Indonesia: Javan Hawk-Eagle Park Population Declines

Jakarta Globe 31 Jul 13;

The population of the Javan hawk-eagle at a major East Java park has fallen to an alarming level, park management says.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) said the number of Nisaetus bartelsi birds, one of 14 endangered species in Indonesia, had fallen to just five in two resorts in the area, as their habitat in the forest continues to shrink.

“Our last observation was made around September last year. Two were seen at the Coban Trisula and four at Jabung Resort,” Elham Purnomo, coordinator of TNBTS’s Javan hawk-eagle monitoring team, said in Malang on Tuesday.

“It is certain they were the Javan hawk-eagle because they were perching and their specific characteristics could be seen clearly.”

The hawks had a gold brownish crest and fur covering their body to the ankles.

“The Javan hawk-eagles exist only in Java because the habitat and climate suits them. Supply of their natural food is also sufficient here. The food includes small birds, squirrels, mongoose, bats and forest roosters,” he said.

The population has dropped sharply as humans take over its habitat.

A 2011 national government decree on forest protection and nature conservation listed the bird as one of 14 endangered species in Indonesia.

Other endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger, have suffered massive depopulation as a result of human encroachment on their habitat.

“We will make another observation to find out the population of the Javan hawk on Aug. 4. The method we’ll use [to observe the hawk’s population] is through direct encounter by using binoculars and other devices,” Elham said.

Aside from perching, the birds were also seen soaring, gliding and singing.

The TNBTS park is home to Mount Bromo, a spectacular volcano popular with tourists visiting East Java that last erupted in early 2011. Dyah Ayu Pitaloka