Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance, yet it also serves as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases that can affect humans. Conservation efforts, therefore, not only aim to preserve biodiversity but also function as a crucial strategy to sustain healthy and stable ecosystems. For this reason, the One Health approach has become a global inter-agency consensus essential to addressing global health challenges such as zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food security, and environmental change.
“A stable and well-functioning ecosystem can naturally limit the spread of pathogens,” stated Professor Tri Wahyu Pangestiningsih, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM), during her inauguration as Professor of Anatomy and Wildlife Biology on Tuesday (Oct. 14) at the Senate Hall, UGM Central Office.
In her inaugural address titled “The Role of Anatomy and Wildlife Biology as the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation and One Health,” Professor Pangestiningsih explained that the One Health concept in Indonesia has been adopted through various cross-ministerial and inter-agency initiatives. However, the involvement of the wildlife and conservation sectors remains relatively limited compared to the human and veterinary health sectors.
“Indonesia is not only one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots but also a region at high risk for the emergence of new zoonotic diseases,” she said.
Beyond their ecological roles, Professor Pangestiningsih emphasized that wildlife species are also essential for scientific research, including biomedical studies. Research grounded in anatomy and wildlife biology provides a fundamental basis for conservation efforts that are integrated with public health policies and environmental protection.
These disciplines serve dual functions: first, as knowledge foundations for conservation, and second, as key sources of information for preventing and mitigating zoonotic risks.
“Understanding anatomy is vital in conservation because without in-depth knowledge of body structures, we risk failing to recognize the biological needs of wildlife, whether in captivity, release programs, or medical care,” she explained.
Professor Pangestiningsih highlighted that long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), native primates of Indonesia, share close anatomical and physiological similarities with humans compared to New World monkeys found in South America. Therefore, these macaques are frequently used as models in biomedical research.
Studies on the area postrema of long-tailed macaques, for instance, are expected to contribute to biomedical research addressing nausea-related symptoms.
“Findings from studies on long-tailed macaques have enriched the fields of neuroscience and comparative physiology,” said Professor Pangestiningsih.
Research on the development of catecholaminergic neurons in the area postrema has revealed differentiation stages that are relevant to understanding autonomic functions and responses to toxins or drugs, offering valuable insights that are translatable to human clinical contexts.
Additionally, bats, known as reservoirs of various viruses, have been studied extensively through structure-function analysis.
“This is important for understanding the pathogenic potential of diseases as indicators of ecological changes,” she added.
Combining anatomy, histology, and molecular surveillance enhances the role of bats as key components in early warning systems for zoonoses. Furthermore, in exploring Indonesia’s wildlife potential, her research also examined the cerebellar anatomy of the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus).
The study of skeletal development in this species presents opportunities to utilize local fish species as models in developmental biology.
“Different osteogenesis patterns expand the range of experimental model options,” she concluded.
In closing, Professor Pangestiningsih emphasized that conservation is not solely about preventing species extinction but also about maintaining ecosystem balance that supports human life.
The disciplines of anatomy and wildlife biology, she said, play an integral role in designing more effective conservation strategies, such as determining suitable habitats, dietary needs, and artificial reproduction techniques for endangered species.
“Conservation should not only be viewed from a species preservation perspective but also as a preventive strategy to safeguard human health,” she remarked.
Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo, in his speech as the Secretary of the UGM Board of Professors, mentioned that Professor Tri Wahyu Pangestiningsih is one of UGM’s 529 active professors, and among 21 active professors out of a total of 33 professors who have served at FKH UGM.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian