A species of cattle native to Indonesia and listed internationally as an endangered species is thriving on the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory.
The banteng now number nearly 10,000 – the largest herd in the world, according to a study by Charles Darwin University.
John Christophersen, chairman of the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board, said today: “This news has major implications for the management of the Cobourg herd, and perhaps other large endangered animals throughout the world.
“The results have shown that this stock is the largest herd of wild banteng in the world and the Traditional Owners have some big and important decisions to make about their future.
“Any decisions made will be in collaboration with all interested parties ensuring that the banteng survives and Traditional Owners maintain their management of the herd. We may consider repatriating some banteng back to their native habitat in Indonesia if it is agreed to.”
Mr Christophersen said: “The Aboriginal people of Cobourg Peninsula, site of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, have known for some time that their wild banteng (Bos javanicus) were important. But just how important, has only recently been brought to light.
“The banteng is a cattle species native to many islands in the Indonesian archipelago and was introduced to Cobourg Peninsula as food for the British outpost of Victoria Settlement in Port Essington. When the outpost failed in 1849, the banteng, along with pigs, buffalo and other species were released into the wild.
“The Cobourg population survived and now numbers nearly 10,000. Of the ‘pure strain’ there are probably less than 5,000 in their entire native range and not one herd exceeds 500 animals. However, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists banteng as ‘Endangered’.”
The study was commissioned by the traditional owners of Cobourg through the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board (which consists of Aboriginal and government members). The study included socio-economic, herd structure and dynamics, and environmental and ecological research.
The Cobourg Board of Management collaborated with the Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management at Charles Darwin University. Tissue samples collected from a large cross-section of the herd and analysed by Japanese scientists at the University of Hiroshima, have confirmed that the Cobourg banteng are “pure strain” Bos javanicus.
John Christophersen, chairman of the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Board,
and Dr Corey Bradshaw, of Charles Darwin University, are available for interview
Media release issued by Peter Hurt, Media Manager (08) 8946 6019
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