IPB University Researchers Uncover Movement Patterns of the Endangered Pig-snouted Tortoise in Kao River Papua
IPB University research team led by Prof Mirza Dikari Kusrini, a wildlife ecology expert from the Department of Conservation of Forest Resource and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, revealed the unique movement patterns of pig-snouted turtles (Carettochelys insculpta) in Kao River, Papua.
This endemic animal with endangered status shows irregular and overlapping movement behavior in using its living space.
“The results we found for the turtle’s movement pattern are erratic. So there are turtles that move upstream, some move downstream, then some move downstream and then back up. It doesn’t have a single movement pattern,” explained Morgan Wayne, a member of the research team.
The findings were obtained from monitoring results using a GPS tracker developed independently by the research team. The GPS is the third prototype and costs much less than commercial devices, allowing the team to continue tracking the animals despite budget constraints.
Understanding the movement patterns and home range of the pig-snouted turtle is important in formulating a scientifically-based conservation strategy.
“To protect wildlife, we need to know whether the entire river basin is being used or maybe only part of it. When we know, for example, that this turtle moves along the riverbank or near the nesting sand, for future policies, such as the creation of protected areas or conservation areas, we already have a basis,” Morgan explained.
Despite being on the protected species list, pig-snouted turtles in the Kao River area still face threats in the form of egg collection by local communities during the nesting season from August to October. However, Prof Mirza believes that this activity does not take place on a massive scale and that the local community has a good ecological understanding.
“The community already understands very well. They know that they don’t need to take the broodstock because if the broodstock dies, they won’t get eggs and they can’t sell them,” said Prof Mirza. He added that the community’s livelihood also does not only depend on turtle eggs, but also includes other activities such as arowana fishing in certain seasons.
This research is part of IPB University’s collaboration with PT Tunas Sawa Erma Group and Korindo Group that supports wildlife conservation efforts in Papua. Prof Mirza explained that the results of this research are expected to be the basis for managing the habitat of the pig-snouted turtle on the banks of the Kao River and ensuring its sustainable use.
These efforts are made to protect endemic animals that are now only found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Northern Australia by considering the ecological aspects of the species and the socio-economic dynamics of local communities. “Our team also continues to develop tracking technology to improve the robustness and effectiveness of monitoring other aquatic animals in Indonesia,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/NRA)
