Yogyakarta - In order to deepen their practical understanding of wildlife conservation, students of the Biology Education Study Program successfully organized an Observation Visit to the Ex Situ Conservation Site for Chital and Javan Deer at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT) UGM. This activity was part of the coursework for the Conservation Biology class.

This visit aimed to provide firsthand knowledge of the management and conservation practices for deer, specifically the Javan Deer (Cervus timorensis), which is classified as vulnerable to extinction, and the Chital or Spotted Deer (Axis axis), an exotic species native to South Asia. Students were invited to observe the facilities, feeding patterns, healthcare, and breeding strategies implemented by PIAT UGM.

Through this field observation, students not only learned about the biology and behavior of the animals but also understood the challenges and solutions in ex situ conservation management. This activity served as an important bridge between the theories learned in the classroom and the reality of conservation practices in the field.

With the completion of this observation visit, it is hoped that students will gain a more comprehensive insight into wildlife preservation efforts and be motivated to contribute to the field of conservation in the future.