Research

Our team of dedicated herpetologists and conservationists is working with researchers worldwide to better understand the diversity, ecology, and behaviour of Indonesian amphibians and reptiles.

Trilaksono's Bush Frog

Since November 2020, we have been working with scientists from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and IPB University to undertake a study on the ecology and distribution of the endangered Trilaksono's bush frog (Chirixalus trilaksonoi). This will provide important baseline data to best inform a conservation action plan for the species. If possible, we hope to follow up by conducting population monitoring in sites where they still occur.

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Reticulated Python Monitoring

To evaluate our current strategy in tackling human-snake conflict, we are designing a research project to learn about the movement patterns of translocated pythons to determine if this is an appropriate method for conflict management.

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Snakes of Sulawesi

We are collaborating with several scientists, both locally and internationally, to create a user-friendly identification guide to the snakes of Sulawesi. This will become a useful tool for biologists, herpetologists, or anyone interested in snakes to learn about these species, with emphasis on morphological identification.

Roti Island

Located in the East of Indonesia, the island of Roti is home to some heavily threatened endemic species, such as the Roti Island snake neck turtle (Chelodina mccordi), which is presumed to be extinct in the wild. We are currently working with scientists from various organizations to compile a checklist of the herpetofauna of Roti, as well as a description of a new species of lizard from the region.

Snakes of Java

In mid 2020, we published an identification book titled "A Photographic Guide to the Snakes of Java", which clearly shows the diagnostic characters of all the snakes known to occur on Java. The book is available worldwide, and can be purchased through the links below:

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Herpetofauna of Cikananga

In 2019, we collaborated with the Cikananga Wildlife Center in Sukabumi, West Java, to produce an annotated checklist of amphibians and reptiles in the area. This was published in the Captive and Field Herpetology Journal, which can be accessed below:

LINK TO PUBLICATION

Herpetological Conservation Breeding Laboratory (HCBL)

To support the recovery of L. cruentata, conservation breeding has been identified as a critical strategy (following 2021-2030 Action Plan). In response, the Herpetological Conservation Breeding Laboratory (HCBL) was established through a collaboration among IPB University, Indonesia Herpetofauna Foundation, Chester Zoo, and the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership. HCBL adopts a One Plan Approach, integrating in-situ conservation (e.g., habitat monitoring and protection) with ex-situ efforts (e.g., captive breeding), to ensure the species' long-term survival. A key goal of the ex-situ component is to establish an assurance population that can act as a safeguard against extinction. However, without simultaneous in-situ conservation actions, the success of future reintroduction efforts remains uncertain.

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Batoo Farm Biodiversity Assessment

Together with Species Obscura Foundation, our team, led by Risma Aprilianti, along with two volunteers, joined forces with other researchers to conduct a short biodiversity assessment at a commercial recreational place in West Java. Often overlooked, the peri-urban ecosystem holds the insight of species adaptation to human settlement and intervention on the ecosystem. We swept across 28 hectares of area in the bank of the large Cisadane River, collecting as many wild fish, arthropods, gastropods, herpetofauna, and mammals (bats) that we could find. The activity is meant to provide an ideal case of collaboration between scientists, conservation practitioners, and business or landowners. In developed countries, landowners are among the most critical stakeholders in conservation efforts (including large wild predators), and we would like to invite more businesses and landowners to join the bandwagon in biodiversity assessment. A biodiversity data baseline is the key to every conservation strategy and conflict mitigation; thus, we are required to possess it prior to any decision-making process. This project is co-funded by Indonesia Herpetofauna Foundation, Species Obscura, and Batoo Farm Adventure.