The warty pig (Sus verrucosus), an Indonesian endemic that is often marginalized in conservation issues, now faces a serious threat due to its susceptibility to the African swine fever (ASF) virus.

Pasuruan, East Java (Indonesia Window) — The warty pig (Sus verrucosus), an Indonesian endemic that is often marginalized in conservation issues, now faces a serious threat due to its susceptibility to the African swine fever (ASF) virus.

"In addition to habitat destruction and poaching, Southeast Asian wild pigs are highly sensitive to the African swine fever virus. If this virus enters the wild pig population, they have no immunity whatsoever. This has already happened in Indonesia’s main islands of Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Sulawesi," said Jochen Menner, a curator at the Prigen Conservation Breeding Ark (PCBA), during a presentation at a media trip to the PCBA Prigen, Pasuruan district, East Java province, on Thursday (Dec. 18).

According to him, although there are no definitive records regarding the impact of African swine fever on wild boars, the risk of extinction is considered very high. "That's why ex-situ conservation is so important," he emphasized.

The threats to warty pigs go beyond disease. In many regions, Menner continued, these endangered animals often experience retaliation because they are considered agricultural pests.

"Just like wild boars, warty pigs often enter farmers' fields, eating cassava, kale, and other crops. As a result, they are hunted or snared," he noted.

One of the most worrying cases, according to Menner, is the Bawean warty pig (Sus verrucosus blouchi), an endemic subspecies found only on Bawean Island, a small island in the Java Sea, part of Indonesia’s Gresik district, East Java province.

Its wild population is estimated at only around 500 individuals, making it one of the most endangered wild pigs in the world.

"Bawean Island has no natural geographic boundaries like large rivers or mountains, so once ASF enters, the outbreak would spread unhindered. That could be the end of the Bawean warty pig," he explained.

Unlike other islands, which have natural barriers that slow the spread of disease, on Bawean the virus can sweep across the island in a short time.

Unfortunately, to date, there is no ex-situ managed population of Bawean warty pigs.

At PCBA itself, there are only three individual warty pigs that were previously caught in illegal traps and then placed in care. "Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the formation of a sustainable ex-situ population," Menner said.

He emphasized that ex-situ conservation is not the ultimate goal, but rather a rescue strategy. "Secure them first, protect them, and then one day return them to their natural habitat if conditions permit," he said.

PCBA Prigen, located at the foot of Mount Arjuno at an altitude of around 700 meters above sea level, is considered ideal for wildlife conservation. With its cool climate and 360 hectares of land, PCBA focuses on species that are often overlooked and underserved.

In implementing its programs, PCBA also collaborates with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (locally known as its abbreviation BKSDA). Menner hopes this effort would serve as an example that protecting Indonesia's endemic wildlife should not wait until it's too late.

Currently, PCBA is conserving various endangered species, including Natuna Island surili (Presbytis natunae), Celebes crested macaque (Macaca nigra), the Sumatran striped rabbit, the Buton anoa, and various songbirds such as the Java white starling, white-rumped shama and the Bali starling.

PCBA also maintains a variety of freshwater and peat swamp fish, including wild betta fish, rainbow trout, and endemic Bangka Island fish.

Reporting by Indonesia Window