IPB University Team Collaborates with PHE ONWJ and BKSDA to Establish Turtle Conservation House on Rambut Island

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IPB University Team Collaborates with PHE ONWJ and BKSDA to Establish Turtle Conservation House on Rambut Island - AppliedHE

A collaboration between IPB University, Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE ONWJ), and the Jakarta Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) has led to the establishment of a Turtle House on Rambut Island, which is part of the Thousand Islands in Jakarta. This effort was facilitated by a team from the Environmental Research Center (PPLH) at IPB University.

Educational Materials and Monitoring System

The PPLH team, under the leadership of Professor Hefni Effendi, has developed educational materials, including infographics that cover the taxonomy, morphology, life cycle, conservation strategies, and egg incubation of hawksbill turtles. Furthermore, a monitoring system incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been implemented, featuring solar-powered CCTV cameras to monitor hawksbill turtle landings.

Promoting Awareness

According to Professor Hefni, the infographics were created with engaging visuals to attract visitors and promote awareness about hawksbill turtles and their conservation. These materials also inform visitors about appropriate behaviors to help protect the species.

Wildlife Sanctuary Designation

Rambut Island was designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary Island in 1999, having previously been recognized as a nature reserve. This designation allows for human intervention aimed at the protection of the island’s natural resources. In 2011, Rambut Island was designated as a Ramsar Site as part of an international effort to conserve wetlands.

Significance of Hawkbill Turtles

The island serves as a migration stop for birds from Australia and is a nesting area for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The importance of sustaining hawksbill turtles has been emphasized by Professor Hefni.

Conservation Initiatives

As part of the conservation initiative, five CCTV cameras have been installed around the island, which are linked to the BKSDA office located on Untung Java Island. Additionally, a landmark called the Bluwok crane has been built.

Turtle House Inauguration

The inauguration of the Turtle House was attended by various officials, including the General Manager of PHE ONWJ, the Director of Conservation Area Management from the Ministry of Forestry, and representatives from the Jakarta BKSDA. The event featured a traditional Betawi cultural performance, which included a silat martial arts display.

Rescue Efforts and Hatchling Release

Between 2018 and 2022, the Rambut Island Wildlife Sanctuary reported the rescue of 48 hawksbill turtle nests, resulting in the collection of 1,853 hawksbill turtle eggs and the release of 1,438 hatchlings into the ocean. The turtle eggs collected at the Turtle House are buried in sand to incubate for 50 to 60 days, after which the hatchlings are transferred to a seawater pond and fed raw fish, with water changes occurring daily.