TOWARD SCIENCE-BASED DECISION MAKING
Goal
To collect and analyse data from scientific work and provide the data as information needed for governments, organisation and individuals to drive a scientific-based decision making from daily personal level to corporate level (regulation and policy)
Scope
We are conducting basic science research including biodiversity, forest and wildlife monitoring and evaluation. Before the legalization Tanah Tinggi as an NGO, our team has extensively worked from 2014 in documenting biological and cultural biodiversity of Mount Lawu with Biodiversity Study Club (KS BIODIV) and Kepak Sayap Study Club. From the project, we have documented hundreds of species ranging from Orchids, Ferns, Fungi, Mosses, Dragonflies, Damselflies, Butterflies, Reptiels, Amphibi and Birds (Read the report here). More studies on the critically endangered species of Javan Lleopard and Javan Hawk Eagle, other mammals and mountain forest cover are extremely valuable to complete our understanding on mountain ecosystem.
More than that, human is relying their life on mountain yet their activity is highly affecting the mountain. Thus, we are also addressing the issue of crucial role of socio-cultural aspect of local community on on mountain conservation. This including the documentation of local custom and activities throughout the mountain communities as well as activities from outsiders that could significantly affecting the ecosystem.
PROJECTS
Population and Distribution Survey of Endagered Orchid
We are currently collecting data related to the population and distribution of endangered orchid species, Papiophedilum javanicum. It is an endemic species in Java. The population of this species is declining due to hunting for commercial purpose. Our survey is trying to estimate the distribution and habitat preferences of the orchid which in return will use the data to raise people awareness and reduce the hunting pressure.
Assessing mountain mammals in non-protected area with LEK
Using local ecological knowledge (LEK), we are assessing threatened mammals and identifying their important habitat sites in mount Lawu region. Red listed mammals such as Javan Leopard, Javan Lutung, Sunda Pangolin etc are pushed to inhabit high altitude forest due to massive land use change in Java. From this project, we aim to get a clear picture of important site within mountain region that need to be protected for mammals conservation. We are working with local community, forest agency and government bodies to ensure the success of the project