Tempo 13 Dec 08;
TEMPO Interactive, Ujung Kulon: Environmental Activists from WWF will set up 34 cameras to take the Rhinoceros Sondaicus at the National Park in Ujung Kulon, Pandeglang, Banten.
WWF’s spokesperson Endang Rahayu said that the cameras will be installed when the survey done. “We plan to start using them on December 20,” she said Friday (12/12).
Endang said that the camera can work automatically without an operator, with an infra-red signal. “The camera will automatically record any movement within 20 metres,” she explained.
The cameras which were were made in the US will be installed in strategic places where rhinos usually gather.
Chairman of the National Park, Agus Priambudi, said the cameras will help detect the rhino. “The Java rhino is usually difficult to find,” he said.
Agus said the cameras will record once a month. It will be used to analyze the rhino’s characteristics and habits.
Recent reports mentioned that the number of Java rhinos is only 55 - 60 .
Up to Wednesday (10/12), 75 volunteers and crew have been surveying animals that are almost extinct 100 years ago.
Mabsuti Ibnu Marhas
