CITES Convention Day: Conservation Efforts by IPB University Researchers, and a New Species Discovery

Illegal hunting and excessive exploitation have threatened many plant and animal species. Therefore, March 6 is commemorated as CITES Convention Day, marking the international agreement aimed at protecting plants and wildlife.

In this context, several researchers from IPB University’s Conservation of Forest  and Ecotourism (KSHE) Study Program have been actively conducting research to save endangered flora and fauna.

Dr Nyoto Santoso, Chairman of the Department of Conservation of Forest Resources and Ecoturism of Forest  and Ecotourism (KSHE), IPB University, explained that this contribution represents IPB University’s role in biodiversity conservation efforts in Indonesia.

He mentioned that one of the research outcomes was the discovery of a new species of lutung (monkey) called the Sentarum Lutung, an endemic primate found in the Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan.

Research on the Sentarum Lutung began in 2021 and continued through 2023, in collaboration with the Fahutan IPB University team, Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) Kalimantan (KEHATI Foundation), and the Danau Sentarum National Park Authority.

“This species was only discovered in Danau Sentarum National Park in 2018, while the bioecological data has just been collected in 2023,” he explained.

The IPB University research team also proposed the new species be named “Sentarum Lutung” locally and “Presbytis cruciger” scientifically. This was based on DNA research showing a 5% genetic difference from other lutung species (Presbytis chrysomelas).

In addition, IPB University researchers have conducted long-term studies on endemic wildlife from Papua, such as the great bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) and the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta). These studies on the two rare and endangered species are conducted in collaboration with PT Korindo-Tunas Sawa Erma.

In Java, the KSHE team at IPB University is researching the red toad (Leptophryne cruentata), a rare and endemic species. The research aims to breed red toads ex-situ at the Dramaga Campus laboratory.

“The result will be released into the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park to strengthen the population in the wild,” Dr Nyoto added.

The use of cutting-edge technologies such as thermal drones also plays a crucial role in the research conducted by the IPB University team. For example, during monitoring activities for the Sumatran elephant, one of the endangered megafauna species in Jambi Province.

At the Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, the IPB University team has developed Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) to increase the population of Sumatran rhinoceroses, whose numbers are dwindling.

“We have also published a guidebook for fauna inventory using the latest methodology, such as thermal drones and camera traps. This step is essential for identifying the population and distribution of various species, especially those that are rare,” Dr Nyoto explained.

Through this book, he hopes to encourage other researchers to engage in field research on rare and endangered species. It also serves as a companion resource for National Park staff and the Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Agency (BKSDA) staff across Indonesia.

Various experts from IPB University frequently share their views on numerous occasions in their respective fields: ornithology, Javan eagles, migratory birds, peacock experts, biodiversity, ecology, and mangrove ecosystem conservation.

On the global stage, IPB University researchers continue to advocate for worldwide conservation, one of whom is Prof Mirza Dikari Kusrini. A herpetofauna expert, he is one of the founders of the Indonesia Species Specialist Group (IdSSG), where he currently serves as Co-Chair IdSSG.

IdSSG is a group of experts from various taxonomic groups and disciplines working to reverse species population declines through policy design and data-driven decision-making. Prof Dr. Mirza also serves as the Regional Vice-Chair of the IUCN SSC for South and East Asia. Several KSHE faculty members from IPB University are also involved as members of IdSSG. (IAAS/RIN)