Peafowl Conservation in Ponorogo: A Vital Effort for Wildlife Preservation and Cultural Heritage

Not many people know that Ponorogo Regency in East Java is not only famous as the birthplace of the Reog Ponorogo art, but it is also home to four active peafowl conservation sites that play an important role in both wildlife preservation and cultural heritage.

According to data from the Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BBKSDA) of East Java Region I Madiun, there are currently four active peafowl conservation locations in Ponorogo, which are:

  1. Desa Ngrupit, Jenangan District

  2. Desa Jenangan, Jenangan District

  3. Desa Purwosari, Babadan District

  4. Desa Galak, Slahung District

Peafowl Conservation in Dusun Gentan, Desa Ngrupit

One of the most notable locations is Dusun Gentan, Desa Ngrupit, Jenangan District. This conservation area is managed by a local community group that focuses on the preservation of peafowl. Several types of peafowl are bred here, including:

  • Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) – native to Indonesia and now protected

  • Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) – native to India, with more vibrant colors

  • White Peafowl – a rare variation of the Indian Peafowl

  • Blorok Peafowl – a hybrid with a unique pattern

The conservation process is carried out naturally and sustainably. The peacock feathers are not forcibly plucked but are collected after the peafowl naturally molt following the breeding season. These feathers are then sorted and used as primary material for the dadak merak (peacock feather headpiece) in Reog Ponorogo performances.

Kampung Merak Ndalem Kerto: An Educational and Cultural Destination

Over time, the conservation site in Ngrupit has developed into an educational tourism destination known as Kampung Merak Ndalem Kerto. This place has become an attractive spot for visitors who want to learn more about peafowl conservation and the role of these birds in Reog Ponorogo.

The Importance of Peafowl Conservation

Peafowl, especially the green peafowl, are now listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population continues to decline due to poaching and habitat destruction. On the other hand, the demand for peafowl feathers for Reog art is high, which makes conservation efforts the best solution to balance between wildlife preservation and cultural needs.

Conclusion

The peafowl conservation efforts in Ponorogo are not just about protecting rare species, but they are also a genuine effort to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage. Visiting places like Kampung Merak Ndalem Kerto provides a valuable experience that combines nature tourism, education, and cultural preservation.