The Environmental Communication Study Center of the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Universitas Padjadjaran handed over a Javanese porcupine to the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) at Unpad’s Jatinangor campus on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024.
Dr. Herlina Agustin, a professor at the Faculty of Communication Sciences, explained that the porcupine was successfully rescued by the Bandung City Fire and Disaster Management Agency on Jalan Pajajaran, Bandung, on Friday, September 13th, 2024, and was then entrusted to the Environmental Communication Study Center for further transfer to BBKSDA West Java.
“It was found on Jalan Pajajaran, in the city center, which leads to the assumption that it may have been a pet. This could pose a problem if it were released indiscriminately. Thankfully, the porcupine was found and rescued; otherwise, it might have died as this is not its natural habitat,” said Herlina.
She stated that releasing wildlife into a non-natural habitat is very dangerous due to the high likelihood of insufficient food availability in those areas. Moreover, the survival skills of animals that have previously been kept as pets diminish, requiring rehabilitation to restore their survival capabilities before they can be returned to the wild.
Additionally, Herlina urged wildlife keepers to promptly hand over their animals to BBKSDA for rehabilitation and habituation, to help restore the animals’ health and their role in the ecosystem.
“Releasing them indiscriminately can be harmful, as it is uncertain whether they will adapt to their new habitat. We hope that those who keep protected wildlife will submit them to BBKSDA and refrain from keeping wild animals. If possible, do not keep wild animals, especially those that are protected,” she stated.
Mamat, a Forest Ecosystem Controller at BBKSDA West Java, mentioned that the porcupine will undergo a health examination before being released into the Gunung Masigit Kareumbi Wildlife Conservation Area, once it is deemed healthy.
He added that BBKSDA West Java consistently works to educate the public about wildlife, especially protected species.
“Our efforts include raising awareness about protected wildlife. Not only Javanese porcupines but also eagles are part of our conservation efforts. Animals that are confiscated or handed over by the public will be rehabilitated first if they are not ready to be released,” said Mamat. (SA)*
