TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, with wildlife ranging from Sumatran tigers and orangutans to Komodo dragons and Javan rhinos. Many of these animals are found only in Indonesia or in limited parts of the country, making their survival particularly important to the country's ecosystems.
However, habitat loss, poaching, wildlife trafficking, human-wildlife conflict and environmental changes continue to threaten some of Indonesia's most distinctive species.
10 Most Endangered Species in Indonesia You Should Know About
Here are 10 endangered or threatened animals in Indonesia you should know about, according to Britannica and Bali Bird Park.
1. Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the only tiger subspecies still found in Indonesia. It lives exclusively on Sumatra, after the Javan and Bali tiger populations became extinct.
Forest conversion has fragmented its habitat, while poaching remains a major threat. As a top predator, the Sumatran tiger also plays an important role in maintaining the balance of its forest ecosystem.
2. Orangutan
Indonesia is home to three orangutan species: the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) and Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).
The Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans are found in northern Sumatra, while the Bornean orangutan inhabits parts of Kalimantan. All face threats from habitat loss and degradation, while orangutans are also targeted by illegal wildlife traders.
The Tapanuli orangutan has an especially restricted range, making it highly vulnerable to changes in its remaining forest habitat.
3. Javan Rhino
The Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the world's rarest large mammals. It now survives only in Ujung Kulon National Park in western Java.
The species once ranged across large parts of South and Southeast Asia. Hunting and habitat loss dramatically reduced its range, leaving Indonesia as its last remaining stronghold.
Its concentration in a single habitat also makes the population vulnerable to disease and natural disasters.
4. Sumatran Rhino
The Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest of the world's five living rhinoceros species. It is also the only Asian rhino species with two horns.
The species once ranged across much of Southeast Asia but is now found in small, fragmented populations. In Indonesia, remaining Sumatran rhinos are found mainly on Sumatra, with a population also recorded in Kalimantan.
Poaching and habitat fragmentation have contributed to its decline, while its low population density makes breeding in the wild particularly difficult.
5. Sumatran Elephant
The Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is a subspecies of the Asian elephant native to Sumatra.
Its forest habitat has been reduced and fragmented by land conversion, bringing elephants into greater contact with agricultural areas and human settlements.
Such encounters can result in human-elephant conflict, while the loss of connected forest makes it harder for elephant populations to survive and move between habitats.
6. Bali Starling
The Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), also known as the Bali myna or jalak Bali, is a striking white bird with blue skin around its eyes. It is found naturally only on the Indonesian island of Bali.
The species was driven close to extinction largely by illegal capture for the wildlife trade. Conservation and captive-breeding programs have helped support its recovery, but the Bali starling remains Critically Endangered.
Its limited natural range makes protecting its remaining habitat and preventing illegal capture particularly important.
7. Komodo Dragon
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the world's largest living lizard and is found naturally only in Indonesia.
It inhabits several islands in East Nusa Tenggara, including Komodo, Rinca and parts of Flores. The species depends on a relatively small island ecosystem and is affected by habitat changes and fluctuations in its prey populations.
Climate change is another concern, particularly rising sea levels and changes to the coastal habitats on which the species depends.
8. Anoa
Anoa are small wild buffalo found only on Sulawesi. Indonesia is home to two species: the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi).
Both species are associated with forest habitats and face pressure from habitat loss and hunting.
Because anoa are endemic to Sulawesi, declines in their populations cannot simply be offset by populations elsewhere. Their survival depends on protecting the island's remaining habitats.
9. Proboscis Monkey
The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is easily recognized by its unusually large nose and is found naturally only on the island of Borneo, including Indonesia's Kalimantan.
The species commonly lives in mangrove forests, riverine forests and other wetland habitats. It is also an excellent swimmer and can dive or leap into rivers to escape predators.
The destruction and degradation of mangroves and other forest habitats, as well as hunting, have put pressure on its populations.
10. Birds-of-Paradise
Birds-of-paradise, known in Indonesia as cenderawasih, are among the most distinctive birds found in the country's eastern regions, particularly Papua.
Their elaborate feathers and courtship displays have made them internationally famous. However, their appearance has also historically made some species targets for hunting and the trade in feathers and other wildlife products.
Habitat loss adds another pressure, particularly for species dependent on intact forest ecosystems. Conservation status varies among the different birds-of-paradise species, so not all are considered endangered to the same degree.
Why Are These Animals Endangered?
According to Bali Bird Park, habitat loss, hunting and poaching, pollution, and climate change are among the main threats facing endangered wildlife in Indonesia.
Habitat loss is a major concern for forest-dependent animals such as orangutans, tigers and elephants. Forests can be cleared or fragmented by agriculture, plantations, mining, logging and infrastructure development.
Poaching and wildlife trafficking also threaten animals such as tigers, rhinos, elephants and birds. Demand for animal parts, exotic pets and other wildlife products can drive illegal hunting and capture.
Human-wildlife conflict can increase as animals lose access to their natural habitats. Elephants, for example, may enter plantations or agricultural land when their traditional feeding grounds are reduced.
Climate change and environmental changes add further pressure. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and the degradation of coastal ecosystems can affect both animals and the habitats they depend on.
Indonesia's endangered wildlife therefore represents more than a list of rare animals. Their survival is closely linked to the condition of the forests, wetlands, islands and coastal ecosystems where they live.
