Application of eDNA Technology to Assess Phytoplankton Diversity in the Ciliwung Downstream Area, Jakarta, Indonesia

Rivers have the potential for enormous flows of water, nutrients, and food that can create habitats for various living creatures. However, the flow of pollutants into estuaries and coastal areas can degrade environmental conditions in downstream areas of the river. Numerous studies have highlighted the loss of aquatic species due to increased stressors and pollutants in heavily contaminated rivers. This manuscript aims to analyze the phytoplankton diversity in three stations (natural riparian, concreted riparian, and estuary) of the Ciliwung River in Jakarta. Using environmental DNA (eDNA), we identified and compared the number of phytoplankton families and read sequences with various water quality parameters.  The results showed that each station consists of 16, 13, and 20 families with 11,257; 75,963; and 37,339 read sequences, respectively. The study showed that phytoplankton family diversity in Stations 1 and 2 correlates with water pollution levels (lightly to extremely polluted). In contrast, Station 3 exhibited an unusual pattern, with high family diversity despite declining water quality

Potential Habitats of Siamese Crocodiles and False Gharials in East Kalimantan for Conflict Resolution

Concerns in crocodiles sustainability have long been overlooked, due to humans fear of its ferocity and unresolved human-crocodile conflicts. The siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) are considered threatened by the IUCN red list because of their limited range and declining populations. In this study we developed habitat suitability model for both species and overlaid with anthropogenic factors to mitigate conflict between crocodiles and human in Mesangat-Suwi Wetland, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. We collected species presence from 2018–2023, measured environmental variables, interviewed 100 respondents, and mapped all information with Maximum Enthropy program (MaxEnt). Results showed that different factors influenced the habitat distribution for each species. Specifically, distance from swamps was affected the most for both crocodiles. Our model found that the potential habitat was much smaller than the non-potential ones due to humans’ intrusion. Much of the Mesangat-Suwi area was covered in high-conflict zones between humans and crocodiles, endangering both species even more. Hence, serious actions were urgently needed to resolve the conflict, either by prevention and mitigation actions, to ensure human-crocodile coexistence in East Kalimantan

The Determination of Mangrove Restoration Area using Water Quality and Substrate Parameters

Mangrove plants have a substantial impact on ecosystems, both ecologically and economically. Planting mangroves is currently considered an effective method for overcoming the degradation of mangrove forests, particularly in Sebaru Kecil Island, which has limited research. Besides natural forces contributing to the success of mangrove plantations, ecological parameters are also crucial to assessing mangrove restoration areas. The parameters include physical-chemical water quality, plankton and benthos, and substrate quality. This measurement is carried out to evaluate the level of water fertility and soil conditions at the location that will be used for mangrove planting. This research aimed to determine the feasibility of the area for mangrove restoration based on physical, biological, and chemical water quality conditions, and to provide recommendations for planting mangroves suitable for Sebaru Kecil Island based on its substrate condition. The results showed that the physical-chemical parameters of the seawater at the mangrove planting locations met the quality standards, except for nitrate. The condition of plankton and benthos showed a high diversity index, with no dominant species. Based on the substrate results and physical condition of Sebaru Kecil Island, the location is suitable for mangrove planting, and we recommend planting Rhizophora stylosa in the mangrove restoration area

The Economic Value of Carbon Stocks in PT Hutan Mulya Central Kalimantan

This study aims to determine how much carbon stock is stored in logged-over areas by comparing carbon stock in virgin forests. Calculate potential biomass, carbon, carbon dioxide uptake, and economic value of CO2eq uptake in the Logged area of PT Hutan Mulya using purposive sampling data collection techniques for each plot and non-destructive methods through allometric equations. The highest carbon stock potential is in the tree-level diameter class  and the location with the highest carbon stock is in the virgin forest area. Meanwhile, the logged area based on the company's establishment from 2011–2022 covering an area of 14,583 ha has a carbon stock potential of 772,537 tons C to the carbon dioxide storage value of 2,835,210.57 tons CO2eq. Based on the assumed price of USD 4.5, the potential economic value of carbon obtained by the government through carbon sales tax is IDR 85,056,317,100. The net profit obtained by the company is IDR 109,494,570,499.42. In contrast, the potential net economic value of the carbon business project scenario results in a combined logged area and virgin forest area of IDR 160,960,838,842.31 for the company and IDR 125,035,753,500 for the government

First Analysis of the Rehabilitation and Release Facilities for Javan Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi Stresemann, 1924) in Indonesia

The Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi Stresemann, 1924), an endangered bird endemic to Java island, faces significant extinction risks due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. To address this, the Javan Hawk-eagle Sanctuary Center (JHESC) was established within Mount Halimun Salak National Park, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia, to support in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, focusing on rehabilitation and release. This study observed rehabilitation practices at the centre from April 2022 to March 2023, particularly the adequacy of its facilities and infrastructure regarding cage, feed, and health management. These aspects are essential for rehabilitation success. Based on observations, nine cage types were employed and tailored to specific rehabilitation stages: acceptance, treatment, isolation, pre-training, training, habituation, education, translocation, and hard release. These cages were designed with varying sizes and numbers to fulfil the needs of each stage. The centre's feeding management was supported by a well-organized storage system that maintained feed quality through proper air circulation and cleanliness. The centre consistently supplied three primary feeds: mice (Mus musculus), rats (Rattus norvegicus), and marmots (Cavia porcellus). Comprehensive infrastructure facilitated health management, including an animal clinic, isolation and treatment rooms, an operating room, an examination room, and a laboratory. Additionally, the veterinary medicines were accessible and staffed by qualified veterinarians to ensure the eagles were healthy from arrival to release. These robust facilities and practices can position the centre as a leading example for ex-situ conservation, prioritizing animal welfare while rehabilitating and releasing Javan hawk-eagles, with expectations of further enhancing eagle conservation efforts

Life Cycle Assessment Approach for Tracing the Impact of Recreational Activities in Green Open Spaces, South Tangerang - Indonesia

South Tangerang has green open spaces currently widely used for community recreation, namely City Park  1 BSD and City Park 2 BSD. Recreational activities can contribute to environmental impacts. Life Cycle Assessment is an approach used to trace the impact of each recreational activity. This research aims to inventory inputs and outputs, calculate the magnitude of emissions based on impact categories, and formulate impact control scenarios for recreational activities in green open space, South Tangerang. The main data collected were the characteristics and activity patterns of visitors. At each recreational activity stage, the input type is identified, and the magnitude of emissions is calculated using the basic formula: Emissions = activity data x emission factor. The next stage is interpreting the results by formulating impact control scenarios. The identified inputs are gasoline and diesel fuel, electrical energy, urine, soap, and organic and inorganic solid waste. Emissions of transportation activities are CO2, N2O, CH4, SO2, and NO2; emissions of organic waste processing are N2O and CH4; emissions of inorganic waste processing are CH4; emissions of electricity use are CO2, SO2, and NO2; as well as emissions of using toilets and soapy water are  CH4 and PO43–. Recreational activities in City Park 1 BSD produce greater emissions than in City Park 2 BSD, with hotspots in visitor transportation. Impact control can be carried out using two scenarios: limiting motorized vehicles' use and reducing plastic waste

Geospatial Analysis of Elephant Migration from Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, 2009-2017

Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe, has been recorded as experiencing elephant migrations to neighbouring Botswana for several years due to drought-related dryness of water bodies. The adverse impacts of climate change have led to a rise in Zimbabwe's annual mean surface temperature, rendering the country more susceptible to drought conditions and decreased rainfall. To investigate the directional trend of elephant migration patterns from Hwange National Park to neighbouring Botswana, spatiotemporal analysis was conducted from 2009 to 2017 using ArcGIS Pro software. Secondary data was utilized for analysis, with elephant migration data abstracted from Movebank, an open-source data portal for large collections of animal tracking data. These migration patterns were remotely tracked through GPS sensors. Additionally, annual mean surface temperature data, sourced from the International Monetary Fund's climate data, was considered an allied factor with the fundamental objective of the research. A bar chart was created to represent the temperature data statistically. The results emphasized that annual mean surface temperature fluctuations in Zimbabwe have influenced elephant migration, with high surface temperatures recorded in 2010, 2015, and 2016 accompanied by increased migrations. Consequently, the elephants' tendency to migrate towards Botswana has gradually risen throughout the period, underscoring the adverse impacts of climate change

Turning the Invasive Alien Species Challenges into Local Opportunities: A Case Study of the Enclave Villages in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Apart from its adverse impact on biodiversity in an ecosystem, the presence of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) can be a blessing in disguise for local communities. Its daily utilization, including for traditional medicine needs, is a crucial factor in how the existence of Invasive Alien Species can be a game changer for the local community. This research took place in a national park, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru, Indonesia, and focuses on an enclave village inhabited by the indigenous Tengger people. It aimed to evaluate how the presence of Invasive Alien Species, specifically fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and slimmer weed or kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata), has adverse impacts on the natural environment but potentially has positive impacts on the community’s socio-economy. The research was conducted through a literature study referring to a semi-structural literature review based on the Scopus database and descriptive analysis based on the interviews with various key informants, which included the national park management, local government at the village and sub-district levels, NGO representatives, and community group who understand and directly utilize IAS plants. The results showed that based on the literature review, research on IAS, especially Fennel and slam weed, is still very limited. Those two species have embedded connections with the locals. In addition to its economic potential, utilizing IAS plants for traditional medicine and ritual completeness for local communities is a critical factor that makes its existence need to be better managed. At this point, a more integrative alternative management of the area was proposed as the way forward

Stand structure and biomass estimation for cultivation of Agarwood-producing species on Buru Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Agarwood is a resin product of agarwood-producing species belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family. This product is categorized as a non-timber forest product and has high value. Species of Aquilaria filaria (Oken) Merr. and Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl. are two agarwood-producing species known to grow natively in the Maluku region. This research aims to observe the stand structure and biomass estimation in several Aquilaria sp. cultivation gardens on Buru Island. Five observation plots with sizes 20 x 20 m have been created in three villages on Buru Island. Standard vegetation analysis, principal component analysis, and simulation of aboveground biomass using bootstrap techniques have already been done. Aquilaria sp. is the most important species in the observed community based on the important value index and cos2 value from principal component analysis. The diversity index shows the medium category with mostly stable conditions based on the evenness index. While the biomass estimation shows an average value of 600.50 kg ha-1 with a standard error 273.26 kg ha-1

Detection of Tree Cover Dynamic on Belitung Island using Random Forest Regression

Belitung Island faces a series of interconnected environmental problems, particularly in forest conservation. Protected forest areas play a crucial role in supporting life but their sustainability is threatened by human activities such as mining exploitation and forest conversion for plantations. Therefore, protecting and restoring protected forest areas are priorities for maintaining the ecosystem's sustainability on Belitung Island. An evaluation was conducted to assess the ecological conditions of conservation areas on Belitung Island by visualizing changes in protected land cover to assist conservation efforts. In this study, the evaluation system for vegetation cover conditions on Belitung Island and Gunung Lalang Grand Forest Park used random forest (RF) regression algorithms and remote sensing data. Satellite image data were used to determine the extent of vegetation cover on Belitung Island, utilizing combinations of bands from Landsat Satellites and MODIS Percent Tree Cover. Satellite images from 2013 to 2023 were used for comparison. This evaluation revealed several class changes in vegetation cover on Belitung Island based on percent tree cover classification over the years serving as an evaluation of land use in the areas under review. The R-squared value of 0.73 indicated that the samples used to predict land cover demonstrated a relatively high level of accuracy. This study could serve as an effective means of predicting and estimating large-scale vegetation changes, as well as a monitoring tool for conservation areas on Belitung Island