Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242535426

Saving the Critically Endangered shrimp, Caridina dennerli in Lake Matano: Invasive species eradication and habitat protection in the Wallace’s Dreamponds

The main objective is to provide the first in-situ conservation action to maintain or even increase the wild population of Caridina dennerli in their natural habitat through comprehensive work in Lake Matano. The aims of this project are: (1) identifying sites with the large population size of C. dennerli and less number of invasive species, (2) reducing the population of flowerhorn cichlid through an eradication program with the local fisherman (purchasing the fish), and community (fishing competition with reward), (3) creating and implementing community-based conservation actions through (a) conducting education program to the local community, fisherman, shrimp hunter and government (BKSDA), (c) conducting workshop to the local community, and (d) performing focus group discussion (FGD) with representatives from the mining company and local government. 

Fieldwork to Lake Matano in East Luwu has been made from 09-13 January 2025 in six localities, i.e., Saluro, in front of Villa Matano, Salonsa, Taipa, Cape near Matano Village, and in front of Laa Waa River Park. However, only three sites were confirmed to have Caridina dennerli.

During this project's first phase, we removed around 50 kg of flowerhorn cichlid (Ikan Lohan) from the lake. We will initiate the Spearfishing Competition to trigger the local community, including the Spearfishing Club, to reduce this invasive species' population continuously.

We also discussed effective conservation action by providing a population database for government institution (BKSDA Sulawesi Selatan) to evaluate and monitor the program to save C. dennerli.