Conservation Center Research Articles

Researching the Job Corps at Acadia National Park

The War on Poverty-era Job Corps conservation centers of the National Park Service offer an important narrative about the contributions of young people of color and poor white people to conservation and the national parks. At a time when the agency is eager to diversify both its staff and visitors, this is an important history for the NPS to research and interpret for the public. The Job Corps and other federal youth conservation programs also offer important lessons for current and future job training and conservation programs. These lessons underscore the need to fully consider issues of race and class in federal programs that seek to address poverty and conservation, and to consider whether federal land agencies such as the National Park Service are equipped to handle this task.

Optimalisasi Potensi Wisata Desa Serangan Melalui Pendekatan Berkelanjutan: Studi Kasus Menggunakan Metode TOWS, EFAS, dan IFAS

Serangan Village in Denpasar, Bali, is recognized as an innovative tourist destination, having won the 2023 Anugerah Desa Wisata award. This recognition is supported by a variety of attractions such as Pura Sakenan, Asyuhada Mosque, Melasti Beach, mangrove forests, the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC), local traditions, and unique culinary offerings. This study aims to identify the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) factors affecting Serangan Village and to formulate strategies for sustainable tourism development based on the four main pillars of sustainable tourism destination criteria according to Minister of Tourism Regulation No.9 of 2021. A qualitative descriptive method using TOWS analysis, EFAS, and IFAS matrices was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that Serangan Village is in quadrant III, highlighting the need for effective strategies to optimize opportunities and address internal weaknesses. The strategy formulation results include leveraging the Bappenas Masterplan to build stakeholder collaboration, participating in training from the Denpasar City Tourism Office, forming a tourism impact monitoring team, implementing sustainable governance policies, utilizing social media for surveys and feedback, and developing policies for cultural asset protection and animal welfare to support sustainable tourism growth in Serangan Village.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dalam Perintisan Destinasi Wisata Minat Khusus di Desa Hutan Jabranti, Kuningan

Jabranti Village, located in Kuningan Regency, is the focus of the Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa) for Nature Lovers Forestry Students (MAHAKUPALA) with the topic Forest Village. This area is rich in biodiversity, including the presence of flora, various fauna as well as local wisdom and the existence of cultural sites. The aim of this activity is to increase the use of local wisdom and natural resources by the community, create new groups, increase community competence in resource management, and form special interest educational tourism destinations based on environmental preservation and local culture. The method of implementing activities is providing outreach, biodiversity inventory, interviews, training and mentoring to local communities and special interest educational tourism management groups as well as non-timber forest product management groups. This series of activities received a good response from participants, providing a very significant increase, creating a new source of income and making Jabranti Village a center for forest conservation in Kuningan Regency.

Preface

The International Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (ICNREC) is an annual event dedicated to discussing various topics and issues regarding the conservation of natural resources and the environment. The 4th ICNREC was held on October 26, 2023, at the IPB International Convention Center (Botani Square) in Bogor, Indonesia. This year, the conference raised the theme: “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover.” Over the past 25 years, driven by its high economic value, the area of oil palm plantations in Indonesia has nearly tripled. Since 2008, Indonesia has been the largest palm oil producer in the world, contributing 48% of the total global palm oil production. With an area of no less than 16.32 million hectares, palm oil plantations have brought various positive impacts, including generating foreign exchange, alleviating rural poverty, and creating jobs for approximately 21.49 million people. However, this success has also drawn accusations that oil palm plantations originate from primary or secondary forests, leading to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and a decline in plant diversity. Although these accusations are still debatable and not scientifically valid, they have significantly harmed Indonesia’s position in global trade. On May 16, 2023, the European Union officially implemented the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), which aims to ensure that products entering the EU market come from legal sources and do not cause deforestation. This regulation requires companies to trace these commodities back to the land where they were produced. In response, there is an urgent need to develop a scientifically valid and internationally recognized Deforestation Verification or Certification System for every oil palm plantation and palm oil mill. Research collaborations have shown that data and information about the “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover” in various provinces are relatively easy to obtain and scientifically valid. To achieve both national and international legitimacy, it is necessary to discuss these findings with experts from various parts of the world with relevant disciplines. Therefore, the 4th ICNREC is themed “Origin of Land Status, History of Land Use, and Development of Plantation Land Cover.” Given the strategic position of palm oil as Indonesia’s main foreign exchange source and to avoid systemic negative impacts on the future progress of Indonesia’s palm oil industry, developing a deforestation verification/certification system based on data and information about the origin of land status, land cover development, and land use history is crucial. The 4th ICNREC was organized in partnership with the Center for Study, Advocacy, and Nature Conservation (PUSAKA KALAM), the Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB University, and the French Agricultural Research for International Development (CIRAD). It also received support from various sponsors, including the Indonesia Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), Sampoerna Agri, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Asian Agri, the French Embassy in Indonesia, and the Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers Association (APKASINDO), along with many others who contributed to the event’s success. The conference resulted in a proceeding featuring 23 papers on various aspects of biodiversity. We appreciate all the support received in organizing the conference and preparing the proceedings and hope that these proceedings will benefit many people. Best Regards, Prof, Dr. Ir. Yanto Santosa, DEA Chairman of Committee of The 4th ICNREC List of Committee is available in this Pdf.

The Biology of Invasive Native Plant as an Ex-situ Collection: A Case Study of Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. (Araceae) in Bogor Botanical Garden, Indonesia

The Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG) is a pivotal center for plant research and conservation, boasting a diverse collection of over 12,000 individual plants spanning various species. However, among the plant collections at BBG, some of them have the potential to be invasive. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the plant collections at BBG with invasive potential and analyze the distribution of one of the most dominant collections, Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. The method employed in this research involved a literature review to identify which plant collections have invasive potential and a vegetation analysis on the distribution of E. pinnatum within BBG. Additionally, ANOVA analysis and regression models were employed to explore the relationship between environmental factors and E. pinnatum abundance. Results revealed that BBG hosted 78 potentially invasive plant species, with E. pinnatum comprising 28 individuals. Spatial analysis indicates a clustered distribution of E. pinnatum, influenced by seed dispersal mechanisms, environmental factors, and biotic interactions. Correlation analysis links soil pH, soil moisture, and canopy cover to E. pinnatum distribution. Canopy cover demonstrates a significant positive correlation with E. pinnatum abundance, suggesting its importance in providing favorable microclimates for growth. Regression analysis further supports canopy cover as a predictor of E. pinnatum presence. However, while a strong statistical association was observed, causal relationships require further investigation. This study underscores the complexity of ecological dynamics in BBG and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to define underlying mechanisms driving plant distributions and interactions.

Tracking genetic and phylogenetic diversity across Brazilian ecoregions: A molecular ecology approach using marine decapod crustaceans

Abstract Genetic diversity is shaped by life history traits and environmental factors across the marine ecoregions of the world (MEOW), a condition that serves as a valuable framework to enhance our understanding of gene flow processes and identifying priority conservation centers among populations in different regions. We investigated the genetic and phylogenetic diversity of 13 decapod crustacean species distributed across the marine ecoregions of Brazil. We hypothesized that ecoregions act as barriers to gene flow, creating distinct population structures and varying genetic diversity levels. We examined how habitat type, bathymetry, geographical distribution, and larval development affect genetic diversity. Mitochondrial markers from 13 species of the four major decapod groups (Anomura, Brachyura, Caridea, and Penaeoidea) were analyzed using nucleotide diversity, haplotype networks, pairwise FST, and linear mixed-effects models (LMER). Results show no significant genetic structuring among ecoregions. Genetic diversity correlates with habitat type (P < 0.05), with species from less impacted areas, especially intertidal zones like rocky shores and estuaries, displaying higher diversity. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and species richness (SR) varied, with the highest PD in eastern Brazil and the highest SR in southeastern Brazil. Intertidal zones showed the highest genetic diversity, likely due to their complex microhabitats and environmental variability. Our findings indicate that environmental and geographical barriers defined by the ecoregions do not significantly impede genetic connectivity among decapod crustaceans, which suggests that high dispersal potential of larval stages facilitates genetic flow across ecoregions. The results underscore the need for conservation strategies that consider the high genetic connectivity and diversity of marine species across broad spatial scales.

Strategic Steps To Make Effective National Energy Conservation Movement

The aim of this research is energy conservation as a pillar of national energy management which has not received adequate attention in Indonesia. The method used in this writing is qualitative descriptive. This method is used to describe the facts in the field. The results achieved in this research are the increasingly popular idea of ??using energy economically as a "smart way of living". The clearest indicator of the work carried out by the energy conservation center and other elements of society is Japan's success in positioning itself as the country with the best energy usage productivity in the world and maintaining this position over the period until now. The conclusion of the results obtained is the acceleration of the formation of an energy saving culture by involving all elements of society with a religious and sociocultural approach.

Diverse Circular DNA Viral Communities in Blood, Oral, and Fecal Samples of Captive Lemurs.

Few studies have addressed viral diversity in lemurs despite their unique evolutionary history on the island of Madagascar and high risk of extinction. Further, while a large number of studies on animal viromes focus on fecal samples, understanding viral diversity across multiple sample types and seasons can reveal complex viral community structures within and across species. Groups of captive lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center (Durham, NC, USA), a conservation and research center, provide an opportunity to build foundational knowledge on lemur-associated viromes. We sampled individuals from seven lemur species, i.e., collared lemur (Eulemur collaris), crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons), ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata), and red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra), across two lemur families (Lemuridae, Indriidae). Fecal, blood, and saliva samples were collected from Coquerel's sifaka and black-and-white ruffed lemur individuals across two sampling seasons to diversify virome biogeography and temporal sampling. Using viral metagenomic workflows, the complete genomes of anelloviruses (n = 4), cressdnaviruses (n = 47), caudoviruses (n = 15), inoviruses (n = 34), and microviruses (n = 537) were determined from lemur blood, feces, and saliva. Many virus genomes, especially bacteriophages, identified in this study were present across multiple lemur species. Overall, the work presented here uses a viral metagenomics approach to investigate viral communities inhabiting the blood, oral cavity, and feces of healthy captive lemurs.

Detection of Mycoplasma spp. in free-living seabirds.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and identify the species of mycoplasma isolates obtained from seabirds found on Brazilian coastal beaches. Tracheal and cloacal swab samples were collected from 50 seabirds rescued by three conservation and marine animal rehabilitation centers located in Brazil. The tracheal and cloacal samples were subjected to mycoplasma culture and the isolates were identified through PCR. A "Mollicutes-specific" 16S rRNA PCR reaction was employed for triage. Four species-specific PCR reactions were used to detect Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis, or M. gallinarum. The Mollicutes positive and species negative samples were submitted do 16S rRNA sequencing. Eighteen (36%) of 50 seabirds tested positive for mycoplasma by culture. In the PCR for the genus, 28 (56%) of 50 seabirds were positive for Mycoplasma spp., with 13 (26%) detected in the trachea, one (2%) in the cloaca, and 14 (28%) in both sites. In the species-specific PCR, M. gallisepticum was detected in 17.8%, and M. meleagridis in 17.8%. Both species were detected in 14.3%. Of the isolates not characterized at species level, we obtained ten sequences and they were divided into three clusters. The first cluster was closely related to M. meleagridis, the second to M. synoviae, and the third grouped M. tully, M. gallisepticum, and M. imitans. Four and five of nine species of seabirds studied had mycoplasma detected by culture or PCR, respectively. Mycoplasmas were found in the majority of the animals studied, with the highest prevalence proportionally found in Sula leucogaster, and the lowest in Fregata magnificens. The phylogenetic analysis identified Mycoplasma spp. adapted to aquatic birds.

Freshwater mussels prefer a diet of stramenopiles and fungi over bacteria

Freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Unionidae) play a crucial role in freshwater river environments where they live in multi-species aggregations and often serve as long-lived benthic ecosystem engineers. Many of these species are imperiled and it is imperative that we understand their basic needs to aid in the reestablishment and maintenance of mussel beds in rivers. In an effort to expand our knowledge of the diet of these organisms, five species of mussel were introduced into enclosed systems in two experiments. In the first, mussels were incubated in water from the Clinch River (Virginia, USA) and in the second, water from a manmade pond at the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, VA. Quantitative PCR and eDNA metabarcoding were used to determine which planktonic microbes were present before and after the introduction of mussels into each experimental system. It was found that all five species preferentially consumed microeukaryotes over bacteria. Most microeukaryotic taxa, including Stramenopiles and Chlorophytes were quickly consumed by all five mussel species. We also found that they consumed fungi but not as quickly as the microalgae, and that one species of mussel, Ortmanniana pectorosa, consumed bacteria but only after preferred food sources were depleted. Our results provide evidence that siphon feeding Unionid mussels can select preferred microbes from mixed plankton, and mussel species exhibit dietary niche differentiation.

TURTLE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER (TCEC) AS A DIGITAL PROMOTION STRATEGY TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF TOURIST VISITS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Promotional strategies play a pivotal role in enhancing the attractiveness of tourist destinations. This research endeavors to explore the promotional tactics utilized by the Turtle Conservation And Education Center (TCEC) to amplify tourist footfall, scrutinize its marketing blend, and evaluate the repercussions of these promotional endeavors. Employing three methodologies for data collection, namely interviews, observations, and documentation, the study conducts qualitative data analysis using descriptive approaches. The results will elucidate the promotional maneuvers implemented to augment tourist visits via the Marketing Mix (7Ps) adopted by TCEC. These maneuvers encompass social media engagement, partnerships with travel agencies, development of tailored tour packages, participation in tourism expos, and educational ventures. These endeavors aspire to widen the visibility of TCEC among tourists. The impact of these promotional campaigns is manifested in the surge of annual tourist arrivals. In 2019, around 41,563 visitors were recorded, a figure that substantially dwindled to 5,795 in 2020 due to the adverse repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bali's tourism, particularly at TCEC. Nonetheless, there was a marginal upturn to 7,187 tourist visits in 2021, escalating further to 10,872 by 2022. This notable upsurge underscores the efficacy of TCEC's marketing team in their promotional endeavors, accentuating the center's conservation initiatives, amenities, and available activities. TCEC remains proactive in its promotional stratagems, persistently disseminating information to visitors regarding its conservation initiatives and offerings.

TURTLE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER (TCEC) AS A DIGITAL PROMOTION STRATEGY TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF TOURIST VISITS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Promotional strategies play a pivotal role in enhancing the attractiveness of tourist destinations. This research endeavors to explore the promotional tactics utilized by the Turtle Conservation And Education Center (TCEC) to amplify tourist footfall, scrutinize its marketing blend, and evaluate the repercussions of these promotional endeavors. Employing three methodologies for data collection, namely interviews, observations, and documentation, the study conducts qualitative data analysis using descriptive approaches. The results will elucidate the promotional maneuvers implemented to augment tourist visits via the Marketing Mix (7Ps) adopted by TCEC. These maneuvers encompass social media engagement, partnerships with travel agencies, development of tailored tour packages, participation in tourism expos, and educational ventures. These endeavors aspire to widen the visibility of TCEC among tourists. The impact of these promotional campaigns is manifested in the surge of annual tourist arrivals. In 2019, around 41,563 visitors were recorded, a figure that substantially dwindled to 5,795 in 2020 due to the adverse repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bali's tourism, particularly at TCEC. Nonetheless, there was a marginal upturn to 7,187 tourist visits in 2021, escalating further to 10,872 by 2022. This notable upsurge underscores the efficacy of TCEC's marketing team in their promotional endeavors, accentuating the center's conservation initiatives, amenities, and available activities. TCEC remains proactive in its promotional stratagems, persistently disseminating information to visitors regarding its conservation initiatives and offerings.

The impact of Roundup® Original DI on the hemolymph metabolism and gill and hepatopancreas oxidative balance of Parastacus promatensis (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae).

In Brazil, glyphosate is present in more than 130 commercial formulations, and its toxic effects have already been tested in different species to understand its impact on biota Decapod crustaceans are widely used as experimental models due to their biology, sensitivity to pollutants, ease of collection, and maintenance under laboratory conditions. We evaluated the changes in metabolism (hemolymph) and oxidative balance markers (gill and hepatopancreas) of a crayfish (Parastacus promatensis) after exposure to Roundup® (active ingredient: glyphosate). The crayfish were captured in the Garapiá stream within the Center for Research and Conservation of Nature Pró-Mata, Brazil. We collected adult animals outside (fall) and during (spring) the breeding season. The animals were transported in buckets with cooled and aerated water from the collection site to the aquatic animal maintenance room at the university. After acclimatization, the animals were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (0, 65, 260, 520, and 780 µg/L). The results showed a significant variation in the hemolymph glucose, lactate, and protein levels. We observed variations in the tissue antioxidant enzymatic activity after exposure to glyphosate. Finally, the increase in oxidative damage required a high energy demand from the animals to maintain their fitness, which makes them more vulnerable to stress factors added to the habitat.

Community-based Sustainable Ecotourism at Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency

Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism method that uses local ecosystems and community culture to preserve nature and generate benefits. Tangkahan, an ecotourism area in Indonesia, has a history of forest exploitation and illegal logging. The local community is working to make it a sustainable conservation area. This research will explain Community-Based Sustainable Ecotourism in Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency. This descriptive research uses a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews, FGDs, observations, and focus group discussions, and uses data analysis techniques as suggested. The results showed that the management of Tangkahan Ecotourism involved cooperating parties such as the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Centre, Gunung Leuser National Park Centre, Forest Management FMU, Conservation Response Unit, PT Perkebunan Nusantara II, Tourism Office, and two Tangkahan Tourism Area Villages namely Namo Sialang Village and Serdang Village. The Tangkahan Tourism Board manages the area, including marketing, guide services, and rescue efforts. However, land licensing issues, trust, and access difficulties hinder development. The development model should be open and community-based, integrating ecotourism development with other community activities. Critical programs include regulatory regulations, tourist facilities, infrastructure, human resources, cooperation, and collaboration with relevant parties.

Morphometric and DNA sexing accurately in male Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) determination at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Withaningsih S, Ilham MF, Rosdianto AM. 2024. Morphometric and DNA sexing accurately in male Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) determination at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1167-1173. The Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) is a protected and endemic species of eagle in Indonesia whose existence is symbolized by the Garuda Pancasila. Raptors act at the top of the predatory chain and as indicators of environmental health. IUCN data states that N. bartelsi is red-listed as endangered. It is one of Indonesia's most frequently hunted and traded birds, and this trading practice has changed its natural behavior. Therefore, preservation through conservation –one of which is rehabilitation– programs are needed to maintain their sustainability. The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to release the Javan hawk-eagle back into its natural habitat. In conservation and breeding programs, accurate determination of the sex of raptors is integral to informing conservation decision-making, population management, and research efforts aimed at protecting these iconic birds of prey and their habitats. Therefore, this study aims to determine the sex of male N. bartelsi through morphometric and DNA sexing techniques. The research subjects were seven N. bartelsi rehabilitated at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, Garut, Indonesia. Morphometric sexing measurements obtained the following results: two males were consistent upon comparing DNA sexing and Kamonjang Eagle Conservation Centre records observations. Analyses were obtained using primer 2550F/2718R that recognized CHD1-Z and CHD1-W as cleaved. Furthermore, the amplification was successfully read a sexing of N. bartelsi at Kamonjang Eagle Conservation Centre. The analysis primer sets mainly for raptors can assist conservation programs such as breeding programs and data collection for mapping this raptor. In addition, the PCR method can also assist in the accurate management of in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

Some Observations from a Summer Trip to Alaska

Last summer my wife and I went to Alaska for a couple of weeks. In my nearly 40 years of work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service I never had the opportunity to experience Alaska’s wetlands, so I had to do it in retirement — one item on my bucket list. We started our trip in Anchorage and our first stop with the rental car was Potter Marsh which has a great boardwalk system traversing the marsh. To our surprise after walking just 100 yards, we saw a moose feeding in the shallow water...what a sight at our first stop. We then went to Seward and along the way stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Exit Glacier. When back in Anchorage we stopped at 49th State Brewing where I had two pints of a delicious imperial stout — “Candy Bar” — brewed with peanuts, chocolate, and caramel...perfect for my sweet tooth (sorry but the beer was just so good I have to give it a shout-out). We also visited a high school classmate who was a teacher in Anchorage and spent a day in Talkeetna where we spoke with Aurora Dora, a local photographer who has captured some amazing images of the Aurora Borealis (check out images on her website: https://auroradora.com/). Here we also sampled some birch syrup made from White or Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera var. humilis and B. neoalaskana). On Day 3 we began our Princess land-sea cruise tour as we headed north to Denali for a couple of days and then took the scenic train to Whittier (great views of Alaska’s wetlands on the way, despite the rain) and then to various ports via ship. I was hoping to see some bears in Denali and other places, but the salmon were not yet running, so bears were out of sight although I did see one running across a meadow at some distance. I also saw a few along with other animals common to the state at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where they rescue injured/orphaned wildlife. Some high points of the trip were seeing Denali in all its glory, a female moose with calf at Horseshoe Lake, wildflowers in bloom along the Savage River Trail and the Savage Alpine Trail (exhausting but great time for wildflower photography), a hike across a local bog at Hoonah (Icy Strait Point), a hike through a temperate rain forest (Tongass National Forest) to Mendenhall Glacier, and seeing Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) bubblenet feeding in Auke Bay, plus views of a few other glaciers and whales during the cruise. If you don’t know what bubble-net feeding is ... check out this website: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=z00G0RxeSP0. There’s still more to see in Alaska, so we’ll probably be heading back in late summer 2025 to travel inland. Here’s some mostly wetland-centric images from the trip.

Wildlife Preservation and Public Enlightenment: An In-Depth Analysis of Kanpur Zoological Park's Contribution to Conservation and Education

Sprawling over 76.56 hectares, the Kanpur Zoological Park (KZP) is the largest open green space in Kanpur and the largest zoological park in North India. Housing over 1,400 animals representing nearly 125 species, KZP serves as a crucial sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Notably, they participate in breeding programs for critically endangered species like the white tiger (with a captive population of 3 at KZP) and the Himalayan black bear (currently housing 5 individuals). KZP's rehabilitation efforts have successfully released 23 Indian pangolins back into their natural habitat since 2010, contributing directly to the conservation of this threatened species.In the realm of education, KZP offers a diverse range of programs, reaching over 800,000 students annually. These programs include interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational workshops, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for biodiversity. However, challenges remain, including ensuring the ethical welfare of animals in captivity and measuring the long-term impact of educational programs on visitor behavior.By embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration with other organisations, and prioritising ethical practices, KZP has the potential to significantly improve its impact. This can include initiatives like utilising VR technology to enhance visitor engagement with animal habitats (studies suggest VR experiences can increase knowledge retention by up to 20%) and developing standardised assessment methods to measure the effectiveness of educational programs. By addressing these challenges and leveraging its strengths as a prominent green space and conservation centre, KZP can become a leading force in inspiring future generations to become stewards of the environment.

The Responsibility of Natural Resources Conservation Center in Preventing Encroachment of Conservation Forest Areas in East Nusa Tenggara

This research aims to examine the relationship between the increase in encroachment on conservation forests and the classification of forests based on their ownership status, as well as assess the East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA's responsibility in addressing conservation forest encroachment. This research uses an empirical legal research method. All collected data is then qualitatively analyzed to describe the problem and answer the research objectives. The results show that land ownership claims, boundary disputes, and a lack of community understanding regarding conservation forest status are the primary causes of encroachment. Although the East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA has taken various proactive steps to address conservation forest encroachment, the issue has not yet been fundamentally resolved. Therefore, it is recommended that the Local Government and East Nusa Tenggara BBKSDA take concrete measures to tackle the ambiguity of land ownership status, which is one of the root problems of conservation forest encroachment. These measures could begin with reviewing and updating data related to land boundaries and ownership status, followed by mediation between the government and the community to resolve border disputes fairly and transparently. Furthermore, it is essential for traditional institutions and local communities to actively participate in this process actively, utilizing local knowledge and traditions in determining fair and mutually recognized land boundaries. The Local Government and BBKSDA must also enhance efforts to socialize and educate the community about the importance of conservation forests, including the long-term benefits of forest conservation for environmental sustainability and the local economy. These efforts should be carried out through effective communication appropriate to the local cultural context so that the community can accept and value the importance of conservation forests.

Conservation recovery of Batagur kachuga and Batagur dhongoka turtles in India: Development and operation of a head-starting facility

In 2006, a long-term conservation project was initiated for the recovery of endangered turtles Batagur kachuga and Batagur dhongoka along the lower Chambal river. This is based on the collection of eggs from the wild, incubation in a riverside hatchery, and then for most hatchlings release back into the wild within 24 hours of hatching. A sub-set of these hatchlings are reared at the Turtle Conservation Centre, in a specially designed head-starting facility until they weigh up to 1 kg, before release into the wild. A detailed description is given of the design, development and operation of the head-starting facility. Up to 2020, the project had successfully head-started 786 B. kachuga and 66 B. dhongoka. Moreover, this head-starting facility has supplied two conservation colonies, consisting of 50 subadult B. kachuga within the species’ historical range, Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre and Kanpur Zoological Park, both under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The long-term aim of the project is to retore B. kachuga to its former range.

Development of rice field and mangrove tourism center for conservation and edu-ecotourism in Bukit Terap Village

The design stems from the insufficient public attention towards the tourism potential in Bukit Terap village, resulting in minimal tourist interest in visiting the area. To bolster the community's economy, there's a need to conserve natural resources, which is expected to enhance the tourism sector. The objective of this initiative is to offer alternative solutions by developing rice field and mangrove concepts for natural resource conservation and edu-ecotourism, tailored to the geographical landscape of Bukit Terap village. This involves activities such as conceptual design and raising awareness about the importance of conserving natural resources as a tourist attraction. As a result, a master plan for ecotourism development in Bukit Terap Village has been formulated and agreed upon by the community.