Reza Saputra, S.Si., M.Sc. (Prof) Candidate
Ranger-Scientist | Conservation Biologist | Orchid Taxonomist
I am a ranger-scientist and field biologist based in Sorong, Southwest Papua, Indonesia, working at the intersection of orchid taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. My work focuses on documenting, describing, and assessing the conservation status of orchid species endemic to the Bird's Head Peninsula—one of the most botanically rich and least explored regions of the Indo-Pacific.
As a Forest Ecosystem Specialist with the Southwest Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA Papua Barat Daya), I lead field expeditions into remote forest ecosystems, conduct IUCN Red List threat assessments, and contribute to regional and national biodiversity databases. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science (Professional) in Tropical Biology and Conservation at James Cook University, Australia, supported by the Australia Awards Scholarship.
Education
Master of Science (Professional) — Tropical Biology & Conservation
James Cook University, Australia
2025 – 2026 (ongoing)
Australia Awards Scholarship (Australian Government)
Bachelor of Science — Biology
Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
2012 – 2016
DIKTI Bidikmisi Scholarship (Indonesian Government)
Current Positions
Forest Ecosystem Specialist (Functional Staff)
Southwest Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA Papua Barat Daya), Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia
2018 – present
Coordinator, Forest Ecosystem Specialist Team
BBKSDA Papua Barat Daya, Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia
2022 – present
Research Interests
Professional Affiliations
Co-Chair, Asia Subgroup
Orchid Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, IUCN
2026 – present
Commission Member
Orchid Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, IUCN
2021 – present
Member
Nothofagus Global Conservation Consortium
2021 – present
Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarship
Australian Government
2024
Fully funded MSc at James Cook University, Australia
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
New Zealand Government
2024
Offer received; declined upon accepting Australia Awards
POSCO Asia Fellowship Programme
POSCO TJ Park Foundation, South Korea
2016
Undergraduate thesis research funding
DIKTI Bidikmisi Scholarship
Indonesian Government
2012 – 2016
Fully funded BSc at Universitas Indonesia
Honours & Awards
Australian Orchid Foundation Grant
Australian Orchid Foundation
Nature Conservation Award
Minister of Environment & Forestry, Indonesia
Winner, National Photo Contest
Plant Diversity, Bogor Botanical Garden
Elodie Sandford Explorer Award
Scientific Exploration Society, UK
Winner, Close-Up Photo Competition
International Orchid Festival 'KemBali'
Second Winner, Protected Animal Photo Competition
Papuan Protected Animal Photo Competition
Tony Whitten Conservation Award
Cambridge Conservation Initiative, UK
Best Forest Ecosystem Specialist
Education and Training Award, MoEF Indonesia
Training & Courses
Plant Taxonomy Skills for Conservation
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew & BRIN
International Tropical Plants Identification Course
RBG Kew & University of Papua
IUCN Red List Assessor Training
The Nature Conservancy
Species-Habitat Distribution Modelling Training
Conservation International
English Language Training Assistance (PPB X)
Australia Awards
IUCN Red List Assessor Training
Indonesian Species Specialist Group, IUCN
Forest Ecosystem Specialist Training
Ministry of Environment & Forestry, Indonesia