A team of UGM student community service program in collaboration with Tegal Reptile Community (KORAL) have organized a presentation of various reptiles on Saturday (7/28), at Semedo National Elementary School, Kedungbanteng, Tegal Regency. The activity intended to change the community mindset that considers reptiles as enemies and dangerous.
Moreover, many people still identify the animal with predatory and hideous nature. In fact, this animal can actually become a pet.
“This activity aims to educate children that not all reptiles are dangerous and they should not be afraid of the animals that might exist around them,” said Ulfah Damayani, UGM Forestry student.
Lisa Shelia Tifani, a member of KORAL, added there are still many people who slaughter reptiles because of this misperception. This certainly becomes a common concern.
“We wanted to educate the community with such program, so we were enthusiastic when the UGM team invited us,” said Lisa.
In this occasion, KORAL brought reticulated python, green snake, iguana, monitor lizard, and several other reptiles to be introduced to students, teachers, and local residents. They welcomed the program enthusiastically.
This reptile presentation is one of the series of student community service programs in Semedo Village. The activity also supports the community program in welcoming the inauguration of Archaeological Museum Semedo in 2019.