if this top predator disappears, an imbalance will occur.”
The Manager of the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute, Rudi Arifin, stated that the two female eagles were received in 2021 and are now eight years old, in healthy condition, and possess their natural hunting instincts.
He stated that the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute supports government programmes to maintain environmental sustainability, particularly for wildlife species that are becoming increasingly rare.
“The BBKSDA provides guidance to us as a conservation institution that is still learning. Through this direction and guidance, we are able to carry out this release,” he said.
He also mentioned their ongoing partnership with Star Energy Geothermal Darajat in preserving the environment, specifically protecting rare wildlife. “Previously, we handled leopards, and now it is eagles. I hope they live freely in the wild; releasing them means they should not be captured again,” he added.
Muhamad Riyadi, a representative from Star Energy Geosthermal Darajat, stated that the company has long supported nature conservation programmes alongside other institutions, including the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Institute. He noted that as the company operates within forest areas, it is their obligation to continue conservation efforts to protect nature and its wildlife.