Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Uplifting news comes from the Barumun Sumatran Tiger Sanctuary. Two Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) cubs, one male and one female, have been born in healthy condition. The pair, offspring of tiger parents “Gadis” and “Monang,” were born on January 26, 2025.
This birth marks a significant success in the ongoing Sumatran tiger conservation program, aimed at saving this endemic species from the brink of extinction.
Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, announced in an official statement that he has named the male cub “Nunuk” and the female cub “Ninik.”
“This naming process is not merely ceremonial, but also a symbol of new hope for Sumatran tiger conservation in Indonesia,” said Minister Raja Antoni.
“We hope that the presence of Nunuk and Ninik can inspire the wider public to care more about the preservation of wildlife,” he added.
In addition to the tiger birth, more good news has emerged from Indonesia’s conservation efforts—this time from Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK). A 15-day mobile patrol conducted from April 14 to April 28, 2025, strongly suggests the presence of three new Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) individuals, a critically endangered species found only in Ujung Kulon, Banten.
The findings include:
- A Javan rhino calf, indicated by footprints measuring 19–20 cm found in the Citadahan Block. The calf is estimated to be between 4 and 6 months old, signaling a promising new birth for the Javan rhino population.
- On March 30, 2025, at 7:13 PM local time, a camera trap in a different location recorded footage of a mother rhino with a female calf estimated to be around two years old. This pair’s presence highlights the ongoing life cycle of Javan rhinos in their natural habitat.
- On April 3, 2025, at 12:18 AM, the same camera trap captured a juvenile male rhino estimated to be around three years old. Further identification efforts are underway to determine the exact identity of this individual.
Minister Raja Antoni stated that these findings are a positive signal for the ongoing Javan rhino conservation efforts.
“We hope the presence of these new individuals will further strengthen the Javan rhino population in TNUK. We will continue monitoring and ensuring maximum protection for them,” he said.
