Citizen science reveal new distribution record and possibility of herpetofauna alien species spread in Java – Bali Region

Abstract

In Indonesia, several reports have been related to the distribution of alien herpetofauna species, especially in Java-Bali. This research aims to reveal the distribution record and possible new distribution of herpetofauna species in the Java-Bali region, including the possibility of alien species. Amfibi Reptil Kita (ARK) uses citizen science methods to collect herpetofauna data from 2017 – 2020 to see possible distribution of herpetofauna new species in the Java – Bali region. The data are then separated by year and region for analysis. After sorting, the data matched the distribution of species through various libraries and geotagged references based on each account. There are six new species recorded in Java-Bali referred to alien species. There are six new species recorded in Java-Bali reffered to alien species. Polypedates macrotis is a new record for Java, while two other amphibian species, Ranoidea caerulea and Lithobates catesbeianus are species whose natural distribution is not in Java-Bali. For reptiles, three types are indicated as alien species in Java-Bali, namely Calotes versicolor, Lamprolepis smaragdina and Pelodiscus sinensis. If alien species such as Lithobates catesbeianus, Calotes versicolor and Lamprolepis smaragdina are not managed properly there are possibility of becoming invasive species and threatening the existence of local species.