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December always carries a different feeling. There is tiredness after a long year, but also a gentle pause—a moment to look back, breathe, and imagine what comes next. For us, December became a quiet yet meaningful way to close the year, shaped by careful fieldwork, reflection, and connection.
One of the key activities this month was the collection of DNA samples from the Malayan Giant Turtle or Bajuku Turtle (Orlitia borneensis). Samples were collected across several locations, from Jakarta to Riau and the Riau Islands, Sumatra. Led by experienced wildlife veterinary professionals, this work is an important step toward better understanding the species’ genetic condition. Though invisible to the eye, this data will help guide more accurate and sustainable conservation decisions in the years ahead.
December also brought us back to the small, steady routines that keep conservation moving forward. Health checks were carried out on Bajuku Turtle hatchlings that had emerged earlier—measuring body size, checking overall condition, and re-tagging identification numbers that had been lost. Alongside this, logistical supplies were delivered to support daily care. These tasks may seem simple, but they form the backbone of long-term conservation work: careful records, patient monitoring, and consistent care.
Beyond Malayan Giant Turtle conservation, December also offered a moment of reflection at a broader scale. One of our team, Irna, took part in the celebration of a decade of Javan Hawk-eagle conservation, attending a review session that looked back on ten years of conservation efforts for this iconic species in Indonesia. The event was followed by a focused group discussion among ex-situ conservation practitioners, providing space to reflect on progress, remaining challenges, and the importance of long-term commitment. It was a powerful reminder that conservation timelines are measured not in months, but in years—and sometimes decades.
As the year came to a close, these experiences left us with a simple but lasting message: conservation is built on attention to detail, patience, and consistency. Not every month brings dramatic breakthroughs, but every careful step still matters.
We also invite readers to look back on WRC Jogja’s journey over the second half of the year. A brief activity report covering July–December 2025 is available here:
👉 Read the WRC Jogja Newsletter July–December 2025 Edition
overnight butEntering 2026, we carry forward new hopes—stronger collaborations, open learning, and conservation efforts that continue to grow with the support of partners and communities. The future of wildlife is not built overnight but through small steps taken together, with care and long-term commitment.
Thank you for being part of this journey. See you in the stories to come in 2026.
