Indonesian Species Research Articles

Conservation, Phytoremediation Potential and Invasiveness Status of Bali Botanic Garden Aquatic Plant Collection

Bali Botanic Garden (BBG) aspires to conduct conservation and research of eastern Indonesian plant species, including the aquatic plant species. These were important as aquatic plant species could be ecologically threatened, beneficial or even dangerous. As scientific data of BBG aquatic plant species collection was limited, we proposed this study to provide researchers and garden managers with data to conduct research, collection and maintenance of the garden aquatic plant collection. The study was carried out by sourcing list of BBG collected plant species data for its aquatic plant species. Literatures study was then carried out to gain information regarding the plant species’ heavy metal phytoremediation, conservation and invasiveness status while data analysis was conducted descriptively. The study result showed that 38 collection numbers of aquatic plant species collected in BGG were placed in five sites within the garden with 94% of all the aquatic plants collection came from Lesser Sunda Islands. Eleven aquatic plants species were listed as Least Concern by IUCN Red List. Fourteen species of collected aquatic plants were proved to possessed phytoremediation potential toward numerous heavy metal pollutants, while six species were listed as an invasive alien plant species in Indonesia. All of the provided data should be enabled the botanic garden stakeholders to come up with ideas in the research and maintenance effort of BBG aquatic plant collection.

BULBOPHYLLUM ACEHENSE (ORCHIDACEAE), A NEW SPECIES OF SECTION BECCARIANA FROM ACEH, SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Abstract: Sumatra island has been considered as one of the diversity centers for Bulbophyllum species in Indonesia. During botanical exploration held in the mid of 2019, specimens of the genus Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) section Beccariana have been collected from highland forests in Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Their flower morphology and plant habitus are relatively close to Bulbophyllum cornutum (Blume) Rchb.f. (section Beccariana). Therefore, the aim of this research is to compare the Bulbophyllum sp. from Aceh with closely resemble species in section Beccariana, also to describe and illustrate the morphological characteristics of this Bulbophyllum species from Aceh. Morphological description was carried out by characterizing the flowers and plant habit of the living plants, spirit materials, dried herbarium specimens and photographs. Morphological comparisons with other closely resemble Bulbophyllum species were carried out based on data from protologue, living plants, herbarium specimens and several taxonomic references. The result based on morphological comparisons has showed there were several distinct differences on their flower characteristics, especially on the labellum. Therefore, this Bulbophyllum sp. from Aceh is here described and illustrated as new species, namely Bulbophyllum acehense.Keywords: Bulbophyllum, Sumatra, OrchidaceaeÂÂ

Length-weight, maturity, and condition factor of torpedo scads (Megalaspis cordyla Linnaeus, 1758) in the Java Sea, Indonesia

Abstract. Oktaviani D, Priyanto E, Nugroho D. 2020. Length-weight, maturity, and condition factor of torpedo scads (Megalaspis cordyla Linnaeus, 1758) in the Java Sea, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1527-1534. The Java Sea comprises the most extensive ecosystem with high pressure on the biodiversity of marine fish species in Indonesia. Small pelagic fish is the main target among marine fish species in this area for decades to fulfill the need for animal protein for human consumption. Torpedo scads (Megalaspis cordyla Linnaeus, 1758) locally called as tetengkek is one of the common species caught in small pelagic seiners fisheries in the area. The significant increasing trend of annual fish landing could lead to unsustainable long-term harvesting. This study was performed to support baseline information on the biological characteristics of Torpedo scads. Measurements on length, weight, sex, maturity, and gonad weight are the main database that collected from February to December 2017 in the Tegal fishing port, north coast of central Java. A total of 2139 specimens were available for monthly length-frequency measurements, and 601 specimens among them specifically observed for length-weight, sex, maturity stage, and their gonad weight. The result showed that fish caught within a range of 16.0-35.4 cmFL and weight of 40-570 g. The length-weight relationship tends to be isometric with the equation of L = 7.e-03 W3.1511. The male and female ratio at 1.07: 1.0 with most of the fish caught at an immature stage (77% of males and 63% of females). Average Fulton condition factor (Kn) of 1.15­+0.09 (0.86-1.64). A wide range of GSI indicates that torpedo scads partially spawn at each month of the year.

Four new species of the Oriental genus Siamites Franz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

Four new species of the rare glandulariine genus Siamites Franz are described: S. langkatensis sp. n. (Indonesia); S. thantonus sp. n. (Thailand); S. sumatrensis sp. n. (Indonesia); and S. sabahensis sp. n. (E Malaysia). The Indonesian species represent the first records of Siamites on Sumatra, and the Malay species is the first Siamites known to occur in Sabah; the number of nominal Siamites species increases to eight.

Morphological variation of Ahaetulla prasina (Boie, 1827) (Squamata: Colubridae) in Indonesia, with an expanded description of the species

Since Leviton (1967) argued that genus Ahaetulla needed to extensively review, we started to examine the most common Ahaetulla species in Indonesia, A. prasina. This study aims to explain the morphological variation and analyses pattern of A. prasina population from Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi mainland. This study was carried out by manually counting and measuring the characteristics of 64 A. prasina specimens belongs to Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB) collections on 2016. All morphological characters have analysed using PCA, homogeneity test and one way anova test. The results shown there have variation in meristic characters as the adaptation pattern due to environmental condition and sexual dimorphism. In contrast, the morphometric characters shown that there no significant and slightly variation within population in these mainlands. Kalimantan population has larger head size than others and assumed as an adaptation towards its prey. This evidence proved that A. prasina is a snake species which successfully adapt in various environment types.

Satwa Negeriku: STEM-based encyclopedia as literacy media for elementary student

This research aims to develop, measures the feasibility, and implements STEM-based Encyclopedia to train the literacy of elementary school students. This study uses a 4D development model from Thiagarajan. The subjects were students in grades 4, 5, and 6 of the teachers at Muhammadiyah Pepe Elementary School, Yogyakarta. Encyclopedias were tested on students and teachers after proper approval by material experts, linguists, and media experts. Data obtained through questionnaires, interviews, field notes and observations. The validation results show that the Encyclopedia is worth using to support the literacy program. The results of the small group trial received a value of 95 (very good), the large group trial received a score of 92 (very good), and also the good application received a score of 91.5 (very good). Students find encyclopedias very interesting, easy to understand, and increase students' understanding of endangered species in Indonesia. The observations also show the use of STEM-based encyclopedias leading to the realization of competency literacy indicators. The teacher also appreciates that the encyclopedia is suitable to be used as teaching material that supports the literacy program.

Newly distribution record of four marine crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura) collected from Seribu Island-Jakarta, Indonesia

Brachyuran is an important biotic component in marine ecosystems, and is known as a keystone species. Information about brachyuran species in Indonesia, in this case from Seribu Islands-Jakarta, is still limited, especially for the non-economic crabs. Based on the manual sampling, it was found that there are four crabs that have not been reported from the Islands, i.e. Ozius guttatus, Carpilius maculatus, Gelasimus hesperiae, and Etisus laevimanus. In term of ecological point of view, the Islands are influenced by the Jakarta Bay as food provider for supporting the live of brachyuran crab. Crab database is necessary to increase the utilization of crabs in the future, e.g. as antibacterial activity and the sources of chitin and chitosan.

Geographical analysis of the Javan deer distribution in Indonesia and priorities for landscape conservation

Javan deer (Rusa timorensis) is a protected species in Indonesia and considered to be vulnerable under IUCN list. Nevertheless, its native geographic distribution remains unclear, and the impact of abiotic and biotic factors on this species are mostly unknown. We predicted the potential range of Javan deer in Java and Bali Islands using ten environmental variables, occurrence data of native (76 before 1965, and 653 after 1965) and introduced populations (559), and MaxEnt modelling. We evaluated the effects of habitat loss due to current land use, ecosystem availability, and importance of Indonesian protected areas into the models. Our predictive map significantly improved the IUCN assessment and described for the first time the spread of Javan deer out of its native range within Indonesia. The model of environmental suitability estimated a potential of 3,784.43 km2 natural occurrence in Java and Bali and 36,352.61 km2 for introduced populations in protected areas of West Nusa Tenggara to Papua. The most critical environmental predictors for both populations are the mean annual precipitation and the conservation status of land. Then, 45.66 % of the distribution of native populations overlaps with protected areas, 18.96 % with production forests, 11.07 % with non-protected areas, 10.10 % with limited production forests and 4.20 % with industrial oil palm plantations. Only 22.88 % of the distribution of introduced populations overlaps with protected areas. Our study provides reliable information on places where conservation efforts must be prioritized, both inside and outside the protected area network, to safeguard one of the remaining Indonesian large deer.

Enigmatic hotspot of crayfish diversity at risk: Invasive potential of non‐indigenous crayfish if introduced to New Guinea

Abstract The large island of New Guinea has a rich indigenous astacofauna represented by numerous parastacids from the genus Cherax. The western half of the island is part of Indonesian territory. Indonesia is known to be the main exporter of ornamental crayfish globally, and certain New Guinean species are exploited as ornamentals within the international pet trade. Moreover, one non‐indigenous species has been previously recorded being cultured in Java, Indonesia. This species, the North American Procambarus clarkii, is a vector of crayfish plague, the disease that is lethal to most parastacids. This population has already tested positive for the disease. As the transport of non‐indigenous crayfish within the Indonesian territory is not restricted, their introduction to New Guinea can be expected. The Indonesian market was therefore surveyed for ornamental crayfish and their environmental suitability evaluated, as represented by temperature during the drought and rainy seasons in New Guinea. Four North American and one Australian species were found advertised for sale. One of them, P. clarkii, was assessed as the most damaging species, followed by other North American species. A total ban on the culture and transport of the highest risk crayfish species in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is recommended.

Short Communication: Prolactin and x-collagen genes polymorphism in Central Javanese local ducks, Indonesia

Abstract. Susanti R, Yuniastuti A. 2020. Short Communication: Prolactin and x-collagen genes polymorphism in Central Javanese local ducks, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 605-610. Genetic conservation is an effective approach to preserve unique and protected species in Indonesia, including indigenous duck (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758). One of the most important things is an identification effort by studying genetic characteristics to support genetic resource conservation programs. This study aim was to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of Central Javanese local duck based on prolactin (PRL) and collagen-x (COLX) genes. A total of 35 local ducks in Central Java was collected as samples, the duck’s calamus feathers were taken for tissue DNA isolation. Polymorphism analysis of PRL and COLX genes were performed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and PCR-RFLP method. The amplicons were then digested with DraI restriction enzyme (AhaIII) (5'TTT/ AAA) for PRL gene, and HaeIII (BsuRI) enzyme (5'GG/ CC-3 ') for COLX gene. The genotype was determined based on RFLP PCR amplicon band results from each target gene. For each gene, data on genotype frequencies, allele frequencies, expected heterozygosities (HE), and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were analyzed using PopGene32 software. Based on the PRL gene, there were 25 ducks (71.43%) with BB genotype and 10 ducks (28.57%) with AB genotype. While based on the COLX gene, as many as 25 ducks (71.43%) had TT genotypes, 9 ducks (25.71%) had TC types and 1 duck (1.86%) had CC types. Both PRL and COLX genotypes were clustered the Central Javanese local ducks into 5 haplotypes (A-E). The high allele frequency has belonged to B allele (85.71%) of the PRL gene and T allele (84.25%) of the COLX gene that showed high egg production and quality. Allele B (PRL gene) and T allele (COLX gene) could be predicted as weight eggs’ alleles marker.

Morphology and molecular identification on octopus (Genus Octopus Cuvier, 1798) caught in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi, West Java

Octopus (genus Octopus) is a member of family Octopodidae with two valid species in Indonesia. From fishery point of view octopus utilization has been started to increase, although, the effort to catch it is still limited. This research was aimed to identify octopus (genus Octopus) collected from Palabuhanratu Bay morphologically, with validation by means of molecular technique. This research was done from January to June 2017. Thirty-seven individuals were obtained, and were analyzed morphologically and molecularly. Morphological identification showed that samples have a characteristic similarity to Octopus cyanea. Arm Suckers Count (ASC) was the most diverse morphometrical character. Gene characteristics of the samples have 99% similarity to Octopus cyanea gene that stored in NCBI site’s database. Molecular analysis obtained similarity on genetic characteristics for all samples. Based on morphology characteristic and molecular validation, all samples were determined as Octopus cyanea.

The growth and biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis in ethanol extract of Citrus aurantiifolia Indonesian species

Context: Enterococcus faecalis is reported as a biofilm bacterium involved in the pathogenesis of tooth root canal infection. The ability to grow and form biofilms is the reason these bacteria are difficult to be eliminated. Aims: To analyze the antibacterial effect of Citrus aurantiifolia against the growth and biofilm formation of E. faecalis. Methods: This study used E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and ethanol extract of lime peel (Citrus aurantiifolia). The E. faecalis growth was assessed by spectrophotometry, and biofilm formation was examined with 1% violet crystals also visualized by microscope (magnification 400×). Results: Citrus aurantiifolia extract can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of E. faecalis with varying quantities. Based on period incubations, a concentration of 6.25% had a better ability to suppress the growth of E. faecalis (<300 CFU/mL). The 75% concentration was the highest among other levels to inhibit the biofilms formation of E. faecalis that assumed the higher concentration of the extract, the most significant increase in inhibition of the biofilm formation of E. faecalis. Growth and biofilm formation of E. faecalis showed linearity in line with a concentration of 6.25% (p<0.05: 0.000) with a relatively stable relationship (r=0.506). Conclusions: Citrus aurantiifolia extract can inhibit the growth of E. faecalis that is in line with the inhibiton of the biofilm formation.

Keanekaragaman Kapang Patogen dan Non Patogen pada Imago, Kokon, dan Larva Instar Keenam Ulat Sutera Liar Attacus atlas (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Attacus atlas is one of several mould species in Indonesia known as kupu-kupu gajah. Information about variety of mould is rarely known. The purpose of this research was to obtain data about variety of pathogenic or non pathogenic mould at imago,cocoon, and sixth larvae phase of wild silkworm A. atlas. Mould was isolated from cocoon, integument, alimentary duct and reproduction duct of imago, trachea, midgut and hindgut, also haemolymph of larvae. Isolated mould was cultured on potato dextrose agar. Isolated mould from cocoon and imago was identified by macroscopic and microscopic observation. The results showed that there were two kind of moulds from cocoon which were Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus. There were four kind of moulds from imago A. atlas which were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium dimerum, and Aspergillus sp.There were three kind of moulds from sixth larvae which were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium dimerum. The mould which has opportunistic pathogenic for Attacus atlas were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium dimerum.

A review of the Indonesian species of the family Signiphoridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea), with description of three new species.

The Indonesian species of the family Signiphoridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are revised. Three species of Chartocerus are described as new (Chartocerus kartiniae Polaszek & Schmidt, sp. nov., C. sumatrensis Schmidt & Polaszek, sp. nov., and C. javensis Schmidt & Ubaidillah, sp. nov.) and four species of Signiphora, viz., S. bennetti Woolley & Dal Molin, S. flavella Girault, S. perpauca Girault and S. bifasciata Ashmead, are diagnosed.

The tremendous diversity of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in Indonesia (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae).

Material collected between 2010 and 2014 on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Bali, Sumba, Sumbawa, Sulawesi, and Seram unveiled the enormous diversity of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in this country. Five species were reported from Indonesia previously (L. fulmeki (Ulmer), L. obscurum (Ulmer), L. necopinatum (Müller-Liebenau), L. ulmeri (Müller-Liebenau), and L. boettgeri (Ulmer)); all were described from adults only and no species were previously known at larval stage. We identified 18 new species by integrative taxonomy using genetic distance (COI, Kimura-2-parameter) and morphology, and they are described and illustrated based on their larvae. Another species, L. multus (Müller-Liebenau) from Malaysia, was also found in Indonesia, increasing the total number of species in Indonesia to 24. Seven morpho-groups of species are proposed based on morphological characters and a key to the larvae of all species from Indonesia and adjacent countries is provided. The total number of Labiobaetis species worldwide is augmented to 123. The examination of the new species allowed us to slightly modify the generic attributes of the larvae. The interspecific K2P distances are usually between 11% and 24%, the intraspecific distances are usually between 0% and 3%. The remarkable richness of the genus in Indonesia is discussed.

First photographic inland record of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) in Indonesian waters

Blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus were caught and photographed by local people on 6 March 2019 during a flash flood in Sentani, Jayapura district, Papua province, Indonesia. The presence of C. melanopterus in Sentani represents the first inland record (c. 20 km) for this species in Indonesia. All individuals found were small-sized sharks (c. 500-600 mm), suggesting very young juveniles. We presume their occurence in Sentani a few hours after a flash flood is in response to seasonal freshwater inflow to estuarine environment.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with adaptive plants in gold mine tailing

Abstract. Tuheteru FD, Husna, Albasri, Arif A, Wulan SA, Kramadibrata K. 2019. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with adaptive plants in gold mine tailing. Biodiversitas 20: 3398-3404. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungi from division Glomeremycota within the kingdom Fungi, which have a broad ecological range and symbiosis with a variety of vegetations, including vegetations in gold post-mining areas or gold tailings. The study of identifying types of AMF in gold tailings in Southeast Sulawesi is still limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of AMF in the rhizosphere of adaptive plants in gold tailings land in Bombana District, Southeast Sulawesi. Soil samples were collected from adaptive plants in Perseroan Terbatas (PT) Panca Logam Makmur, Bombana District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. AM Fungi spores were isolated and identified based on their morphological characteristics (shape, size, color, attached hyphae, and spore ornamentation). Five types of AMF were identified, namely Glomus aggregatum, Sclerocystis sinuosa, Acaulospora scrobiculata, A. tuberculata, Scutellospora pellucida, and two genera that had not been identified up to species, Glomus sp. and Scutellospora sp. In addition to spores, the symbiosis of AM Fungi with adaptive plants was also demonstrated by the structure of AM Fungi in plant roots with a rate of 74% colonization. S. pellucida and S. sinuosa were recorded as new species in Indonesia and Sulawesi, respectively. While A. tuberculata is a type of AMF that enriches AMF diversity in Southeast Sulawesi.

Kajian Molekular Tarsius sp. Pada Gen Penyandi Cytochrome Oxidase Sub-unit 2 Mitokondria

Tarsius is an endemic species in Indonesia that is endangered. In-situ and ex-situ conservation of this species would yield better results if this genetic make up and diversity is determined. The objective of this ressearch was to study the specific genetic marker on COX2 gene of Tarsius sp. Sequencing of PCR product using primer COX2F and COX2R resulted in base sequence of 513 nts. Results of COX2 fragments sequencing were put on multiple alignment with other primates from Genbank with aid of software Clustal W, and were analyzed using MEGA program version 4.1. Eight different amino acid sites were found (amino acid no. 5, 6, 13, 14, 30, 35, 44 and 168). The genetic distance based on nucleotide COX2 calculated using Kimura 2-parameter model indicated that in the smallest genetic distance 0%, biggest 6.8% and average 2.3%. The phylogenetic tree using neighbor joining method based on the sequence of nucleotide and amino acid COX2 reveded differentiation among Tarsius from Lampung and Tarsius from Sulawesi, but could not be used to differentiate among T. dianae (from Central Sulawesi) and T. spectrum (from North Sulawesi).

Etika Animalitas

Why animal ethics? The importance of animal ethics for the Indonesian public is to respond to the extinction threat of some animal species in Indonesia, like Tiger in Sumatera, Orang Utan in Kalimantan, Anoa in Sulawesi, and Cendrawasih in Papua. The way humans consume animals is often cruel, causing pain and suffering on the part of the animals. Such an attitude indicates the lack of moral standing in animal sphere. Philosophically and theologically, animal has sentience and intrinsic values which with humans have to recognise as the moral standard for animal.Using the theological-ethical concept that human being was created in the image of God, which means that they are not only endowed with senses but also the intellect to make them moral standing creature, this article points to the capacity as well as responsibility of humans to the environment, specifically to the animal world (animalities). As such, animals have to be regarded as having moral standing in the context of human beings’moral attitude and treat. Animals have to be respected and loved morally because they have sense, sentience and intrinsic value. Animals have feeling of pleasure and suffering which with human beings must honor and make as a moral standard. Like human beings, animals have the right to enjoy contentment and to be protected as the good creatures created by God. Although consuming animals can be considered part of natural order and natural recycle, animals have the right to enjoy liberation and prosperity during they are living, and to be avoided from suffering. In this sense, life and death must be accepted in balance. As a conclusion, in relating to animals, humans should demonstrate the virtues of respect, love, justice, and restrained attitudes. Animal ethics, thus, concerns with the sustainability of the peace and welfare of the whole creation on the planet earth.

Daily activity and diet of Talaud bear cuscus (Ailurops melanotis Thomas, 1898) on Salibabu Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Authors. 2019. Daily activity and diet of Talaud bear cuscus (Ailurops melanotis Thomas, 1898) on Salibabu Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2636-2644. Talaud bear cuscus (Ailurops melanotis) is an endemic species in the Sangihe and Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This species is critically endangered in the IUCN Redlist, with a declining population trend. As a protected species in Indonesia, there has not been any specific research on this species. This research aimed to determine the daily activity pattern of talaud bear cuscus based on sex and age classes, and provide the first preliminary data on its dietary diversity and preference. Data collection was conducted on Salibabu Island (Talaud Islands District, North Sulawesi, Indonesia) for approximately three months (May-July 2016). The talaud bear cuscus spent most of its time resting 78.19%, moving 14.98%, feeding 3.49%, grooming 3.06%, and social 0.28%. Talaud bear cuscus fed on 22 species in its daily diet consisting of 20 tree species and 2 liana species. Cuscus fed mainly on young leaves (57.48%) followed by petioles (leaf stalk) (17.60%), mature leaves (15.33%), bud (7.19%), flowers (1.32%) and unripe fruit (1.07%). This preliminary data about the behavior, activity patterns, and diet of talaud bear cuscus, in general, can be used as supporting information in cuscus conservation efforts, especially habitat management related to the availability of feed resources and to determine the time of the survey and to understand the general behavior and ecology of this species.