KERISDIMAS BIO-CON Reveals
Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Diversity in Alas Purwo
BANYUWANGI – The Biology Conservation Research and Community Service Group (KERISDIMAS BIO-CON) conducted research on freshwater macroinvertebrate conservation in the Alas Purwo National Park area. The study was carried out in three locations: Pancur Resort, Grajagan, and Rowobendo, with sampling conducted in several rivers, including Kali Ombo, Pancur River, Kali Supit Pancur, and Parangireng River.
The findings revealed that the area still supports a considerable diversity of freshwater macroinvertebrates. Researchers documented several groups of Crustacea, particularly freshwater shrimp species, including:
- Macrobrachium latidactylus
- Macrobrachium lanchesteri
- Palaemon debilis
- Caridina brachydactyla
- Macrobrachium pilimanus
The study also recorded freshwater crab species such as:
- Parathelphusa bogorensis
- Parathelphusa convexa
- Geosesarma sp.
From the Gastropoda group, several species were successfully identified, including:
- Vittina semiconica
- Vittina turrita
- Tarebia sp.
- Mieniplotia scabra
- Thiara winteri
- Faunus ater
Freshwater Shrimp
Macrobrachium latidactylus
Macrobrachium lanchesteri
Palaemon debilis
Caridina brachydactyla
Macrobrachium pilimanus
Crabs
Parathelphusa bogorensis dorsal (A) dan ventral (B)
Parathelphusa convexa dorsal (A) dan ventral (B)
Geosesarma sp. dorsal (A) dan ventral (B).
Gastropoda
Vittina semiconica (a) ventral; (b) dorsal
Tarebia sp. (a) ventral; (b) dorsal
Vittina turrita (a) ventral (b) dorsal
Mieniplotia scabra (a) ventral; (b) dorsal
Thiara winteri (a) ventral; (b) dorsal
Faunus ater (a) ventral; (b) dorsal
💡 Interesting Insight:
Freshwater macroinvertebrates are widely recognized as natural bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Many species are highly sensitive to environmental changes, pollution, and habitat disturbances, making their presence an important indicator of water quality and ecological stability.
The discovery of various freshwater shrimp, crabs, and gastropods indicates that the aquatic ecosystems within Alas Purwo National Park still provide suitable habitats for many freshwater organisms. These findings also provide important baseline data for conservation strategies and sustainable ecosystem management aimed at protecting local species diversity in the region.