Abstract: Indonesia is taking a groundbreaking step in wildlife conservation with the establishment of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Center Laboratory and Biobank at IPB University. In collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, this facility will store and preserve the genetic material of endangered species, with a primary focus on the critically threatened Javan and Sumatran rhinos. By creating a genetic safety net, the biobank offers new hope for preventing extinction, a goal that traditional conservation methods, such as habitat protection alone, cannot guarantee. The initiative is backed by the government, which sees research as a crucial bridge between science and policy, ensuring that conservation strategies are both practical and effective.
Beyond rhino rescue, the biobank represents a strategic leap for biodiversity sustainability in Indonesia. It aligns with IPB University’s cutting-edge research in sustainability, omics sciences, and artificial intelligence, which together are reshaping conservation practices worldwide. For instance, AI is already being used to monitor wildlife migrations, while genetic studies help uncover the hidden vulnerabilities of endangered populations. International collaborations, including those with Leipzig Zoo in Germany and the Colossal team, further strengthen this effort. If realized, this biobank will stand as a milestone in Indonesia’s conservation journey, a facility that not only preserves genetic diversity but also cements the nation’s role as a leader in using science and technology to protect its precious wildlife heritage.
Read the full Research Article here: IPB University Develops ART Center Laboratory and Biobank for the Rescue of Javan and Sumatran Rhinos – IPB University
