KUCHING: One of the world’s most endangered primates, locally known as the red monkey, will now get an even better chance of survival with the aid of drone technology.
The Sarawak Forest Department has launched the world’s first application of modified drone technology for wildlife monitoring at the Jemoreng Protected Forest (PF) and Selai Inah Protected Forest (PF),
It has also launched the development of these forests as eco-tourism destinations and amenity forests integrating biodiversity conservation.
The move comes after the gazettement of these forests following the October 2022 discovery of the critically endangered Tricolour Langur (Presbytis chrysomelas cruciger), locally known as the red monkey.
It expands the primate’s protected habitat, a critical step in safeguarding one of the world’s rarest and most beautiful primates ranked among the 25 most endangered primate species globally.
The launching programme, organised by the department’s Forest Reservation and Conservation Division, was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) and Jemoreng assemblyman, Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.
Following strong scientific evidence and community support, the forests were officially gazetted on February 27 this year.
A highlight of the launching programme was the exclusive screening of aerial footage of Jemoreng Forest, captured using a specially modified DJI Matrice 30T (M30T) drone.
“The use of this enhanced DJI M30T drone opens new dimensions in wildlife research and monitoring,” said Dr Juanda.
“This aligns perfectly with our vision of developing this area as a hub for eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation, grounded in scientific data and technological innovation,” he added.
Dr Juanda emphasised the importance of balancing biodiversity preservation with sustainable local economic growth through eco-tourism.
He called for the immediate formation of a Task Force Committee to ensure coordinated implementation of the planned initiatives, pledging his full support.
“I am confident that Jemoreng and Selai Inah can become model eco-tourism destinations at state, national, and international levels,” he added.
