UGM Researchers Discover 7 New Freshwater Lobster Species in West Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A team of researchers from Gadjah Mada University's (UGM) Faculty of Biology in Yogyakarta has discovered seven new species of freshwater lobster in West Papua during a biodiversity exploration. These findings were published in the international journal Quartile 2 Arthropoda, in collaboration with independent researchers from Germany and research institutions in Berlin.

"Papua is a biodiversity hotspot that still holds many mysteries. This discovery is only a small part of the extraordinary potential that remains unexplored," said Rury Eprilurahman, a biology lecturer at UGM and lead author of the scientific publication, as quoted on UGM's official website on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The seven newly identified species are: Cherax veritas, Cherax arguni, Cherax kaimana, Cherax nigli, Cherax bomberai, Cherax farhadii, and Cherax doberai. These new species were found in several remote locations across Misool, Kaimana, Fakfak, and Bintuni Bay, areas known for their pristine natural freshwater ecosystems with minimal human activity.

The species identification process employed an integrative approach, combining morphological characteristics with molecular phylogeny, specifically using mitochondrial genes 16S and COI. "We didn't just look at the body shape and color; we also compared their DNA to ensure that these are indeed different species," Rury explained.

Interestingly, most of the studied specimens had already appeared in the international market under various trade names such as Cherax sp., "Red Cheek," "Amethyst," and "Peacock." Rury noted that this indicates how the trade of exotic species, when managed ethically and collaboratively, can serve as an entry point for scientific exploration.

"Lovers of ornamental lobsters often provide our initial source of information, which we then follow up with systematic research," he added.

The genetic analysis revealed that the seven new species belong to the northern lineage of the Genus Cherax, increasing the total number of species in this genus to 35. This genetic classification is crucial for affirming West Papua as the center of evolution for a distinct group of species, separate from those found in Australia or Papua New Guinea, as it possesses unique characteristics in body color, chelae shape, and rostrum structure.

According to Rury, further research and mapping of species distribution are essential to support evidence-based conservation policies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between scientific exploration and habitat protection, especially in areas increasingly impacted by human activities.

This publication adds to UGM's contributions in tropical biodiversity research, while also affirming the academic capacity of UGM's Faculty of Biology in global scientific collaboration. "We believe that strong science must be rooted in local understanding for a more sustainable future," Rury concluded.

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