IPB University is Home to 23 Species of Mammals, from oconut rats to porcupines

The IPB Dramaga campus is home to at least 23 species of mammals out of a total of 777 species of mammals in Indonesia. The presence of these diverse animals makes IPB University one of the green campuses with a natural ecosystem that supports conservation efforts.

According to IPB University Wildlife Ecology Expert, Dr Abdul Haris Mustari, the presence of mammals on campus is not only a form of biodiversity, but also an important part of a living laboratory for students, researchers, and the community.

“The IPB Dramaga campus has more than 260 plant species that support the life of mammals. With a variety of habitat types, this campus is a rich and well-preserved miniature ecosystem,” he said.

This lecturer in Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism also said that mammals play an ecological role in maintaining environmental balance. With their high intelligence and complex adaptive abilities, their presence serves as an indicator of ecosystem health. 

“Mammals are keystone species. They not only contribute to forest regeneration through seed dispersal but also control insect populations and serve as indicators of environmental quality,” he explained.

Some of the species that can be found on the IPB campus include the coconut squirrel (Callosciurus notatus), Javanese porcupine (Hystrix javanica), pangolin (Manis javanica), the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), the small-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinerea), as well as several species of bats and civets. 

“The presence of wildlife on campus is an ecological heritage that we must protect together. Without conservation efforts, the population of certain animals could continue to decline and disappear from campus,” he said.

Dr Mustari emphasized that the presence of mammals on campus is both a scientific and ecological asset.  “We have a great responsibility to protect mammalian biodiversity. We want to make this campus not only a center of education, but also a conservation stronghold,” he concluded. (dr) (IAAS/KQA)