In an effort to improve knowledge management regarding biodiversity within the Wasur National Park (Wasur NP), the Management of the Wasur National Park, supported by FORCLIME, is currently preparing a field guidebook on reptiles living within the national park area and its surroundings. The collection of data for inclusion in the book was initiated by Wasur National Park staff member, Mr. Zaenal Arifin, A.Md, the park’s senior forest ranger. This data was subsequently reviewed by a herpetofauna expert, Burhan Tjaturhadi, S.Sc., M.Sc.

In order to finalize the book, the Wasur National Park Management held a meeting on 10 January 2023 at the Wasur National Park Meeting Room in Merauke, South Papua Province. During the meeting, Mr. Burhan presented the results of his review of various types of reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), which were produced from the data collected by the Wasur National Park. Said results encompass the distribution of species, as well as comparisons with the distributions of other species and their statuses.

“This reptile guidebook should prove highly useful because, to date, a significant amount of data has been collected by the Wasur National Park and is set to be documented in the publication of a book that should become a vital source of information, not only for the Wasur National Park but also for Merauke and its surroundings,” stated the Head of Wasur National Park, Yarman S.Hut, M.P., in his opening remarks at the meeting.

During the meeting, Mr Burhan also offered technical guidance to the Wasur National Park staff regarding the identification of various reptile species, including various poisonous and non-poisonous species of snake, as well as the types of data that must be collected in order to identify reptile species. In addition, knowledge of various types of reptiles and their distributions was also disseminated. Staff from the Wasur National Park also presented several findings relating to the identification of various species of frog.

In the wake of this meeting, the Reptile Field Guidebook for the Wasur National Park Area and its surroundings will be finalized and should soon be available to relevant stakeholders.

For more information, please contact:
Theodora F. Resubun, Advisor for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces