Field biology is an area of research that involves working directly with living organisms in situ through a practice known as “fieldwork.” Conducting fieldwork often requires complex logistical planning within multiregional or multinational teams, followed by collaborative research led by one or a few of the core team members. However, existing power imbalances stemming from geopolitical history, discrimination, and professional position perpetuate inequities in the context of these research endeavors. After reflecting on our own research programs, we propose four general principles to guide equitable, inclusive, ethical, and safe practices in field biology: Be Collaborative, Be Legal, Be Safe, and Be Respectful. Although many field biologists already structure their field programs around these principles or similar values, executing equitable research practices can prove challenging and requires careful consideration, especially by those in positions with relatively greater privilege. Based on experiences and input from a diverse group of global collaborators, we provide suggestions for action-oriented approaches to making field biology more equitable under these guidelines, with particular attention to how those with greater privilege can contribute. While we acknowledge that not all suggestions will be applicable to every institution or program, we hope that they will generate discussions and provide a baseline for training in proactive, equitable fieldwork practices.
Bali Barat National Park was assessed for its suitability to receive RFS Protected Area CreditsTM. Part of the requirement is to select indicator groups from among 5 terrestrial taxa, within the eligible forest in the park boundaries, (1) insects - butterflies, (2) amphibian, (3) reptiles, (4) birds, and (5) mammals that can serve as r indicators for the overall ecosystem health of the TNBB. To select indicator groups, a biodiversity survey was conducted for during August-September 2015 in 3 study sites within Bali Barat National Park, Lebak Buah, Megatransect, and Brumbun. Different taxa were surveyed using peer-reviewed methods. The best indicator species within each taxa group (plants, butterflies, herpetofauna, birds and mammals) were defined based on their abundance and distribution in the eligible forest of the project area using Indicator Value method. Potential animal and plant indicator species were then assessed empirically for their cost-effectiveness based on survey effort and cost during the initial survey. Then they were evaluated for generality, functional importance, available scientific knowledge, and cross-taxon representation. Our results suggested that birds would be the best indicator species group, followed by butterflies, and plants. Such indicator is important surrogate for ecosystem health which can be used for conservation management priorities within protected area.
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