Golden Cat Gets Tangled Up in Wild Boar Trap in Indonesia’s West Sumatra

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He said golden cats are adept climbers and hunters. If their presence is disturbed, the cat will likely attack. Globally its status is near threatened, except in Indonesia. In some cases, some animals are globally safe but in Indonesia, their status is otherwise.

“Honestly, we don’t have detailed data on golden cats in Indonesia,” Sunarto said.

The golden cat, whose habitat is in the forests and plateaus, remains threatened, he said.  Their population is threatened by deforestation and hunting.

He said that the golden cat is different from the cat that can live on palm oil plantation. Golden cats live on grassland, forests, and farms. If forests are cleared and turned into palm oil plantations, the golden cat’s original habitat is also threatened.

“We have never heard that golden cat can live on palm oil plantations. We are concerned about this,” he said.

Elsewhere, Data Analyst from East Java BKSDA Agus Irwanto said that it is forbidden to capture, preserve, or trade in golden cats. Failure to adhere to the rules will result in five years jail time and a fine of 100 million rupiahs ($7,055), according to Law No. 5/1990 on Conservation of Natural Resources and the Ecosystems.

Back into the wild

The golden cat tangled up in wild boar trap in Kamang Mudiak Village will soon be released back into the wild, said Head of West Sumatera BKSDA Erly Sukrismanto.

“The golden cat’s condition has improved. The wound is starting to heal,” said Erly, adding that once it is ready, the golden cat will be released back into the wild.

Source: Kompas.com