The Rich Biodiversity of Reptiles at IPB University Campus, Natural Guardians of Ecosystem Balance
IPB University Wildlife Ecology Expert, Dr Abdul Haris Mustari, revealed that the IPB Dramaga campus is home to a rich biodiversity of reptiles. For him, the existence of these reptiles is not only evidence of biological diversity, but also plays a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem on campus.
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates (poikilotherms). They have long inhabited the IPB University campus, even before the area was transformed into an educational institution.
“Over the past 25 years, 46 species of reptiles have been recorded living in the IPB University campus environment. These animals inhabit various habitats, ranging from riparian areas, waterways, swamps, rivers, forests, to experimental gardens,” he said.
Of these, 29 species are snakes, with 8 of them being venomous. The venomous snake species found include the king cobra (Ophiophagus bungarus), Javanese cobra (Naja sputatrix), weling snake (Bungarus candidus), welang snake (Bungarus fasciatus), the picung snake (Rhabdophis subminiatus), the green viper (Trimeresurus albolabris), the ground viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma), and the chili snake (Maticora intestinalis).
Although there are several types of venomous snakes, Dr Haris emphasized that their presence does not interfere with lecture activities. “These snakes live in their own habitat, far enough from the teaching and learning areas,” he added.
Furthermore, he explained that snakes play an important role as natural controllers (biocontrol). Snakes mainly feed on small rodents such as rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and shrews, as well as birds, bird eggs, frogs, and toads.
“Without the role of snakes, the rodent population could explode and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem,” explained the lecturer from the Department of Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University.
In addition to snakes, there are also 9 species of lizards, 5 species of geckos, 2 species of tokays, and 1 species of water monitor lizard inhabiting the IPB University campus. According to him, the more reptile species that live in a habitat, the more stable the ecosystem in that area will be.
Dr Haris emphasized that the presence of reptiles on the IPB University campus is not only an asset to biodiversity but also a tool for education and research. “IPB University has a responsibility to both preserve and utilize this biological wealth as a natural laboratory,” he concluded. (dr) (IAAS/ASY)
