Jakarta – A collaborative research effort between Gadjah Mada University (UGM), an independent German researcher, and the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin has led to the discovery of seven new freshwater lobster species in remote areas of West Papua.
The findings came from explorations conducted in regions such as Misool, Kaimana, Fakfak, and Teluk Bintuni—areas known for their pristine freshwater ecosystems, largely untouched by human activity.
“Papua is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, still holding many untold secrets. This discovery represents only a small part of the incredible untapped potential,” said Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, a lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Biology and the second author of the study, as quoted from the university’s official website on Saturday (June 21, 2025).
The newly identified species include Cherax veritas, Cherax arguni, Cherax kaimana, Cherax nigli, Cherax bomberai, Cherax farhadii, and Cherax doberai. Researchers used both morphological analysis—examining characteristics like the shape of the chelae (claws), rostrum (snout), and body coloration—and DNA testing to confirm that each specimen represents a genetically distinct species.
