[Unpad Media Channel] Community Service (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) team of Universitas Padjadjaran in Kertayasa Village, Cijulang, Pangandaran Regency, conducts a study on the exploration of the potential of flora and fauna in the village. The study was done by a researcher from the United States, Horace Quarantine.
Along with the professor of field supervisor, Roffi Grandiosa, Ph.D., one of the study’s locations in Kertayasa Village is around Guha Batu (Batu Cave). Inside the cave are thousands of species of bats whose guano can be developed.
One of the tourism enthusiasts from Kertayasa Village, Dede Mendoel, appreciates the study conducted by Unpad’s students with the foreign researcher. According to him, it was the first time an international researcher had explored the cave’s biodiversity. Hopefully, this exploration can be a precious momentum in developing local tourism and the economy.
“It is the first time a foreign tourist has explored the diversity in Guha Bau, and there is an international researcher interested in studying flora and fauna found in Kertayasa Village,” said Dede Mendoel in the release received by Unpad Media Channel.
In the Guha Bau area, bat guano can be found in significant numbers. Moreover, in the research, the team recognizes the potency of guano, which can be used as an excellent organic fertilizer for plants. The Guha Bahu area, rich in guano, can be utilized by organic farmers and becomes an attraction for researchers to come and visit.
Unfortunately, the potential of guano has not been fully utilized, and it has not been collected or made use for the past five years. The extraction potential can continue up to 13 tons per year, but only 10 tons have been taken.
Moreover, some academics and stakeholders still need to recognize this fertilizer’s existence and benefits. Therefore, some effort is required to spread the information. It is important to note that bat guano collection must be done considering the conservation of bat populations and the environment.
Thus, there is a prohibition on extracting or taking the bats from Guha Bau’s area. The local people said a tool, namely a catrol, was needed to efficiently carry the guano from inside the cave to the surface.
With that finding, the team plans an education to make an effective tool to help people optimize the benefits of bat guano. Traversing dark, often muddy, and steep paths are integral parts of these efforts. Nevertheless, this exploration provides an unforgettable and invaluable experience for the Unpad Community Service Team. (arm/SA)*
