“Azim was released Tuesday (March 10, 2026) after intensive rescue, care, and rehabilitation following a poacher’s snare. He was first detected in November 2024 via a YIARI camera trap showing a badly injured front leg,” said YIARI Operations Director Argitoe Ranting in Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan Province, on Thursday.
The search lasted over seven months. On June 27, 2025, Azim was captured in a trap cage. YIARI veterinarians and BKSDA officers immediately evacuated and assessed his condition.
YIARI veterinarian Ishma Maula said Azim was severely underweight with a serious infection. “Without intervention, he likely would not have survived,” she added.
At YIARI’s rehabilitation clinic, Azim received intensive care. X-rays revealed deformities in his trapped leg, and several toes were amputated.
After months of treatment, Azim’s health improved. Although his leg is not fully normal, the team deemed him fit for release into the wild.
YIARI Chairman Silverius Oscar Unggul stressed the case highlights real threats to Indonesian wildlife from hunting and snare traps.
“Releasing Azim is not just saving an individual animal, but a reminder of the need to protect habitats and prevent threats to wildlife,” he said.
Acting Head of South Ketapang KPH Nursiah noted snares remain a serious threat to protected species. The rescue underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and the ecological value of Gunung Tarak Forest.
She emphasized KPH’s strategic role in forest preservation through patrols, biodiversity monitoring, preventing illegal activities, and community empowerment.
“Azim’s release symbolizes conservation success and shows that protecting wildlife and their habitats must be sustainable,” Nursiah said.
Azim’s return marks a milestone in West Kalimantan wildlife conservation and reminds the public of the importance of preserving ecosystems for species survival and environmental balance.
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Translator: Rendra O, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
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