The definition of wild animals in general is animals that are not kept by humans. The original habitat of these wild animals is in the wild, without direct contact with human activities. However, while the human population is increasing rapidly, biodiversity is doing the opposite.
Recognizing the reduction in biodiversity, conservation is starting to exist to save animals or animals that are already in danger of extinction so that they don’t disappear from the face of this earth.
Unlike pets, these wild animals have quite complex needs, which even scientists are still trying to understand. According to Born Free UK, the basic needs of wild animals include an adequate environment, proper diet, freedom to engage in normal behavior, social needs which are often very complex, as well as freedom from pain, disease or injury.
Ensuring the needs of these wild animals can be properly met is one of the things that is quite difficult for conservationists to do. Especially private owners. It would be much easier if the wild animals could talk about it, but sadly that is impossible.
People are allowed to keep exotic pets with special permits. For example, under The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, UK citizens must obtain a permit for any animal that has been registered within a period under the law, including bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and also a big cat. A survey conducted in 2021 by Bron Free UK said that nearly 4,000 wild animals were kept as pets, including 61 big cats, more than 150 lemurs and 57 diamondback rattlesnakes.
Then for Indonesia itself, people are allowed to bring home the third generation of animals obtained from captivity for conservation purposes. Does that automatically mean private ownership in the name of conservation animal advocates consider allowing private ownership of exotic animals to perpetuate the animal trade. With the increasing demand for exotic pets, especially as social media portrays how easy it is to own wild animals.
Of course, many of us have seen a local celebrity playing with their pet tiger at their house, then suddenly also got a golden retriever as a pet. While owning exotic pets normalized and the demand was high, it was risky for the remaining wild animals to be caught from captivity and then traded.
Risk of Attack and Disease from Wild Animals
Maybe we can take wild animals from nature, but we can’t get rid of their wildness. Even though they are used to interacting with humans, wild animals still have movements that are quite dangerous for humans.
In the United States for example, the Born Free USA database records more than 1,800 incidents due to exotic pets. The most recent was on September 9, 2021, when a five-year-old vervet monkey named Maliki was handed over to a wildlife sanctuary after biting his owner’s hand in a critical condition. Maliki has been kept privately as a pet since he was a baby.
In addition, there is also a risk of zoonotic diseases, namely diseases caused by pathogens or viruses, bacteria, and also parasites that can be transmitted from animals to humans. These diseases include the Ebola virus, SARS, and also monkeypox. It is estimated that these zoonotic diseases contribute to 75 percent of current diseases, with non-domestic animals as their source of origin.
Wild Animals Should Live in the Wild
There are many reasons why private ownership of wild animals is not the best way to solve today’s biodiversity problems. In the end, all conservation efforts must try to keep these animals in their natural habitat. Wild animals are supposed to live in the wild, just like humans who live with clothing, food and boards, as well as bonds with other humans.
However, when discussing animal conservation, it means we must realize that there is no one definite answer for this one problem. Climate change as well as the lack of attention to animal welfare are the reasons why animal conservation remains quite a challenge and an area that still needs to be explored. We can only hope that there will be good things that we can get with the knowledge we have.
8 Types of Wild Animals That Can Be Found in Indonesia’s Wildlife
For people who like to climb mountains or explore national parks, then of course they are already familiar with the wild animals that they can find in the wild in Indonesia. The following are some of the wild animals that we can find while on vacation or exploring the wild in Indonesia, including:
1. Leeches
Its relatively small shape and size might make us not aware of its existence. However, be careful because leeches are blood-eating wild animals and their bite marks can make the skin itchy and hard to get rid of.
2. Bear
Even though it is very unlikely to meet this one wild animal, don’t be surprised when you meet a sun bear when visiting the Sungai Wain Protection Forest in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
3. Snake
Various types of snakes live in the forests in Indonesia. Although not all types of snakes have poison, we still have to be careful especially with snakes that are quite large.
4. Coyote
Known as ajak, coyotes can be found on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Even though it has a body shape that is not as big as a wolf, we still have to be vigilant so as not to lure them closer. Don’t store leftovers near your tent to avoid being approached by coyotes in the middle of the night.
5. Elephant
Sumatra Island is one of the islands in the world that still has elephants living in their natural habitat even though they are already threatened with extinction. Therefore, it is better not to approach when you see elephants in the wild so they don’t think that we are threatening them.
6. Tiger
Clouded leopards, leopards, and panthers can still be found in forest areas in Indonesia. Even though it is very rare to meet them, we must find out if the place to be visited is their home and also make sure to explore the forest with a trusted guide.
7. Monkey
Even though the shape is not too big, monkeys have quite strong energy and some types of them tend to be fun. Avoid throwing food scraps carelessly so they don’t approach them.
8. Wild Boar
Wild boar can be found in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. This one wild animal is one of the animals most often encountered by hikers.
Are Wild Animals and Wild Animals the Same?
According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary or KBBI, wild animals are wild animals and are generally hostile to humans or animals that are very dangerous for humans because they can attack or hurt humans. Animals that are categorized as wild animals are those that are dangerous to humans. Both those who can attack with bites, scratches, horns, stings, pounces, and also other attacks that cause injuries to death.
While wild animals are animals that live in the wild or in the wild and are not kept by humans. Not all wild animals are included in the wild animal category. But all wild animals definitely fall into the category of wild animals.
Examples of Wild Animals
There are lots of wild animals that exist in the wild life. The following are some examples of wild animals that need to be known to increase knowledge, including:
1. Lion
The lion can be said to be the king of the jungle. This one animal is a very feared carnivorous predator. It can prey on rodents, African buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras. This lion belongs to the category of the Felidae family, or the stocky big cat family. Where the body size is the second largest after the tiger. This animal is active at night and prefers grasslands, shrubs, savannas, and also open forests. Historically, lions ranged over large parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. However, today many lions are found in several areas of the Saharan South Africa.
2. Wolf
The wolf is a species of carnivorous mammal that belongs to the wild dog family. This type of gray wolf is very common in the northern hemisphere, such as in Europe, North America, to several areas in Asia. Wolves and humans have a long history of enmity. Because this animal often attacks livestock, they are often hunted and killed. The wolf is a predator that eats animals around its habitat, such as venison. On average, a gray wolf can eat around nearly 10 kg of meat in one sitting.
3. Bear
Even though it looks adorable and funny, the bear is one of the animals that often attacks humans. This one animal has a strong body and they can run fast, climb trees to swim. Bears are predators that are quite feared. This bear habitat is spread throughout America, Europe, and also Asia and the Arctic circle with various species. The majority of bear species are actually omnivores, meaning they will eat a variety of foods such as fish, bamboo, and fruit.
4. Crocodile
Crocodile is a large-bodied reptile animal whose habitat is in water. This one animal belongs to one type of amphibian which is usually large. Apart from that, these wild animals also include carnivores that prey on other animals such as reptiles and fish. Crocodile is known as one of the water predators and often attacks humans. One of the famous crocodiles as the deadliest predators is the type of Crocodylus palustris in Asia. With a protective layer of defense and also fast movements, these Asian crocodiles have ten times the strength when they attack quickly.
5. Bull
Banteng belong to the bovine family and can be found in various parts of Southeast Asia. This one animal belongs to the herbivore class and eats various kinds of plants such as grass, leaves, and also fruits. In Indonesia, the bull has a reputation as a wild animal that is quite dangerous. In fact, if it is not provoked, bulls will not attack humans.
6. Snake
Snakes are one of the wild animals that are quite deadly. This animal is a predator that preys with its mouth and also bites. Snakes are the animals most hated by birds, wild boars, and also raccoons. In fact, snakes also sometimes become enemies for other snakes. Not all snake species are dangerous, but it cannot be denied that some snake venoms are very dangerous for humans.
7. Komodo
This Komodo belongs to carnivorous animals which are part of the large lizards. It is included in a protected wild animal because its population is decreasing. Komodo dragons will rely on their teeth, nails and tail as a weapon in attacking their prey. He has 5 very sharp nails and can cut the skin of other animals. The structure of the Komodo dragon’s teeth is also similar to that of sharks, very sharp. In addition, the wild water produced from these animals contains 60 deadly and very dangerous bacteria.
8. Sharks
Sharks are included in the top predators in the ocean. They often carry out attacks that occur on the high seas and coastal waters. This animal has a large body shape and strong fangs. Sharks attack humans because they are mistaken for fish they will consume. Most sharks are color blind, so when humans swim they are mistaken for seals or sea lions.
9. Gorillas
Gorillas are carnivorous animals that tend to be quite calm, but they don’t hesitate to attack if they feel threatened by the peace of their family. Angry gorilla is as scary as any other beast. Based on the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, the species Gorilla beringei or mountain gorilla is included in the red list. That means, this wild animal is included in the list that must be protected by its population.
10. Rhino
Rhino is a herbivorous animal that usually eats leaves or fruit. However, rhinos do not hesitate to attack anyone who disturbs their peace. This rhino is included in the protected animal population. Moreover, there are only 46 to 66 individuals left for the Javan rhinoceros and they are in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.
11. Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard is one of the most endangered big cat species in the world. According to the IUCN list, between 2014 and 2015, there were only 92 Amur leopards left in the world. The Amur leopard is a carnivorous animal that eats all prey of various sizes such as rodents, birds, fish, monkeys and other animals in its habitat. This Amur leopard does not hesitate to attack humans with its claws until it can threaten human life.
This is an explanation of the definition of wild animals and examples.