15.3.2 Monitoring IUCN and Other Conservation Species (Policies)
Policy on Monitoring and Protecting IUCN Red Listed Species
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) actively contributes to the conservation of endemic and vulnerable species, particularly the Javan Surili (Presbytis fredericae), through a formal collaboration with Mount Merbabu National Park (TNGM). This collaboration is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that covers education, research, and community engagement related to species conservation.
The partnership includes ecological studies of the protected species Presbytis fredericae, providing a scientific basis for the park’s management and conservation strategies. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is categorized as Vulnerable, with small, isolated populations found in highland forest patches of Mount Merbabu National Park. These habitats are threatened by periodic forest fires, which may cause local extinction of 20–40 groups.
Through this collaboration, UNS conducts a series of scientific monitoring activities utilizing advanced science and technology, including DNA metabarcoding to analyze diet composition, a population census of Presbytis fredericae, and vegetation community analysis to understand its feeding and habitat characteristics.
To strengthen conservation capacity, UNS also provides training on wildlife monitoring techniques for Mount Merbabu National Park staff. The training covers both theoretical and practical aspects of transect-based population census methods and the detection of species distribution and presence in natural habitats. This program aims to equip local stakeholders with technical skills to conduct independent and accurate monitoring of the priority species. The improved quality and accuracy of monitoring data are expected to support evidence-based management and conservation planning for the vulnerable Presbytis fredericae.
Through this ongoing policy and collaboration, UNS demonstrates its strong commitment to identifying, monitoring, and protecting IUCN Red Listed species and other nationally protected wildlife within ecosystems affected by the university’s operations and research partnerships.