Mystery of the Javanese Tiger: Extinction or Rediscovery?

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Factors that caused the Javanese tiger to become extinct include the Rampogan Macan tradition in the past. Photo: ist

JAKARTA – The existence of the Javan Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) is a mystery that still makes many people curious.

Even though it was said to have become extinct decades ago, one of Indonesia’s endemic animals is being discussed again after the discovery of a hair sample that matched its DNA some time ago.

For information, Indonesia has at least three different types of tigers, namely the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), the Bali tiger (Panthera tigris balica), and the Javanese tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica). While the Bali tiger and Javanese tiger have been declared extinct, the Sumatran tiger still remains with the status that it is also not free from the threat of extinction.

The factors that caused the Javanese tiger to become extinct include the Rampogan Macan tradition in the past. Besides that,
there are also other causes, such as human wild hunting to the loss of its natural prey.

So, is it true that the Javanese tiger is not yet extinct? The following is an explanation that you can listen to.

Is it true that Javanese tigers are not yet extinct?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘Red List’ has included the Javanese tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) since the 1980s. Meanwhile, the last confirmed sighting of a Javanese tiger in Meru Betiri National Park, East Java was in 1976 and after that it was said to have never been seen again.

After decades of being said to be extinct, the Javanese tiger has reportedly reappeared. This report was revealed by researcher at the Center for Biosystematics and Evolution Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Wirdateti.

Quoting the official BRIN website, the report was based on the discovery of a strand of hair thought to belong to a Javanese tiger on the fence dividing a resident’s garden in Cipeundeuy Village, Sukabumi Regency, West Java.

Wirdateti said that the discovery of the hair was made by Kalih Reksasewu based on reports from Ripi Yanuar Fajar who encountered a Javanese tiger-like animal on the evening of 19 August 2019. After the discovery, a series of comprehensive DNA analyzes were carried out.

Interestingly, Wirdateti and his team came to the conclusion that the hair samples found in South Sukabumi were of the Panthera tigris sondaica or Javanese tiger species. The species belongs to the same group as the Javanese tiger specimen collected by the Zoologicum Bogoriense Museum (MZB) in 1930.

He continued that DNA genetic analysis has the level of sensitivity necessary to answer conservation questions and clarify taxonomic uncertainties. Wirdateti added that total DNA extraction was carried out using the Dneasy Blood & Tissue Kit according to a modified protocol by adding proteinase, due to the high protein content in the hair involved.

The Curious Case of the Javanese Tiger: A Comedy of Extinction

Ah, the Javanese tiger. Once prowling the lush jungles of Indonesia, it’s now the world’s most elusive game of hide-and-seek. And boy, are we keeping score! Their last confirmed sighting was in Meru Betiri National Park back in 1976. That’s a long time to be playing “Where’s Wally?”

The Rampogan Macan Tradition: So Unfashionably Extinct

Now, why did these magnificent creatures decide to check out early? Well, it seems they fell victim to what I like to call “The Rampogan Macan Tradition.” Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Like the name of an overpriced restaurant where they serve you tiny portions of food on massive plates. Turns out, it was a traditional event where tigers were hunted. So, when you think of “Rampogan,” think of it as nature’s version of a bad reality show – all the drama, none of the winners. Add to that the lovely human habit of wild hunting and the tragic loss of their prey, and voilà! Extinction served, hot and heavy.

The Hairy Discovery

But wait! The plot thickens like a good risotto. Recent reports circulated by the **Center for Biosystematics and Evolution Research** at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have sparked the imagination of tiger lovers far and wide. Researchers found a hair sample in Cipeundeuy Village, and after some serious scientific sleuthing, they concluded this tuft belonged to none other than a Javanese tiger! I mean, isn’t that like finding out your ex has been living in your neighborhood all along? Awkward.

The hair found itself in quite the predicament, stuck on a fence. I can just picture the scene: “Gee, did I just jump a fence to escape a hungry villager? Or was I just trying to blend into the neighborhood?” One can only wonder if slipping under the radar was always in its feline nature.

What Did I Just Read?!

Here’s the kicker – or should I say the pounce? The DNA from the hair connects back to the specimens collected way back in 1930! If that’s not a family reunion for the ages, I don’t know what is. Scientists managed to extract DNA using a fancy Dneasy Blood & Tissue Kit. You’ve got to love how molecular biologists have all the best toys for their experiments – while the rest of us search for lost socks.

Rethink Extinction

So, have we really seen the last of the Javanese tiger? You might want to hedge your bets, my friend. The IUCN has kept the Javanese tiger on its Red List since the ‘80s, yet the mystery endures. Are we just dragging our feet on declaring it officially extinct, or do we have grounds for cautious optimism here?

Let’s be real; extinction is like trying to get back with your ex. It’s complicated. Just when you think it’s over, a glimmer of hope pops up—be it through DNA hair strands or whispered tales of tiger sightings in the night. Could there still be a chance for the Javanese tiger to make a roaring comeback? We can only wait and see, while keeping our fingers crossed that they don’t run off into another neighborhood where they’ll be even harder to find!

Wild Conversations Await

As we reflect on this curious case, one thing remains clear: whether old tales of loss make way for new stories of resurgence, the discussion around the Javanese tiger is far from over. It’s the remarkable ability of nature to surprise us—just when we think we’ve seen it all.

So, let’s not write off our striped friends just yet. Grab your binoculars, friends, and keep your eyes peeled because the next twist in this “tiger story” could be just around the corner!

**Interview with Dr.‌ Wirdateti: The Revival of the Javanese Tiger Mystery**

**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Wirdateti! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the fascinating case of the⁣ Javanese tiger. Your team’s recent discovery has everyone buzzing. Can you tell‍ us about the discovery of the hair sample that reignited⁤ interest in the Javanese tiger?

**Dr. Wirdateti:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it all started when a local resident discovered a tuft of hair caught on a fence in Cipeundeuy Village, Sukabumi Regency. ​After receiving reports about a potential sighting of ​a Javanese tiger, we conducted DNA analysis on ⁤the hair sample and‍ were quite surprised to confirm ​that it belonged to the Panthera tigris sondaica.

**Editor:** ⁤That’s remarkable! The Javanese ‌tiger was believed⁢ to have been extinct since the 1970s. What led to its extinction, particularly the Rampogan Macan tradition?

**Dr. Wirdateti:** The Rampogan Macan tradition was a cultural event in which tigers were hunted for entertainment.​ This, coupled with widespread habitat loss and ​hunting by humans, led to ‌a significant decline in their population. Essentially, it was a combination of factors that left ‌them unable ‌to recover.

**Editor:** It’s a sobering reality. With the last confirmed⁢ sighting being ⁢in 1976, how do you think the recent discovery impacts conservation efforts for ​big cats in Indonesia, particularly the Javanese tiger?

**Dr. Wirdateti:**⁤ This discovery ​is both an exciting and vital finding. It provides hope that the Javanese tiger could still exist in isolated regions of Java. It underscores the ⁣need for robust conservation strategies, increased habitat protection, and awareness in local communities about the importance of these majestic ‍creatures.

**Editor:** ⁣Given the recent sighting, what steps do you⁣ believe⁣ should be taken next ⁣to investigate and protect this elusive animal?

**Dr. Wirdateti:** The next steps should include further field surveys⁤ in areas where⁣ sightings or ‍evidence like ‍this hair sample have been found. We need to work with local communities to promote coexistence and ‌establish conservation programs. Additionally, leveraging modern technology, such as camera traps and genetic studies, ⁢can help us gather more information.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Wirdateti, for shedding light on this intriguing topic. The potential revival of the Javanese ‍tiger is both exciting and a call to action for conservation efforts. ⁢We look forward to ⁤hearing more about your findings!

**Dr. Wirdateti:**⁤ Thank you! I’m hopeful that ‌together we can contribute ⁣to the preservation of not just the Javanese tiger, but all endangered species in‌ Indonesia.