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.
Reticulated Python Monitoring
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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.
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:
Herpetofauna of Cikananga
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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:
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.
Batoo Farm Biodiversity Assessment
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In 2025, 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 offers insights into species adaptation to human settlement and interventions in 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.
River Ayung Herpetofauna Biodiversity Assessment
Rivers are vital habitats for humans and other animals, and by sharing these habitats with biodiversity, humans both threaten and offer opportunities to conserve them. Riparian conservation will only be successful if we first understand which species live there and the dynamics between the species and the ecosystem. In 2026, collaborating with the Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia, and Species Obscura, we helped conduct a herpetofauna assessment at five sites along the River Ayung, Bali's longest river, amid anthropogenic threats. Along with a team of interns, consisting of two local professionals and three university students, we conducted morning and night assessments to cover both diurnal and nocturnal species for 13 days. Assessment results will serve as the basis for a larger human-environmental dynamics study to identify the best possible approach to inspire local communities to conserve their own ecosystems. This project is funded by PUTI Q1 Equity LPDP and ASAP.
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