Protecting Dehaasia pugerensis in its last stand in Indonesia

Race Against Extinction: Protecting a vanishing legacy, Dehaasia pugerensis, in its last stand of Meru Betiri National Park, Indonesia

Partner: SINTAS Indonesia
Years: 2024-2026

This project aims to restore the Critically Endangered Dehaasia pugerensis to a self-sustaining population in its natural habitat in Meru Betiri National Park, East Java. This will be achieved through a comprehensive approach that integrates scientific research, habitat restoration, community engagement and legislative support.

Dehaasia puggerensi

Dehaasia pugerensis is one of the world’s most threatened tree species, found only in East Java. Recent surveys have found the species in two districts in East Java adjacent to Meru Betiri National Park. Due to its proximity, the park is very likely to contain significant numbers of D. pugerensis, providing the only intact part of a large protected habitat for its long-term survival.
The species is understudied and very little is known about its current geographical distribution, population size, ecology and habitat requirements and, most importantly, the nature and extent of current and potential threats.
This project also aims to promote D. pugerensis as a priority tree species for the park in order to secure government funding for future conservation efforts. This will be achieved through a holistic approach combining nursery propagation for population augmentation, field surveys for data collection, conservation measures to protect the species and its habitat, awareness campaigns to engage the community, and a well-defined strategy and action plan to guide these efforts.