Five arrested for allegedly shooting critically endangered javan leopard in protected indonesian forest

Indonesian police have arrested five suspects in connection with the illegal hunting of a critically endangered Javan leopard in West Java’s Gunung Sanggabuana conservation forest. The case has sparked renewed concerns about wildlife protection enforcement after viral videos and camera trap footage revealed the extent of poaching activities in the supposedly protected area.

The investigation began when disturbing camera trap footage from late 2025 surfaced in January, showing a Javan leopard limping with a severe front leg injury believed to be caused by a gunshot. Additional footage captured suspected poachers armed with firearms, knives, and hunting dogs operating within the conservation boundaries. West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan confirmed the arrests followed public reports and digital evidence, with suspects facing charges under Indonesia’s environmental and wildlife protection laws.

The Javan leopard represents one of the world’s most endangered big cats, with only an estimated 350 individuals remaining in the wild. As Java’s last surviving apex predator following the extinction of the Javan tiger, these leopards face mounting pressures from illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and declining prey populations. The species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges conservationists face in protecting Indonesia’s remaining wildlife. Despite legal protections, enforcement in remote forest areas remains difficult, leaving vulnerable species exposed to poaching activities. The case underscores the critical need for strengthened wildlife protection measures and community engagement to prevent further losses of this irreplaceable species.