Borneo is a geographical area (state) of Indonesia and is very rich in nature and its agricultural products. Different types of plants and animals.
Unfortunately, however, there are already concerns about the existence of many species in East Kalimantan. Today, even its inhabitants are endangered from the surface of the earth. So what are the endemic and endangered species of Borneo? Please take a look!
9 Animal Species in Borneo that Almost Extinct This Year
1. Clouded leopard
Have you ever seen a big cat like in the picture above? In fact, the author, who lived in East Kalimantan for 30 years, has never seen a wild turbid tiger. It was not without reason. The reason is, this species with the scientific name Neofelisdiardiborneensis is actually very rare.
Generally, in the wilderness of East Kalimantan, the population is rarely seen anymore. Oh yes, as mentioned on the Science Direct page, the Cloudy Borneo Tiger is closely related to the Cloudy Tiger that once existed in Sumatra. There are only two cloud-shrouded tigers in the world: Neophiles grounded in East Borneo and Neophiles nebulosa that inhabit many parts of the Thai Peninsula and Southeast Asia.
The number of cloudy tigers in East Kalimantan itself is certainly unknown. However, scientists and animal experts estimate the number is less than 5,000 and deforestation is still experiencing a decline in population. In 2008, the cloud-shrouded Borneo tiger was listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The cloudy tiger (Neophilis nebulosa) is a species of wild cat that inhabits forests stretching from the Himalayan highlands to Southeast Asia and southern China. The length of his body is from 60 cm to 1 meter. However, the length of the tiger’s dark tail may match the length of its body. The felt tail of the tiger helps to maintain the balance of the body as it moves through the branches of trees.
In 2006, from the results of DNA analysis, experts stated that the clouded leopards of the islands of Sumatra and Borneo are different species of Asian cloudy tigers. This happened in the Ice Age when the Asian continent separated from Sumatra and Borneo, and the Onbyo people were isolated in Sumatra and Borneo. Therefore , there are currently two types of cloudy tigers in Indonesia: the cloudy Sunda tiger (Neofelis nebulosa diardi) and the overcast Borneo tiger (Neofelis diardi borneensis ).
The Sumatran tiger is a second-rate predator and is less popular than its sibling, the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae). However, in the wildlife black market , there is a growing demand for its turbid tiger skin and unique tusks. This also happens because sumatran tiger skin is hard to find.
2. Proboscis proboscis
Proboscis monkeys or proboscis monkeys are a type of mammal that is classified as primates and inhabits the island of Borneo. In East Kalimantan, proboscis monkey species inhabit the Black River area of Samboja Kutai Karuta Negara district. Proboscis monkeys are also called long-nosed macaques because they have a very unique nose.
The presence of proboscis monkeys is also a major concern due to hunting, logging and destruction of wildlife habitats . This is why proboscis monkeys are one of the most protected animal species by the Indonesian government, even by the IUCN.
The sad thing is that there are very few wild proboscis monkeys. According to data posted on the Cambridge site, only about 300 proboscis monkeys live independently in the wild. Proboscis monkeys are a stress-prone species and can even die suddenly in captivity.
3. Bornean hornbill
The hornbill or Boqueros rhinoceros borneoweensis is a typical bird species on the island of Borneo, especially East Kalimantan. This species, which can live for 35 years , has long been on the list of protected animals. Today, the population is growing slightly, but still unpredictable.
According to the Indonesian website, hornbills are large birds up to 90 cm long. Oh yes, for Dayak people, the hornbill is a symbol of leadership and has a noble philosophy.
The destruction of Borneo’s habitat, poaching, and forest loss are some of the factors causing the near extinction of hornbills. The fertility of trumpet cows is also low. Therefore, in order for this bird to remain sustainable, it must be protected and kept.
4. Orangutan
Orangutans are known to be endangered because their habitat has been damaged. The dwindling existence of East Kalimantan forests also reduces the Bornean orangutan population from year to year. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) data, the habitat of Bornean orangutans has decreased by 55% over the past two decades.
In fact, the destruction of this habitat has reduced the population by 50% over the past 60 years. Orangutans are destined to become extinct in the future if no serious measures are taken to address this . Of all the species found in the world, the East Kalimantan orangutan has the fewest physical characteristics and is, unfortunately, the most prone to stress.
Currently, there are several nature reserves specially formed to protect orangutan herds. However, massive forest destruction remains the main reason for the loss of wild orangutans in Borneo.
5 . Sun bear
Sun bear is one type of animal that is used as the mascot of the city of Balikpapan. But unfortunately, the number of wild sun bears is not very encouraging. The bear protection page states that sun bears are also on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This means that the sun bear is an endangered species.
This is why the existence of sun bears is protected by law and hunters will be severely punished. This bear, which can live for 24 years, is nocturnal and forages at night.
Its main habitat is forests with medium-sized trees growing within Borneo. The breeding rate of sun bears is considered low, and some adult sun bears give birth only once in their lifetime. Baby bears usually stay with their mother for 18 months.
6. Pesut Mahakam
Mahakam dolphins or dolphins are aquatic mammals also known as freshwater dolphins. Scientifically called Orcaella brevirostris, this species is one that is rarely found in the wild due to its small population.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states on its website that mahakam dolphins are relatives of river dolphins in Southeast Asia, such as Myanmar dolphins and Mekong river dolphins in Cambodia. In Indonesia, the only habitat of this rare mammal is the Hermetic River in Borneo.
One of the main causes of the decline in the number of calcareous dolphins is the destruction of habitats due to river pollution. Many types of waste and even wild nets have killed many dolphins over the years. The number of wildlife is estimated in the tens to hundreds.
These are some types of Borneo animals that are threatened with serious danger. Human-caused destruction of nature is a disaster for the habitat of these animals. Now, we care more about keeping them wild.
7. Tenggiling
The anteater is a rare animal on the island of Borneo and is endangered due to overfishing. There are only eight pangolins in the world, one of which is on the island of Borneo.
According to National Geographic, tens of thousands of pangolins are hunted for scales and medicines every year (as well as rhino horns).
In addition to medicines, pangolins are often consumed or used as displays because of their unique body shape.
Massive hunting makes registered pangolins very vulnerable and protected by law.
8. Red leaf monkey
Next is a red-leaved monkey named Presbytisrubicunda in Latin. The red-leaved monkey is an endemic animal of Borneo, commonly known as the red langur.
It is called the red langur because its plumage is reddish-brown . This Old World Monkey has a long tail and lives in the canopy of the rainforest of Borneo.
The population of red langurs is declining due to the loss of rainforests due to poaching and land reclamation.
9. White forehead langur
One of the rare animals in Borneo that is endangered due to land reclamation for agriculture and hunting is the white langur.
White-faced suriliation monkey or white-faced suriliation monkey in Latin named Presbytis frontata.
The white-foreheaded langur has a white forehead brown plumage. Due to overfishing and habitat loss due to agricultural and industrial expansion.