Receiving a Grant from APN GCR, IPB Researchers Study the Impact of Invasive Species in Baluran and Ujung Kulon National Parks
Dr Yudi Setiawan, a researcher and Chairman of the Center for Environmental Research, International Research Institute for Environment and Climate Change (PPLH LRI LPI) at IPB University, has successfully secured a research grant from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.
Dr Yudi Setiawan said that this research is multi-collaborative. “This research involves researchers from IPB University, the Ministry of Forestry, overseas campuses from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, University of Tokyo, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN),” he explained.
The research focuses on the dynamics and spread of invasive alien species (IAS) in equatorial ecosystems and their relevance to climate change. The study offers a comprehensive approach through in situ (on-site) observation, remote sensing with satellite imagery, genomics, and mathematical modeling.
The ecosystems that are the locus of the research are Ujung Kulon National Park in western Java and Baluran National Park in eastern Java.
Furthermore, Dr Yudi Setiawan explained that currently, invasive species threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services, and productivity in equatorial ecosystems. “This study investigates the ecological disturbances caused by invasive species in two important biodiversity areas in Indonesia, namely Baluran and Ujung Kulon National Parks.”
In Baluran, the invasion of Vachellia nilotica, which originated in Africa and is better known as Acacia nilotica, also called the gum arabic tree or thorny acacia, has changed the structure of the original savanna. Meanwhile, in Ujung Kulon, Arenga obtusifolia threatens the feeding habitat of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros,” explained Dr Yudi.
This research proposes an integrative framework for predicting and managing invasive species dynamics under climate change. The project combines genomics to detect adaptive traits, satellite-based remote sensing to map habitat changes, and mechanistic modeling to predict spatial-temporal invasion risks.
In addition to location-specific solutions, this research aims to advance regional cooperation by developing nature-based solutions (NbS) in collaboration with protected area authorities and key stakeholders.
The project will develop a replicable invasive species risk modeling platform, provide information for early warning systems, and deliver strategic guidance aligned with the ASEAN Invasive Alien Species (IAS) pathway and post-2020 global biodiversity targets.
By bridging science, technology, and policy, this study enhances regional capacity for IAS prevention and control, contributes to the achievement of SDGs 13 and 15, and presents a new model for cross border ecological resilience in the face of accelerating environmental change. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASY)
