The SILVERY GIBBON PROJECT

PO BOX 335 COMO 6952 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Website: www.silvery.org.au E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 61 8 92933052

September 2009

From the President…

Dear Members,

Welcome to the September edition of the Silvery Gibbon Project newsletter. We have lots of exciting news to report on this month, both on the home front and in Java. October is to see an historic event occur with the first release of ex-pet Javan Gibbon back into semi wild habitat. This project has been in the pipeline for many years and we are very excited that we have been able to contribute to the fruition of such an important step in Silvery gibbon conservation. The pair of gibbons, Echi and Septa have been residing in a purpose built soft release cage in an area of forest adjacent to the Javan Gibbon Centre and are due for actual release in mid October. We eagerly await news of their progress and wish the JGC staff (and the gibbons!) all the very best in this exciting leap forward.

SGP Vice President Karen Payne and committee member Holly Thompson will be travelling to Java in early October and will have the opportunity to assist with some veterinary procedures on several gibbons as well as visit Echi and Septa in Pattiwel forest. A full report on their trip will be provided in the next newsletter.

SGP Art Auction Committee have been working furiously to pull everything together for the much anticipated event on the 31st October. They have managed to source some beautiful artworks and this event is sure to be a great success for us. Please bring along your family and friends and share a great night with the Silvery Gibbon Project.

We also hope you enjoy our article on Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park which was compiled by committee member Robin Stevens. This article provides some background information on one of the most important areas of remaining Silvery Gibbon habitat and introduces you to some of its other inhabitants. It is important to remember that through protecting silvery gibbon habitat, we indeed serve to protect so much more than this, we are preserving a whole ecosystem and all that lives within it. In this issue:

Take care, President’s report ………………..………….1 Clare. Gunung Gede Pangrango ……………..….2 National Park

Javan Gibbon Centre update ………....4

World Animal Day ………………….………..6

On the Home front …………………..…....8

Silvery Gibbon Project …………………...9 Art Auction

Membership form ……………………...... 12

Photo: Kate O’Connell

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Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

The following article was collated by Silvery Gibbon Project committee member Robin Stevens and provides brief information on the ecology of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, one of Java’s last relatively un- disturbed mountain forests. The Javan Gibbon Centre, SGP’s primary project to date, borders this national park which is a protected area and has been a centre for biological research and conservation for over a hundred years. Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is located in central West Java surrounding the twin volcanic moun- tains, Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango, both of which climb to 3,000m above sea level. The area lies close to the equator, and is hot and humid, and characterised by tropical forests and mountain grasslands and swamps. High elevation waterfalls cascade through lush tropical vegetation, and birds, insects, mammals and other animals fill the dawn with a chorus of sound. The park was established as one of Indonesia’s pre- eminent national parks in 1980 from existing areas set aside as conservation reserves. It forms part of the (UNESCO listed) Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, an area recognised for over a hundred years for its extraordi- nary rich biological diversity. In 1861 Sir Alfred Russell Wallace climbed the summits of both peaks, examin- ing flora, and later declared that it was the most interesting part of his visit to Java. The reserve can be divided into three principal forest zones, determined by altitude: sub-montane forest, montane forest, and at higher altitudes, subalpine forest, giving way to mountain grasslands and lakes. It is also the wettest for- est in Java, receiving 3,000 – 4,200 mm rain annually; and provides vast water resources to the surrounding areas, including a population of over 20 million people in the near region. Some of this water is trapped into large lakes (or tropical swamps), which themselves create mini-ecosystems within the wider biosphere. The park expands a little over 150 square kilometres in area (that is, 15km by 10km). Mount Gede offers wonderful natural attractions, such as Ratu crater – formed by previous volcanic erup- tions - and expansive displays of edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica). Its proximity to Jakarta (some 120km) means that it is a popular location with both Javanese and foreign tourists; and is Java’s most climbed mountain. Gede-Pangrango has generally been recognised as one of the most important biodiversity rich areas within Indonesia, and a biological hot spot among the world’s protected conservation reserves. Large numbers of species – animal and plant - live within the reserve, several of which are endemic to the forest. This is critically important, as forests in Java are under serious threat from logging, with drastic con- sequences for numerous species which were once wide-spread throughout Java.

The three forest types within the park are distinct in terms of the biology they support. The sub-montane (or lower montane) forest is supported by nutrient rich soils and clays, the result of past volcanic activity and dynamic weathering of the mountain slopes due to heavy rainfall and tropical storms. Sub-montane forest exists within the altitude range of 1000m - 1500m (asl), and incorporates the widest diversity of flora and fauna species among the three forest zones. These species are adapted to lowlands and low-altitude mountains. The area is in effect a distinct ecosystem. The forest floor is covered densely with mosses, herbaceous plants of various kinds, orchids, begonias, lianas and ferns; many of which are epi- phytes - plants and fungi that cling to other plants. They form an important part of the forest eco-system. Many, such as the orchids, trap tiny pools of water providing micro-habitats of a range of small organisms; and forests mosses - over 200 species of which live in the park - hold water, releasing it slowly, preventing erosion and nutrient run-off. An under-story of Ardisia fuliginosa and Dichrea febrifuga range 3m to 5m high. These expand below a lower canopy of laurel trees (Litsea spp.) and Antidesma tetandrum. Rising above them all – at between 30m to 60m - are the chestnuts (Castanopsis argentea and Castanopsis janavicus) and massive rasamala trees (Altingia excelsa). Here, the rasamalas exist at the upper (altitude) limit of their range, as do a num- ber of fauna – including the silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch). Silvery gibbons prefer to spend their time in the high canopy of the tallest trees, where they are safest. They eat almost exclusively forest fruits and leaves. Two introduced species; an orange-flowered tree, Cestrum auranticum, and the passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) are causing some problems, though the latter is a favoured food of the monkeys. Montane forest (or Upper montane forest) range in altitude from 1500m to 2400m (a.s.l.). The predominant spe cies of tree is the puspa (Schima walichii), but several conifers are also common. Clouds regularly hang

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over the canopy, restricting sunlight. The cooler, damper and darker conditions at these higher altitudes mean that mosses flourish below the canopy. Other ground covering vegetation includes a range of herba- ceous plants, which are these days common garden shrubs, such as, begonia (Begonia isoptera), impatiens (Impatiens javensis) and lobelia (Lobelia angulata and Lobelia montana). The biological boundary, or ecotone, between the lower and upper montane vegetation is marked. The den- sity of vegetation (especially the under-story) is less in the upper montane, and generally quieter, as fewer animal species inhabit the zone. However, the rufous-tailed fantail (Rhipidura phoenicura) is a common bird seen about this zone. Sub-alpine forest exists above 2400m (a.s.l.). Species diversity is less marked than the lower regions. The tallest trees in this zone are the cantigi (Vaccinium varingiaefolium), which are fruit bearing trees with small edible berries. The cantigi can be seen on the high slopes of the mountains, and filter sunlight, protecting the plants below them from intense ultraviolet light. This high altitude zone, how- ever, is characterised by smaller trees (often stunted) and grasses. The mountain grasslands are character- ized by Javan edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica), also known locally as Bunga Abadi, tiny highland grass, and moss tussocks. Violets (Viola pilosa), buttercups, strawberries and primrose are also present, and lichens cling to plants and rocks, creating a unique eco-zone. Large highland swamps are located on the mountain tops, and provide further ecological variety within the Cibodas Biosphere, where the rare Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) can sometimes be spotted. Though there are fewer animals at the upper reaches of these mountains, the volcano swiftlet (Aerodramus vulcanorum) and island thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) are common sights. The forest’s rarest predator, the Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), roams the upper areas in search of prey, and the Javan warty pig (Cuon alpinus javanicus) might be spotted about the swamps and grasslands. Shrews feast on the numerous inverbrates, and forest rats forage in the undergrowth. Gede Pangrango National Park has around 200 species of plant and over 550 species of vertebrate animal.

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Javan Gibbon Centre Update

Things have been moving rapidly forward at the Javan Gibbon Centre! In the last newsletter we brought you an update on the development of the Pattiwel release site. We can now report that the keeper house and the soft release enclosure have been completed and only a couple of weeks ago gibbons Echi and Septa were moved across to the site to acclimatize to their new enclosure. The gibbons are enjoying their new home and plans are underway for the soft release to occur in mid October. Vice President Karen Payne and Com- mittee member Holly Thompson will be travelling to Java in late September/early October to visit the Javan Gibbon Centre but unfortunately will miss the release. We are hopeful that President Clare Campbell may be able to attend this historic event, which will also be attended by Indonesian dignitaries including the Min- ister of Forestry.

As discussed in previous newsletters, the gibbons have been moved to a five hectare forested site near the centre known as Pattiwel forest. The gibbons are currently housed in a large enclosure on the site but will soon have the doors open for good and they will be able to come and go as they please within this site. Al- though this area of forest contains a range of natural fruits and habitat suitable for the survival of the gib- bons, it is not large enough to sustain the gibbons long term and the hope is to identify larger areas of pro- tected habitat suitable for long term survival of gibbons in which to release future gibbons from the centre.

The Pattiwel release site will serve as a trial release where we can hopefully determine that the gibbons are capable of surviving on their own after being in captivity for so much of their lives. The site is large enough to provide the gibbons with their own habitat and natural diet, yet small enough and easily patrollable al- lowing the gibbons to be monitored closely after their release. If the gibbons do well in this site, they will be moved to a long term release site in the future.

During their upcoming visit, Karen and Holly will have the opportunity to visit the release site and observe the gibbons to assess their medical and physical condition prior to their release. The trip will also involve anaesthesia and radiography of young gibbon Nakula to get an assessment of his spinal condition, as well as xrays of three other gibbons. As the centre's veterinary clinic does not have its own xray facilities we have

Page 5 been able to arrange for a local horse veterinarian to bring their mobile xray machine to the centre specifi- cally for this purpose. The visit is also an opportunity to monitor the general condition of all of the gibbons at the centre and to see where our valuable funding dollars have gone!

Holly and Karen will also visit a number of facilities within Java that are currently holding Silvery Gibbons in captivity. We hope to be able to bring these facilities into the International stud- book and adapt the captive husbandry manual to allow these captive gibbons to receive a universally high standard of care throughout Indonesia and internationally. These aims are a con- tinuation of the outcomes identified at the Indonesian Gibbon Workshop held in February last year and a move towards the global management plan for this species.

Right: Nakula has spinal and foot deformities that will be assessed by radiographs at the upcoming visit to the Javan Gibbon Centre. Below: Gibbons Echi and Septa enjoying their new enclosure at the release site. Left page: the keeper house at the release site. The gibbons will be monitored closely by keepers after their release to ensure they are coping well and that the locals do not interfere with the gibbons. An education program has already been undertaken with the local villag- ers to ensure that they are on board with the release.

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(Continued from page 3) The list of invertebrate species is uncertain, but increases each few years as research reveals more species of insects and other small non-chordate creatures. These figures are periodically revised as new species are discovered within the park, and others – such as the Javan tiger and Javan rhinoceros – disappear. Several are endemic to the forest area, and many of these exist in seriously low numbers. Extinction is a real possi- bility for some of them. This is sadly the case for several species of bird and more than half the species of mammals within the park. Protection within the park remains the greatest chance of survival for many of these species. Outlined below are some to the numerous fauna that make Gede Pangrango their home.

Birds Gede Pangrango is a famous bird-watching destination. 251 species of bird live and forage within the park. This represents over half of Java's 450 bird species, and includes most of the endemic avian species of Java. Though birds are common throughout all areas of the park, the greatest number of species dwell within the sub-motane zone. Several species of woodpecker and cuckoo inhabitat the biosphere, along with numerous small birds – the insect, seed, fruit and honey eaters. The pygmy tit (Psaltria exilis) is an endemic In- dononesian species common to the park, and one of the tiniest birds in the world, measuring just under 9cm, head to tail. They fly in flocks searching for insects and seeds, and may line up along a branch when resting for the evening. They pair off during the breeding season. The pygmy tit is adept at hanging upside down on small twigs and hopping from one branch to another, where it builds small enclosed nests weaved with spiderwebs and lichen, and the entrance hole lined with hundreds of tiny soft feathers. Another en- demic species, the Sunda Robin (Cinclidium dian) is fairly common about the lower altitudes of the park. It is – as you would expect – an exceptionally handsome little bird. Though there are also several larger birds, many of them – principally the predatory birds – exist in reduced numbers. Of the ten species of owl that live in the park all are listed as endangered species. There is an even greater number of hawks, kestrels and eagles, all of which are also listed as endangered species. For example, there are perhaps only 50 to 60 pairs of Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) in the whole of Java. They can be seen around the Cibereum Waterfalls. In addition to the birds of prey, another 22 to 25 species are listed as being in endangered, totaling approximately 20% avian species within the park suffering drastic population decline and facing possible extinction. As one of Indonesia’s least disturbed tropical for- ests, Gede Pangrango is increasingly becoming one of Java’s natural habitat sanctuaries for species that once flourished throughout the island.

W orld Animal Day

Sunday October 4th is World Animal Day and to help celebrate Perth Zoo is allowing its conservation partners to hold information stalls within the zoo grounds to educate the public and visitors about the work the zoo is helping to support through the Wildlife Conservation Action fund.

The Silvery Gibbon Project will be holding a stall and helping to spread the word about our important work. Not only will we be able to provide information brochures, we will also have the opportunity to sell merchandise to help raise funds. SGP will be sharing the stage with other conservation projects including Australian Orangutan Project, Asian Rhino Project, Painted Dogs Inc, and Project Numbat and hopefully we can all help to raise the profile of these many endangered species.

If you haven’t been to the zoo for a while, this is the perfect opportunity to have a day out with the family and do your bit to help conservation. The stalls are open from 10am -3pm.

We hope to see you there!

If you would like to help us man the stalls we would welcome any offers! Contact Clare on 0438 992 325

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Invertebrates, Amphibians and Reptiles There is insufficient up-to-date information available to give a reliable account of invertebrates within the park boundaries. Yet intermittent studies have shown that the area has a rich diversity of butterflies and winged insects, ants, beetles, spiders, snails and a multitude of ground-dwelling creatures. Many species have not yet been identified. At the same time others are reducing in numbers and some have almost cer- tainly become extinct in recent decades. As an interesting side point, there are three endemic tarantulas (or bird-eating spiders) in Java. They tend to live in forest habitats, but insufficient studies have been con- ducted into their precise locations. One species, the yellowknee tarantula (Selenocosmia javanensis) is a tree-dwelling animal with a leg span of 12cm. They can live for over 30 years. They are not venomous, and pose no threat to humans or mammals. The yellowknee tarantulas are shy animals, and their usual line of defence when attacked to to run away. Though it is true that female yellowknees tend to get a bit peckish after a sexual union, and don’t mind enjoying a nice meal of their male partners, most males manage to scarper with haste after the job is done. They are hunted by the tarantula wasp, a species that specialises in hunting down tarantulas, and incubating its eggs in the paralysed body of the spider. The spider’s only other common predator is human, where it is now a popular pet in Western countries, though some people have killed them out of fear. Their numbers have consequently declined. In researching this small article it was sad for me to note that most of the websites I looked at to find out about this spider were sites dedi- cated to selling Indonesian or other Asian Insects and spiders. A new awareness of the invaluable service spiders play within the ecosystem has lead the Indonesian government to start an education program to pro- tect our eight-legged friends, and tarantulas in particular. The thick-haired black bumble bee (Bombus refipes) on the other hand is common, and is the major polli- nator of flowers in the within altitudes of the park; though bats too are important pollinators. Ants and mil- lipedes swarm in the sub-montane understorey, whereas beetles are more common in the higher mountain- ous levels, as is the social wasp (Vespa velutina), that has been known to give more than one trekker a nasty sting. If you are unlucky enough to encounter one – your best defence is to run for it! There are at least 19 species of frog, and about six species each of snake and lizard. There is some evidence that some frog species have declined in recent decades, but data is at this stage rudimentary. Populations decline or increase due to a number of factors, but devastating forest fires in the park in 1997 had a severe impact on many of the invertebrate species and probably amphians in the area and other small ground- dwelling fauna and flora. Lizards and snakes appear to have maintained reasonable populations in the park, feeding on a wide range of prey, except for the rather large reticulated python (Python retculatus), which is undergoing dramatic decline across Java.

Mammals There are 37 or 38 species of mammal within the park. Alarmingly, 60% of which are listed as endangered or critically endangered species. These tend to be larger animals that have succumbed to the rapid destruction of forest habitats throughout Java in the past three decades. Some of these species – who share their forest home with Silvery Gibbons – are briefly outlined. There are perhaps 100 silvery gibbons (Hylobates moloch) within the park boundaries. They dwell high in the canopy of the sub-montane forest zone. They live in small groups, and their territory is generally de- fined by the extent of their call. Of the 200 or so species of plant existing within Gede Pangrango National Park, silvery gibbons consume the fruits, leaves or flowers of up to 90% of them, though they have a prefer- ence for those high in the canopy. They give birth to a single offspring at a time, and like other primates, grooming is an important daily activity that helps in group bonding. As is the case for many of the mammals with which they share their forest habitat deforestation has had a devastating impact on their numbers. Though once a common species throughout the extensive forests of West and Central Java, they now live in 20 or so small fragmented forest locations, and their future remains uncertain. The grizzled leaf monkey (Presbytis comata - also known variously as Javan leaf monkey, Javan surili, Stripe-crested langur, langur gris, among other names), like the silvery gibbon, is endemic to the western

(Continued on page 10)

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On the home front…

The Silvery Gibbon Project held our Annual General Meeting at the Perth Zoo Theatre on Sunday 16th Au- gust, 2009. Our AGM was a little earlier than in previous years in the hope of avoiding the AGM bonanza that seems to occur later in the year. We wish to thank all of you who attended, it is always a great chance to hear what has been going on over the past year and see where your membership dollars are going! On such a miserable day, we are especially grateful to everyone who gave up their Sunday afternoon to attend.

In addition to the general business, members were given an update of what has been happening at the Javan Gibbon Centre over the last year as well as a plan for the future direction of the centre and the Sil- very Gibbon Project in general. The Annual Report was presented and is now available on the website.

Nominations for committee were also received. We are pleased that all of our current committee members have elected to stay on board to continue the important work of SGP. We are also proud to welcome two new members in Belle Picchio and Luke Newing, who have both been supporters of the project and helped us out at a number of recent events. New members always help to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the project so we are very grateful that they have chosen to come aboard and welcome any interest from any other potential committee members out there!

The committee now stands as:

President: Clare Campbell Vice President: Karen Payne Secretary: Pam Willimott Treasurer: Sharon Buckland Committee: Deb Armstrong, Dianne Gates, Holly Thompson, Kate O’Connell, Robin Stevens, Luke Newing, Belle Picchio

Particular thanks must go to Treasure Sharon Buckland for getting the financial matters in order in time for this AGM so much earlier than in previous years - a mammoth effort once again. Thanks also to the team at Byfields accountants for helping with the financial report. We are also very grateful for the contributions of the committee who give so much of their spare time so that we can make things happen. Thanks guys!

Fundraising

The last quarter also saw the Silvery Gibbon Project Bingo Night held on the 26th June at the South Perth Bowling Club. With over 70 people attending the night was a success and great fun for all who came. Thanks must go to Ian Crombie for hosting the event for us and to Nola Lester for helping to teach us how to play bingo! The event helped us to raise close to $800 for the project and may become a regular event on our fundraising calendar.

During September we ran our inaugural fundraising Wine Drive, thanks to WA Cleanskin Cellars. The drive was very successful with over 40 cases ordered and more than $700 raised. We thank all those who supported us with this fundraiser and hope that you enjoy your wine! In particular we thank committee member Robin Stevens for organizing this event. We hope to hold more wine drives in the future and look forward to hosting a wine tasting event in summer.

2010 also brings our second calendar, again a combined effort with the Australian Orangutan Project. In addi- tion to a wall calendar, we will also be producing a small desk calendar. We hope to have the calendars Bingo! Guests get into the spirit of things at South Perth available for purchase in October/November. Bowls Club on 26th June, 2009.

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The Silvery Gibbon Project Art Auction is back! Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be a great night with plenty of high quality art for sale. Here are just four of the fabulous works available for auction on the night, generously donated by some of the most talented local, interstate and international artists around including Peta Boyce, Steve Morvell, Geraldine Simmons, Ilse de Villiers, Wendy Binks, Natalie Manuel, Robin Wingrave, Tony Windberg, Bill Bonnucci, David Hamilton, Puteri and many more!

The auction will be held at the Perth Zoo Theatre on Saturday 31st October, 2009. Viewing will be open from 5pm with the Auction starting 6:30pm. Tickets are just $20 and includes a complimentary glass of wine and canapés served between 5:00 – 6:00pm. Be early to make sure you don’t miss out on some wonderful works including original paintings, charcoals, photography, sculptures, jewellery and limited edition prints.

Tickets are available from all committee members, [email protected] or call 0403 431 103 or 0402 046 950.

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(Continued from page 7) half of Java, with small isolated populations in central Java. These monkeys live in the canopy of sub- montane and montane forests, and eat mostly young leaves, supplemented with fruits, flowers and seeds, much of which they climb down to forage from the forest floor. They have a complex language of vocal calls. They live in groups of 3 to 20 individuals, and, though they are territorial, home ranges often overlap, and they will even mix with groups of ebony leaf monkeys from time to time, who share the same forest habitat. The species underwent a dramatic loss in the 1980s as a result of habitat destruction, and now – like the silvery gibbon – exists in small groups in highly fragmented forests. Estimates for the species are lower than 1000 individuals in the wild. These are split into two sub-species: Presbytis comata comata in West Java and Presbytis comata fredericae in Central Java. Those in Central Java survive in critically low populations. This species, like so many others with whom it shares the forest, faces extinction (possibly soon) unless habitats can be adequately secured for its protection and repopulation. The ebony leaf monkey (also known as the lutung) is endemic to Indonesia. They are a group of Old World monkeys, with tails longer than their sleek bodies. A bulge above the eyes distinguishes them from their neighbours, the the grizzled leaf monkey (or surili). Though they can jump from one tree to another, they more commonly walk along branches on all fours. They are more active in the early mornings and the after- noon. Lutungs live in harems of 5 to 20 individuals. Young bachelors leave home to roam the forest with their buddies. They are territorial, using a repetoir of loud vocalisation to defend their territory from oth- ers, but may use force if necessary. Their numbers have seriously declined in the past two to three decades, but they have a wider range than silvery gibbons and surilis, extending from low to high montane altitudes, and are therefore a little more adaptable and have a slightly wider areas in which to dwell. Without human intervention and protection, the gibbon and leaf monkeys are expected to perish on the island of Java. The Sunda stink badger (Mydaus javanensis javanensis) is known to local Indonesians as the sigung. This nocturnal, burrow living animal has a pointed face, powerful jaws and teeth adapted for crushing. They have muscular limbs and long, nonretractile claws on the front feet, which are used to dig through soil for food, which includes a range of invertebrates, such as earthworms, larvae ad insects; though they are also known to occasionally raid food supplies of forest trekkers. None-the-less, you don’t want to encounter a Sunda stink badger. Its defense is to eject a potent oily green liquid from its anal gland, with shattering ol- factory effect. Locals say it can asphyxiate dogs – or blind them! The Sunda stinkbadgers live in mountainous areas of the park. The rare Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) will take Sunda stink badgers for prey. Their only other known predators are human, who have sometimes hunted them for food, but more often used them in for making traditional medicines, such as for treating fever and rheumatism. And some visitors to the park have killed them (a government listed protected species) after they were known to have raided food supplies.

Inh abitants of the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. Left: Javan Leopard. Right: Ebony leaf monkey. Over page: Leopard cat

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The Javanese Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus) is about the size of a border collie. The coat is rusty red in colour. It is known locally as ajag, which means ‘urging on’, and probably refers to their pack hunting behaviour. These dogs are active in groups of 10 or more at twilight and night time in the upper regions of the park. They efficient communal hunters, surrounding their prey and running them into the water where they will exhaust them. The Asiatic wild dog uses an unusual vocal whistle-like call to re-assemble the pack when individuals become separated. Pack hunting is particularly important for the species during the breeding season when members return to the den to regurgitate food for the mother and pups. Litters may be as large as 8, but 4 to 6 is more usual. They are one of the most endangered species of wild dog in the world. They are naturally shy of humans. The Javan leopard or black panther (Panthera pardus melas) is known locally as macan kumbang. It is a large predatory, nocturnal hunter, dwelling in the branches of trees from where it eyes its prey: dogs, deer, rats and other mammals. It has a shiny black coat of fur, decorated with barely visible dark spots. As one Indnonesian report has it, they are solitary animals, except when the season to marry arrives. They have never attacked a human being, but sadly have been hunted in the past. They are now a protected species, but their numbers are exceedingly low, no more than a few hundred in the whole of Java. The last one to be seen in the park was in 1986. The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis) is about the size of a domes- tic cat, but with longer legs. It is a sub-species endemic to Java and Bali. Leopard cats are nocturnal, carnivorous hunters, eating small animals and some insects, eggs and grass. They are skilled tree-climbers. Leopard cats usually pair for life, and will make dens in the hollows of trees, cavities under roots, or in caves. After a gestation period of 9 to10 weeks, two to four kittens are born, and remain in their dens until they are a month old. Their parents with raise their cubs together over a period of 7 to 10 months. Maturity is attained at 18 months. The principal threats facing leopard cats is deforestation and commercial exploitation. They once existed in their millions, but have been reduced to a few thousand in recent years. The Javan warty pig (Sus verrucous) prefers the swamps and grasslands of higher altitudes within Gede Pan- grango, and like many of the mammals in the park is shy of humans. It can be up to 1.35 m long and nearly a metre tall. Adult males weigh 80 kg to 120 kg; but females only half that. Piglets may be born throughout the year in litters of 2 to 8. The sub-species Sus verrucosus verrucosus occurs on mainland Java only. The species is now listed as vulnerable, steadily declining in numbers as it falls victim to poisoning and hunting. The lesser mouse deer or chevrotain (Tragulus javanicus javanicus) is the world’s smallest hoved animal, about the size of a rabbit but with elongated legs, and covered with a smooth fur coat. They live for ap- proximately twelve years, inhabitating tree hollows and rocky cavities in the thick vegetation of the sub- montane zone. They forage the forest floor, eating grass, leaves, buds, stems and fallen fruits. They form monogamous pairs, and may be ready to mate at just five months. They would normally give birth to a sin- gle fawn after a gestation period of four to five months. Infants can stand within 30 minutes, and their mothers can again become impregnated within an hour or so of bithing birth. They are quiet animals, but will scream when frightened and stamp their tiny hooves on the ground at a rate of seven times per second. They are hunted for their fur which is made into a range of goods, including wallets and handbags. Apart from the dangers posed by human hunters, large reptiles and birds of prey will feast on them. They are not an uncommon species, but deforestation has led to population decline of the species. Though Gede Pangrango provides one of the most valuable protected habitats for many of Java’s floral and fauna species, dramatic programs of deforestation in Java by an assortment of logging companies in recent decades - many operating illegally - has resulted in the highest rate of forest habitat loss in the world. The result of which is that Java is losing its species to extinction. Of approximately 550 vertebrate species that are found within the park, around 15% of them are officially listed as endangered species, suffering dra- matic population loss and facing possible extinction. That a species after having inhabited this world for hundreds of thousands or years may completely perish within our lifetime is a real and profoundly sad possi- bility.

The Silvery Gibbon Project is one organisation dedicated to saving a species in peril. Please help our cause!

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SILVERY GIBBON PROJECT PO Box 335, COMO, Western Australia, 6952

Phone: (61) 8 9293 3052 or 0438 992 325 Fax: (08) 9331 4317

Website: www.silvery.org.au Email: [email protected]

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 I would like to join for 1 year* *Members joining after the end of March will receive 15 months for the price of 12 months Annual Fees are: $30 for Australian Members $20 for Australian Pensioners US$30 for all International Members (email only)

I would like to take advantage of discounted prices for multiple year memberships.  $80 for 3 years  $125 for 5 years

 I would like to make a donation of $______to assist the Silvery Gibbon Project in their cause. *Donations over $2 are tax deductible

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

 Please find enclosed my cheque / money order for $ ______(Made payable to the Silvery Gibbon Project)

 Direct debit to (please advise via email): Silvery Gibbon Project BSB 016 267 Account No: 4985-83767

 Please debit my credit card ¨ Bankcard ¨ Mastercard ¨ Visa Card Number: ______l ______l ______l ______Cardholder’s Name: ______Expiry Date: _____ / _____ for the amount of $______Signature: ______

Thank you for your support. Please mail or fax this application to the address above