The Anapsida research group of the Herpetology Study Group of the Biology Student Association of Universitas Airlangga has carried out Research and Development Field Research (P3L) activities on July 10-14, 2024 conducted in Alas Purwo National Park. The Anapsida research group itself consists of Muhammad Hilman Fu’adil Amin, Ph.D. as the supervisor, Dr. Moch. Affandi, M.Si., 1 group leader, and 13 members. The Anapsida group was attended by two batches, namely batch 2022 and batch 2023. Field Research Training and Development (P3L) is one of the work programs of the Biology Student Association of Universitas Airlangga. This P3L activity aims to train and develop the skills of Biology students of Universitas Airlangga in conducting research directly in the field.
Alas Purwo National Park
Alas Purwo National Park, located in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, is one of the protected areas that has coastal and beach ecosystems that are important for various species, including sea turtles. Sea turtles are very vulnerable creatures and require very specific habitat conditions to lay eggs and breed. Analysis of sea turtle nesting habitat characteristics and the physical and chemical parameters of the environment are key to the conservation of this species in Alas Purwo. This article aims to discuss in detail the characteristics of sea turtle nesting habitat and the physical-chemical parameters that affect their sustainability. Alas Purwo National Park is one of the most important coastal areas for sea turtle conservation. The southern coast of the park, including Ngagelan Beach, Trianggulasi Beach, and Pancur Beach, offers significant habitat for sea turtle nesting. Alas Purwo National Park has a variety of sea turtle species including theOlive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill Sea Turtle(Eretmochelysimbricata), Leatherback Sea Turtle(Dermochelys coriacea) and Green Sea Turtle(Chelonia mydas). In Alas Purwo Park itself, the dominant sea turtle species is theOlive Ridley Sea Turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea).
Research Activities
On Thursday, July 11, 2024 we did the first tracking in the direction of Triangulation to Ngagelan as far as 14 Km, we set off along the sand chain on the beach to look for the location point used by sea turtles to spawn their eggs, not long and not far we did tracking as far as 1.2 km from the inn, we found signs of turtle egg nesting marked by the presence of turtle footprints that landed from the beach, but unfortunately we only found a nesting place without any eggs, this we assume that just last night the turtle hatched its eggs but has been preyed upon by predators. Then, not long after we continued tracking we found a dead turtle carcass after 1 week, we found a wound on the leg, this is probably the turtle fighting against predators around the turtle egg nesting. After, it was not far from the point of the turtle carcass, we found a turtle egg nesting that was being eaten by predators, but when we approached the predator ran away leaving the turtle egg nesting, there we found turtle eggs totaling 125 eggs while 2 of them were damaged by predators. We collected the eggs and brought them to the turtle conservation in ngagelan. after that we continued tracking towards ngagelan, there we conducted an interview with the jagawana related to turtle conservation. there we also saw the turtle conservation starting from hatchlings to adult turtles.
On Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 22.00 WIB we did tracking from Triangulasi-Ngagelan for 7 Km. During the tracking we found 4 Olive Ridley turtles at Triangulation-Ngagelan beach area. We found 3 turtles with nesting locations close together, and 1 turtle nesting quite far from the three previous turtles . Before nesting, turtles look for a safe position by climbing to the surface to prevent abrasion of their eggs. The turtle will start laying eggs when it has found a solid place, this is determined when the turtle’s hind legs have felt the depth of the nesting that is solid and suitable for the nesting process. In addition, turtles will lay eggs during high tide and ensure that there are no predators around because if they feel unsafe, the turtles will return to the sea. The four turtles areOlive Ridley Sea Turtles(Lepidochelys olivacea). We also measured physical and chemical factors such as, measuring nesting temperature, nesting distance to vegetation, distance between nesting, air humidity, nesting distance to the highest tide, and coordinate points.
On Friday, July 12, 2024 at 22.00 WIB we tracked from Triangulation-Pancur for 3 Km. We found 2 sea turtles nesting, the distance between the nesting was not too far. Both turtles wereOlive Ridley Sea Turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea) . We also measured physical and chemical factors such as, measuring nesting temperature, nesting distance with vegetation, distance between nesting, air humidity, nesting distance with the highest tide, and coordinate points. we were assisted by the local rangers taking turtle eggs, at the first nesting the number of eggs was 102 eggs and at the second nesting 103 eggs, then taken by local rangers to be assisted in the hatching process.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, our team conducted an important activity in sea turtle conservation efforts, namely mesh analysis of sea turtle nesting sand. This activity was carried out by using a sieve mesh tool, which is a standard method in research related to particle size in granular materials, such as sand. Sand analysis using sieve mesh aims to determine the quality and physical characteristics of sand, especially in the nesting phase such as grain size, which can affect nest temperature, humidity, and comfort for turtle eggs. Therefore, understanding the particle size distribution of the sand is very important to ensure optimal environmental conditions for successful egg hatching.
Sea turtle research in Alas Purwo National Park is an important effort in conserving endangered species and maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. By continuing to conduct research and raise public awareness, we can ensure that turtles remain part of Indonesia’s biodiversity for generations to come. This effort is not just about protecting sea turtles, but also about maintaining the sustainability of the environment and life on earth. Hopefully this article can provide useful insights and help in turtle conservation efforts in Alas Purwo National Park.
