BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – Eight wild animals confiscated by the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and voluntarily handed over by residents were released into the Buyan–Tamblingan Nature Tourism Park (TWA) on Saturday (February 28).
The release is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen wildlife populations and promote multi-stakeholder collaboration in biodiversity conservation on the island.
The animals released included one Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus), one Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), two Javan Porcupines (Hystrix javanica), and four Asian Palm Civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus roditudus).
Head of BKSDA Bali, Ratna Hendratmoko, said on Sunday (March 1) that conservation efforts go beyond rescuing animals and require shared responsibility and public awareness.
“Conservation is not only about saving animals, but also about building awareness and collective responsibility,” she stated.
Ratna emphasized that the release was not merely ceremonial. BKSDA Bali and its partners will continue post-release monitoring over the coming months to observe the animals’ adaptation to their natural habitat.
“BKSDA Bali, together with partners, will remain committed to conducting monitoring in the months ahead to observe their development in the new habitat. If we protect nature, nature will protect us,” she added.
Before being released, all animals underwent rehabilitation at the Bali Wildlife Rescue Center (PPS Bali), including a habituation process to ensure their readiness to survive in the wild. Each animal also received health examinations and habitat suitability assessments.
Buyan–Tamblingan Nature Tourism Park was selected due to its habitat characteristics, which are considered suitable for supporting the long-term survival of the released species and reinforcing existing wildlife populations.
“With this action, we are optimistic that wildlife populations in Bali’s natural habitats will continue to be maintained,” Ratna concluded.