Joint Expedition Discovers 19 Javan Leopards

KBRN, Jakarta: A joint expedition team from the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) and the Sanggabuana Conservation Foundation (SCF) has successfully uncovered the existence of 19 Javan leopards (Panthera pardus melas) and panthers, including two cubs, in the Sanggabuana Mountains, Karawang Regency, West Java.

This finding is an important achievement, considering that a scientific survey of the Javan leopard population using standard protocols was conducted for the first time in this area. On the island of Java, leopards are rare and protacted animals.

In addition to the leopard population, the cameras also documented 198 other rare animal activities, such as the Javan hawk-eagle. This reinforces the Sanggabuana Mountains' status as an area of high conservation value.

Bernard T. Wahyu Wiryanta, coordinator of the Sanggabuana SCF Javan Leopard Survey Team, said that the first phase of the survey results will serve as vital input for the government in developing protection programs for priority and endangered species. In addition, he said, the population survey will also help mitigate threats and map feeding preferences.

“This data will be an effective basis for proposing a change in the Sanggabuana forest’s function to a conservation area, thereby providing legal certainty regarding the forest’s status and maximizing biodiversity protection efforts,” Bernard said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, September 16, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The Army Strategic Reserve Command's Combat Training Regiment (Menlatpur Kostrad) has been effective in supporting wildlife conservation. They help ensure that combat training activities do not disturb habitats, while conducting anti-poaching patrols and preventing forest encroachment.

Since the expedition began in February 2025, 40 camera traps have been installed at various points to monitor the animals' presence. As of August 2025, the cameras have captured a significant population of leopards, indicating that the habitat is still intact.

Although the leopard population is still surviving, the high density of animals indicates the need for stricter protection to minimize ecological threats. The team will expand the survey to other areas in the next phase.

The collaboration between the Indonesian Army and SCF demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving Indonesia's biodiversity. The survey results are expected to accelerate the establishment of conservation areas and strengthen efforts to preserve endemic species for the future. ***