Engaging key stakeholders in Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) conservation in Java Indonesia

Windi Liani Bukit

The Critically Endangered Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) remains one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates despite full legal protection and long-term in situ conservation efforts. This endemic species continues to face three core threats: forest conversion to agriculture, illegal hunting and ill-planned translocation efforts. We propose a multi-strategy approach to engage key stakeholders in national conservation efforts. We will survey 14 sites across Java to obtain up-to-date population and distribution estimates for Javan slow lorises. We plan to implement a behaviour change campaign, aimed at mitigating forest clearance, in local communities through interactive workshops focused on the benefits of agroforestry for farmers and wildlife, which will be assessed through monitoring tree planting activity after the workshops. We will also develop a conservation education module, including monthly Nature Club activities, that will be freely available through the Merdeka Mengajar national curriculum. We will assess its effectiveness through contributions to a Facebook group for participating classes over a three-month period. Finally, we intend to hold a national workshop for government agencies and conservation organisations, where the project results will be disseminated, initiating discussion among key stakeholders on the potential future development of a species action plan.