Interesting Facts About the Black-capped Kingfisher Found on the IPB Dramaga Campus
IPB University is known as a campus of biodiversity with high biological diversity. Various types of plants and animals can be found on this green campus, with various types of habitats such as arboretums and lakes.
Birds are one of the vertebrate animals commonly found on the IPB Dramaga campus. Their presence plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance, both directly by controlling insect pest populations and indirectly by creating a harmonious atmosphere in the ecosystem.
“The sound of birds touches and inspires the people who live nearby, boosting their creativity and innovation. Many dance performances have been influenced by the diversity of birds, such as the Merak dance and the Garuda Nusantara dance,” said Dr Nyoto Santoso, a lecturer at the Department of Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism at IPB University.
The black-capped oriole (Oriolus chinensis Linnaeus) is one of 99 bird species found on the IPB Dramaga campus. This bird can be found in the wild around the Conservation Park, the forest near the Al-Hurriyyah Mosque, Koin IPB, the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, and the Lecturers’ Housing Complex.
Not only does it have a distinctive and beautiful voice, this bird, which measures around 26 cm in length, also has beautiful golden yellow feathers. Another interesting fact is that, according to local belief, the black-crested myna is a symbol of kindness, goodness, and beauty.
“The black-crested myna does not have any bad traits or behaviors. With the presence of this bird, it is hoped that the entire IPB University community will be virtuous and behave well in carrying out their higher education activities,” said Dr Nyoto.
To preserve the black-crested myna bird ecosystem, Dr Nyoto said that IPB University has designated green open spaces (RTH) on campus to function as arboretums, such as the Campus Forest Park, Conservation Park, and Innovation Park.
“The RTH at IPB University serves as an educational facility and field laboratory, making it useful and well-maintained. Additionally, IPB University has collaborated with its alumni, supported by the private sector, to maintain and care for these RTHs,” he explained.
Dr Nyoto hopes that all members of the IPB University community will continue to support the realization of a biodiversity campus. A green campus can attract public interest in visiting IPB University.
“Of course, the infrastructure also needs to be continuously improved so that the IPB Dramaga campus is not just a collection of multi-story buildings, but also a means of educating people about biodiversity, which shapes humans to live in harmony with nature,” he concluded. (MHT) (IAAS/NRA)
