UNAIR NEWS – Innovations in sea turtle conservation are advancing through a collaboration between the academic community of UNAIR’s Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA) and the Banyuwangi Sea Turtle Foundation (BSTF). Following the development of INTAN BOX, the pioneering artificial incubation tool that can produce hatchlings of a specific sex, they have now introduced the Save Ari-Ari Box (SARI BOX).

Aditya Yudhana, DVM, MSi, a lecturer in Veterinary Medicine at FIKKIA, highlighted the frequent occurrence of yolk retention in hatchlings from both natural and semi-natural nests. Poor absorption of yolk often leads to deformities that impair hatchlings’ swimming abilities, preventing them from being released into the wild due to their low survival rates. SARI BOX serves as a therapeutic device to expedite the absorption of yolk from the hatchling’s external environment into its abdomen.

“SARI BOX is designed to accelerate the absorption of yolk into the hatchling’s abdomen from outside its body,” he explained.

Aditya mentioned that the initial idea for the tool’s development coincided with that of INTAN BOX. However, perfecting the prototype for the yolk retention therapy device took considerable time. The Banyuwangi Sea Turtle Foundation team spearheaded the development of SARI BOX, while FIKKIA’s Veterinary Medicine team oversaw testing to ensure its optimal functionality.

“Through this collaboration, SARI BOX has been refined to achieve maximum effectiveness. Currently, production of a SARI BOX takes only 1 to 2 weeks,” he added.

Unlike INTAN BOX, which regulates humidity and temperature for optimal incubation conditions, SARI BOX focuses primarily on maintaining humidity at normal room temperature. The system operates by spraying a fine mist of seawater to achieve optimal humidity levels.

“The ideal humidity parameter for SARI BOX is above 90 percent under normal room conditions,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the partnership between FIKKIA and BSTF aims to implement both INTAN BOX and SARI BOX within sea turtle conservation communities. This initiative represents a concerted effort to save these endangered marine animals.

Author: Azhar Burhanuddin

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia