My name is Averroes Oktaliza you can call me Ave. I am currently working with several of my colleagues to establish an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation called ASTA Indonesia, which will conduct ecological studies and work to protect the otter population in Indonesia. The distribution study of Aonyx cinereus in Ciliwung watershed segment 4, Indonesia, is a study project that we are currently working on. 

There isn't much otter research being done in Indonesia, and I actively promote otter conservation on social media (Instagram) @astaconservation. Another reason for our interest in otter conservation is the widespread hunting and trade of otters in Indonesia, especially  Aonyx cinereus, which is brought on by people's desire to keep them as pets. This is also because so many influencers and content creators present otters as pets.

Aonyx cinereus has VU (Vulnerable) status on the IUCN Red List because of a significant population reduction. Due to the extensive commerce in this animal,  Aonyx cinereus position in CITES has also been elevated from 2019 from Appendix II to Appendix I. Only  Aonyx cinereus (small clawed otter), one of the four species of otters found in Indonesia, is not considered to be a protected species under Indonesian law, this increases the freedom of hunters and otter traders to endanger this species in the wild.

Although the Ciliwung watershed is the focus of my current research, I am interested in learning more about the ecology and conservation of the four otter species that can be found in Indonesia. In the future, we intend to determine the distribution and population size of all otter species in Indonesia by repeating previous observations; evaluate the habitat quality and condition of the existing otter species in Indonesia and their current and potential threats; identify locally significant sites that need to be protected for otter species in Indonesia; and promote ongoing monitoring activities and other conservation action plans for the conservation of otter species; to identify locally important sites requiring protection for otter species in Indonesia; to promote the continuous monitoring activities and other conservation action plans for the conservation of otters in Indonesia through scientific publication of the project’s results; to increase the local stakeholders’ awareness of otters' existence and their level of knowledge by conducting this collaborative research project; to encourage local stakeholders to conduct further research on  Aonyx cinereus and determine the conservation status of  Aonyx cinereus in Indonesia as a protected animal under Indonesian law.

I look forward to sharing with and learning from this incredible WildHub community. Nice to virtually meet you all.

Cheers, Ave