IPB University Records 117 Bird Species on Campus, Realizing an Education and Conservation Area
Over the past 25 years, IPB University has recorded the presence of 117 bird species inhabiting the Dramaga Campus area in Bogor. This data was recorded directly by IPB University Wildlife Ecology Expert, Dr Abdul Haris Mustari.
According to Dr Haris, this record underscores the campus’s crucial role as both a wildlife habitat and a living laboratory for education and research on biodiversity.
The lecturer in Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University also emphasized that the presence of birds on campus is an important indicator of ecosystem quality.
“Bird biodiversity reflects environmental balance. If the ecosystem is preserved, wildlife will continue to coexist with human activities,” he said.
From his observations, the most commonly found birds include the yellow-crested bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster), the Java sparrow (Orthotomus sepium), the grey-backed whistling thrush (Cocomantis merulinus), the red-headed whistler (Psilipigon haemacephala), and the spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis).
“The most unique is the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) with a population of more than 100 birds. This bird can be easily found in the LSI lake near the rectorate. I also observed rare birds such as the Sumatran eagle-owl (Bubo sumtranus) and the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela),” he added.
Furthermore, Dr Haris mentioned that this rich biodiversity provides a great opportunity for IPB University to develop conservation-based education programs. IPB University, he said, has become an eco-edutourism campus and can also serve as an area for birdwatching activities.
The Dramaga campus features extensive and diverse green open spaces, making it a unique area that combines academic, conservation, and educational tourism functions. “This campus is not only a place for learning but also a center for understanding how humans can maintain balance with nature,” he added.
A number of important points on the campus, such as Telaga Inspirasi, Danau SDGs, Arboretum, Hutan Al-Hurriyyah, and Taman Konservasi, play a significant role in supporting the survival of various bird species. These locations are natural habitats rich in food sources and protection for wildlife.
Dr Haris emphasized the need for synergy between academics, students, and the community in maintaining the sustainability of the campus ecosystem. “Conservation is not only the task of researchers or the campus. All parties, including the surrounding community, need to have the same awareness and concern,” he said.
Through continuous research, IPB University is committed to developing the campus area as a living laboratory and a biodiversity conservation zone.
In addition to being a center for scientific study, the presence of birds on campus is also an educational resource for the public, especially the younger generation, to understand the importance of preserving biodiversity.
“The bird biodiversity data we collect is not just a scientific record, but also a message about the importance of preserving the living space of other creatures,” concluded Dr Haris.
IPB University continues to conduct routine monitoring and further research to ensure that the campus remains a biodiversity-friendly area. In the future, this bird diversity data is expected to serve as a reference for policies on the management of green open spaces and the conservation of wildlife habitats on campus. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)
