Prof. Dr. Luthfiralda Sjahfirdi, M.Biomed. was inaugurated as a Permanent Professor in Animal Conservation, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) Universitas Indonesia (UI), on Wednesday, November 13, at Balai Sidang, UI Depok Campus. At the inauguration session led by UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, Prof. Luthfiralda delivered a scientific oration titled “Upaya Konservasi dalam Menjaga Keberlanjutan Biodiversitas pada Tingkat Spesies, Terutama Spesies Terancam Punah dan Spesies Endemik: Studi Kasus pada Lembaga Konservasi Ex Situ” (Conservation Efforts in Maintaining Sustainable Biodiversity at the Species Level, Especially Endangered Species and Endemic Species: Case Study of Ex Situ Conservation Institutions).
She highlighted the issue of threats to the sustainability of biodiversity and the extinction of various protected species (endemic species). According to her, the decline in biodiversity has a multiplier effect on ecosystems and humans. This is reflected in certain conditions, for example, the reduction or loss of species habitat due to natural phenomena or human activities, such as the conversion of species habitat, poaching, and trade in protected animals. However, she is optimistic that the challenge of biodiversity sustainability is an inevitability that can be addressed comprehensively.
“Various conservation efforts, both in situ (native habitat) and ex situ (outside the native habitat), are carried out to prevent a decline in biodiversity levels, including a decline at the species level. In situ conservation at the species level is certainly better than conservation carried out ex situ because the species remain in their natural habitat. However, if the habitat is disturbed, degraded, or even lost, conservation efforts will be continued ex situ,” she added.
The reproductive behavior aspect approach carried out ex situ in maintaining the sustainability of biodiversity at the species level is an important strategy in biodiversity conservation. For this reason, Prof. Luthfirald mentioned three important aspects that need to be implemented in this approach. First, ex situ conservation institutions that have a fundamental role in restoring the population of endangered species. Second, the release of animals into natural habitats. Third, lifelong conservation in zoos.
Ex situ conservation institutions are used for the preservation of endangered species with intensive protection, so that they can reduce the risk of extinction caused by various factors in the animal’s natural habitat. In certain cases, ex situ institutions can reduce the natural adaptability of endangered species. However, this institution is an alternative with a fairly high probability of success in supporting efforts to conserve species populations because it is supported by expertise in terms of human approaches.
The second aspect that plays a crucial role is the release of animal species into their natural habitat. Animal species that are suitable for release must meet individual quality standards, so preparation must be carried out comprehensively to ensure that the release is carried out at the right time. There are several methods of animal release, one of which is the Half Way House, an approach used to prepare animals that have been kept to return to their natural habitat.
One of the most interesting case studies from an academic perspective is the release of orangutans at the Sintang Orangutan Center (SOC). From the results of the research conducted, it was found that not all orangutan species have the same ability to adapt in the wild. This phenomenon is seen even when conservation procedures are carried out at forest schools. Some orangutans tend to be reluctant to make their nests and prefer to use existing nests that are still suitable for sleeping. Therefore, the Half Way House method can be one of the options for preparing the release of protected animals.
In addition to ex situ conservation institutions and the release of animal species, another important aspect in efforts to maintain the sustainability of biodiversity at the species level is lifelong conservation in endemic gardens. This is done by considering the estrus period (fertile period) in animals. This step is the most measurable option for certain species that do not have the ideal qualifications to be released into the wild or actually pose a risk to the existence of the species.
Of all these aspects, Prof. Luthfiralda assessed that the challenge of managing the sustainability of biodiversity, especially for endangered species, is homework that must be taken seriously by all parties. “Enriching the understanding of conservation methodology and expanding the portfolio of case studies on various species is an inevitability that needs to be addressed with the dynamics of natural phenomena that are currently continuing to occur progressively. For that, I hope that the results of this study can be a contribution to species conservation efforts in Indonesia, especially in animal conservation,” said Prof. Luthfiralda.
The results of Prof. Luhtfiralda’s research mark her long commitment to the sustainability of biodiversity, especially in endangered species and endemic species. Several other related studies have been conducted, namely Reproductive Behavior and Hormone Metabolite Profiles in Captive Breeding Female Sumatran Slow Lorises (Nycticebus hilleri) (2023); Nesting Behavior of Kalimantan Orangutan Pongo Pygmaeus as A Release Subject at Forest School Sekolah Hutan Tembak Lestari, Sintang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia (2023); and Positive Reinforcement Conditioning as Sumatran Tiger’s (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) Social Enrichment at Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation Rescue Center, Lampung, Indonesia (2022).
Before being inaugurated as a professor, Prof. Luhtfiralda completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, FMIPA UI in 1989; Master’s degree in Biomedicine, Biomedical Program, Faculty of Medicine, UI in 1996; and S3 Postgraduate Study Program in Biology, FMIPA UI in 2006. Currently, she is the Head of the Sub Directorate of University Course Management (PMU), Directorate of Education, UI; and has served as Head of the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI (2012–2014), Head of the Postgraduate Study Program in Biology, FMIPA UI (2008–2015), and Head of the Center for Biodiversity Strategies, FMIPA UI (2010–2014).
