Macrobrachium purpureamanus (Macrobrachium purpureamanus)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 240536415

Assement the population and conservation critically endangered endemic Macrobrachium purpureamanus the case for urgent action in peat swaps rivers, Sumatra,Indonesia

The outcomes of this project are expected to (i) provide updated data on the population size and distribution of Macrobrachium purpureamanus on Kundur Island, (ii) assess the threats to their natural habitat, and (iii) offer conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of Macrobrachium purpureamanus through (a) habitat restoration and protection (restoring microhabitats such as creating riparian zones along rivers, cleaning rivers in collaboration with local communities, and installing signboards in shrimp habitat areas to preserve Macrobrachium purpureamanus), (b) raising awareness among local communities (educational programs for five elementary schools around Kundur Island and seminars for local communities and government), and (c) long-term shrimp monitoring by empowering local youth to breeding shrimp in peat swamp waters.

Fieldwork was conducted from 12 to 21 February 2025 across eight sites on Kundur Island:

1. Parit Tegak, Sei Ungar Village, Tanjung Batu Subdistrict

2. Parit Gantung, Sei Ungar Village, Tanjung Batu Subdistrict

3. Sungai Kampung Baru, Tanjung Berlian Barat Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

4. Sungai Nibong, Tanjung Berlian Barat Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

5. Sungai Urung, Urung Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

6. Sungai Duo, Sungai Ungar Utara Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

7. Sungai Taihak, Teluk Radang Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

8. Sungai Hitam, Perayun Village, North Kundur Subdistrict

During the sampling period, Macrobrachium purpureamanus was not detected at any of the surveyed locations. However, three species within the genus Macrobrachium were successfully identified: M. sundaicum, M. malayanum, and Macrobrachium sp. (unidentified to species level). The presence of M. malayanum on Kundur Island constitutes a new record for the region and provides a significant baseline for future studies on the diversity and distribution of freshwater prawns in the area.

As part of the initial phase of the conservation project, riverbank clean-up and tree-planting activities were carried out with the participation of local communities and village stakeholders. These actions aim to initiate the restoration of degraded riparian zones, thereby supporting the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and enhancing habitat quality for aquatic fauna.