Last refuge: Saving Bangka’s Hidden Gem

09 July 2025

The peat swamps of Bangka Island in Indonesia may look like dark, lifeless waters, but they harbour a secret. The Critically Endangered freshwater fish, Betta burdigala, known as Bangka’s Hidden Gem and found nowhere else on Earth, takes refuge amongst the slow-moving waters.  

The fish is perfectly adapted to the low-oxygen habitat, breathing air from the surface and seeking shelter among tangled roots and leaf litter.  

However, the last remaining habitat for this fish is rapidly disappearing, vulnerable to deforestation, palm oil plantation development and illegal tin mining.  

Through a multi-faceted approach of population surveys, captive breeding and habitat preservation, conservationists are fighting to protect what remains. This work has been supported by the SHOAL/ASAP Freshwater Fish Conservation Grant, and more recently ASAP’s Rapid Action Fund. 

Veryl Hasan from Airlangga University in Indonesia, who leads the work, explains: 

 "Betta burdigala is the heart of the peat swamp forest. Saving it means protecting all components of the ecosystem." 

Josie South, researcher and lecturer at the University of Leeds has been working with Veryl on the project:  

“This isn’t just about a few people trying to save an obscure fish – this is about empowering a community to save an obscure fish and the whole ecosystem they are surrounded by.” 

It’s a race against time. Substantial areas of the peat swamp - critical habitat for Betta burdigala - have already been sold for palm oil development. As part of fundraising efforts to secure and protect two key plots from development, South created a short film that tells the story of the fish, the forest and the people fighting to protect them. 

 

To help protect some of the last remaining Betta burdigala habitat from palm oil development, visit the  GoFundMe page 

The SHOAL/ASAP Freshwater Fish Conservation Grant is a joint grant programme between ASAP and SHOAL and is proudly supported by Mandai Nature.