Wildlife Expedition is a collaborative activity between the Wildlife Study Group (KSSL) and the Veterinary Pecinta Alam Gadjah Mada (VETPAGMA) FVM UGM. The theme raised this year is “The Hidden Treasures of Mount Merapi: A Journey to Understand, Restore, and Protect Mount Merapi’s Nature.” This activity aims to familiarize participants with the behavior of wild animals in their natural habitat, foster a conservation spirit toward wildlife, and raise awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation, especially reptiles and aves, which are vital components of the ecosystem in Mount Merapi National Park.
This Wildlife Expedition was held from June 24 to 26, 2025, in Sapuangin, Tegalmulyo, Kemalang, Klaten, Central Java, attended by 39 participants. Before the activities took place, preparations were carried out including surveys, briefings, and physical training. The survey was conducted on May 15, 2025, to confirm the presence of the target animals for observation, identify strategic observation points, and assess access routes to the observation sites. The first briefing was held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, covering the basic introduction to the expedition activities. The second briefing took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with materials revolving around survival, medical, and an introduction to animals likely to be found in Sapuangin by the committee from the aves and reptile divisions. After the briefings, physical training was conducted at Wisdom Park UGM. On June 21, 2025, a technical meeting was held to explain the event schedule during the expedition and the equipment that needed to be prepared.
Departure began at 08.00 AM WIB on June 24, 2025, from FVM UGM to Sapuangin. On the first day, activities included tracking during the day and herping, or reptile observation, at night. The participants were divided into four groups with two tracking routes. Tracking started at 02.30 PM WIB, resulting in the observation of several animal species, including long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus). Herping activities began at 09.00 PM WIB, aimed at facilitating the identification and observation of reptiles, considering many reptiles are nocturnal. From these activities, species such as the snail-eating snake (Pareas carinatus) and the crested lizard (Bronchocela jubata) were found.
On the second day, the activities consisted of aves observation and a briefing on how to set up tents, delivered by the Vetpagama committee. Aves observation started at 07.00 AM WIB, as most birds are active at that time searching for food, singing, and moving, thus making them easier to spot. Participants were divided into three groups with three trekking routes. Several bird species were observed, including the collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis), and common iora (Aegithina tiphia). Following this, a briefing session was held by the VETPAGAMA committee on how to set up a tent. This session covered important steps for setting up a tent correctly and efficiently, aiming to enhance participants’ knowledge of this skill as part of preparing for field observations.
Wildlife Expedition concluded with participants sharing their impressions and feedback, followed by a group photo session and the return trip to FVM UGM on June 26, 2025. This Wildlife Expedition contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education, goal 13 Climate Action and Goal 15 on Life on land. Overall, participants expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm throughout the event and gained valuable knowledge and experience.
