Snakes are part of forest ecosystems and play a role in maintaining the balance of nature. Each species has different habitats, behaviours and food sources. Some live on the forest floor, while others inhabit trees, bushes or areas close to water.

Different Species, Different Roles

Snakes come in a wide variety of species and characteristics. Several species recorded in environments close to human activities include Ptyas mucosa, Naja naja and Lycodon aulicus. These species are known to make use of modified environments when suitable food sources and shelter are available.

Meanwhile, Bungarus candidus, also known as the Malayan krait, has also been observed using areas close to buildings within human-dominated landscapes. The presence of these species shows that the boundaries between natural habitats and human environments are not always completely separate for wildlife.

Differences between species also mean differences in behaviour. Some snakes are active during the day, while others are more active at night. Their prey also varies, ranging from rats, frogs and lizards to birds and other snakes.

They Do Not Seek Out Humans

Humans are not part of a snake’s natural diet. When they become aware of human presence, snakes generally choose to hide, escape or remain still, relying on their ability to camouflage themselves.

Defensive behaviour may occur when a snake feels threatened, startled or cornered. Under such circumstances, some species may hiss, raise their heads or display certain movements as a warning for the perceived threat to move away.

However, avoiding humans does not mean that snakes never occur around people. The availability of food is one reason why snakes may be found in human environments. Rats, for example, are commonly found around settlements and buildings and can serve as prey for several snake species.

Therefore, the appearance of a snake near a building does not necessarily mean that it is looking for humans. The surrounding environment may simply provide suitable food or shelter.

Part of the Web of Life

As predators, snakes help regulate the populations of the animals they prey upon. At the same time, snakes are also a food source for other animals. These relationships make snakes part of the food chain that supports the balance of ecosystems.

Not all snakes are venomous. Even among venomous species, characteristics and levels of risk can vary. As identifying a snake is not always easy, an unfamiliar snake should not be touched, chased or captured independently.

Understanding snake species and behaviour is therefore important so that encounters with these animals can be handled calmly and appropriately.

Handled Safely in Operational Areas

Encounters with wildlife, including snakes, may occur in operational areas located close to natural habitats. At Agincourt Resources, snake handling takes into account both human safety and wildlife conservation.

When a snake is found in an operational or office area, the report is followed up by the Emergency Response Team (ERT), whose members have received training in snake handling. The capture process is carried out using complete personal protective equipment (PPE) and in accordance with the company’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Snakes that have been safely secured are then handed over to the Biodiversity & Environmental Strategic Development (BESD) Department for further handling. Where their condition allows, the snakes are released back into forest areas or other suitable habitats.

This approach forms part of efforts to protect human safety while also giving wildlife the opportunity to return to its natural habitat and continue playing its role in the ecosystem.

Understanding to Protect

Feeling afraid when encountering a snake is perfectly natural. However, understanding its behaviour can help us respond more appropriately.

When a snake is found, keeping a safe distance and avoiding disturbance are important first steps. Its presence should then be reported to authorised personnel so that it can be handled safely.

Understanding snakes is not simply about learning more about an animal that is often perceived as frightening. More importantly, it means recognising that every living creature has a role within the ecosystem. When people and wildlife can coexist by understanding their respective spaces and roles, there is a greater opportunity to maintain the balance of nature.

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In Wek II Urban Village, the construction of a concrete road has provided a new route around the area while also improving access to the bathing, washing and toilet (MCK) facilities constructed through the 2025 PPM.

The handover of the concrete road construction was held on 29 September 2026 and marked by the signing of the handover document. The event was attended by representatives from Wek II Village, Batang Toru Subdistrict, the Wek II Village Community Empowerment Institution (LPMK), and the road construction committee.

Meanwhile, in Aek Pining Urban, Agincourt Resources renovated the concrete road and constructed a retaining wall along Jalan Alam Agung. The work was carried out to restore community road access, which had previously been damaged by a landslide that caused part of the road to collapse.

The handover of the concrete road renovation and retaining wall construction was held on 28 September 2026. The activity involved representatives of the Aek Pining Urban Village Government and the committee responsible for the renovation of the concrete road and construction of the retaining wall along Jalan Alam Agung.

Through the construction and restoration of road access, Agincourt Resources continues to support better access for communities in Batang Toru. The improvements are expected to support residents’ daily activities and enhance the benefits of facilities developed through the PPM programme.

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Transects and Direct Observation

Using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method, the team follows predetermined routes to record wildlife and signs of their presence, such as footprints, droppings, nests, scratch marks and sounds. This data helps provide an understanding of wildlife presence, density and distribution within an area.

Night-time Observation of Reptiles and Amphibians

Through night herping, the team observes reptiles and amphibians that are active after sunset. Observations are carried out in locations with potential habitats, such as riverbanks, ponds and shrub areas. This method helps reveal wildlife activity that is less visible during the day.

Camera Traps

Shy or rarely seen wildlife is monitored using camera traps. Motion-sensor devices are installed at strategic locations and can automatically record wildlife activity during both the day and night. The footage provides information on species, appearance times and wildlife behaviour.

Bioacoustics

When wildlife is difficult to see, sound can provide an important clue. Through bioacoustic monitoring, automatic sound recorders, or Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), are used to record wildlife sounds at specific times. The recordings are then analysed to help identify wildlife presence and activity, particularly birds and species that are active and vocal at night.

Bird Observation Using Point Count

In the point count method, observers remain at a fixed location for a set period while recording birds that are seen or heard. Observations are conducted quietly to minimise disturbance to the birds’ natural behaviour and ensure more accurate data collection.

Faecal Sampling

Primate faecal samples can provide valuable information without the need to capture or handle the animals. Laboratory analysis can be used to study the microbiome, as well as genetic material or DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). This data helps researchers understand the microbiome and genetic diversity of primate populations.

Flora Phenology Monitoring

Wildlife is closely connected to plants, which are an important part of their habitat and food sources. Therefore, the team also monitors flora phenology, including flowering, fruiting and leaf-fall periods. This data helps provide an understanding of the relationship between food availability and wildlife activity.

Different Methods, One Purpose

Each method provides different information. Transects help identify signs of wildlife presence, night herping reveals reptile and amphibian activity at night, camera traps record elusive wildlife, bioacoustics detects wildlife through sound, and point counts help monitor birds from fixed observation points. Meanwhile, faecal samples provide information about primates, while phenology monitoring helps reveal the relationship between plants and wildlife.

By combining these methods, the team can develop a more comprehensive picture of biodiversity around the work area. Every footprint, sound, recording and change in vegetation becomes an important part of the data needed to understand and help protect the ecosystem.

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To strengthen this preparedness, Agincourt Resources collaborated with the South Tapanuli Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and Manggala Agni to conduct a disaster preparedness refresher programme on 23–24 September 2026 at Sopo Daganak.

A total of 220 residents from 22 villages across three subdistricts participated in the programme, which focused on strengthening knowledge and skills in responding to floods and forest and land fires.

Through the programme, participants strengthened their understanding of how to recognise risks, respond to early warnings and deal with emergency situations. The learning sessions were complemented by practical exercises, including firefighting drills, enabling participants to apply their knowledge when responding to emergencies in their respective communities.

Senior Manager Community of Agincourt Resources Christine Pepah emphasised that building resilient communities requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Collaboration between the company, government and communities is expected to strengthen local capacity, enabling communities to better recognise risks and take appropriate action when disasters occur.

The programme also strengthened collaboration between Agincourt Resources, BPBD South Tapanuli and Manggala Agni in enhancing community preparedness. Head of BPBD South Tapanuli Zulkarnain Siregar and Head of Manggala Agni Operations Area Sumatra III/Labuhanbatu Selatan Asima Rohana Simbolon also attended the programme.

With continuously refreshed knowledge and preparedness built through collaboration, communities are expected not only to respond effectively to emergencies but also to play an active role in strengthening resilience to disaster risks in their respective areas.

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This effort is carried out through Agincourt Resources’ Community Development and Empowerment Programme (Program Pengembangan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat/PPM), which supports the School Environmental Care and Culture Movement (Gerakan Peduli dan Berbudaya Lingkungan Hidup di Sekolah/GPBLHS), also known as Adiwiyata. In collaboration with the Regional Environmental Agency (Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Daerah/DLHD) of South Tapanuli Regency and the Semut Merah Environmental Care Foundation (Yayasan Peduli Lingkungan/YPL), Agincourt Resources provides training and ongoing support to partner schools to strengthen the implementation of environmental awareness within educational settings.

A total of 15 Agincourt Resources partner schools took part in the Adiwiyata School Development and Support Programme and the Gen Berdaya Adiwiyata School Camp on 21–22 September 2026. The activities provided a shared learning space for teachers and Adiwiyata student representatives to strengthen their knowledge, skills and commitment to creating schools that care for and uphold environmental values.

As part of the programme, 30 teachers, comprising two facilitators from each school, received training on the requirements, indicators and assessment mechanisms for Adiwiyata Schools. The training is expected to support facilitators in helping their respective schools implement environmental awareness practices while preparing them in accordance with the Adiwiyata stage they are pursuing.

Students also played an active role through the Gen Berdaya Camp, which was attended by Adiwiyata student representatives from all 15 schools. Through the activity, students had the opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, develop ideas and strengthen their role as advocates for environmental awareness, both at school and in their communities.

Head of the Environmental Protection and Management Division of South Tapanuli Regency, Herman Siregar, said the Gen Berdaya Camp provided an opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding of and concern for the environment. He expressed his appreciation for Agincourt Resources’ support in assisting Adiwiyata schools and expressed hope that the knowledge gained by participants would be consistently applied at school and at home, while also encouraging innovation to create clean, healthy and sustainable learning environments.

The 15 schools participating in the programme are at various stages of the Adiwiyata process. Candidates for Regency-level Adiwiyata Schools (Calon Sekolah Adiwiyata Kabupaten/CSAK) are SMPN 1 Tantom Angkola and MTsS NU Batang Toru. The candidate for Provincial-level Adiwiyata School (Calon Sekolah Adiwiyata Provinsi/CSAP) is SMAN 1 Batang Toru.

Meanwhile, candidates for National-level Adiwiyata Schools (Calon Sekolah Adiwiyata Nasional/CSAN) comprise SDN No. 100710 Hapesong Baru, SDN No. 100715, SDN No. 100910 Islam Terpadu Faza Azkia, SMPN 1 Muara Batang Toru, SMPN 2 Muara Batang Toru, MTsN 3 Tapanuli Selatan and SMKN 1 Batang Toru. Candidates for Independent Adiwiyata Schools (Calon Sekolah Adiwiyata Mandiri/CSAM) comprise SDN No. 100707 Perkebunan Batang Toru, SDN No. 100712 Hapeong Lama, SMPN 1 Batang Toru, SMPN 2 Batang Toru and SMKN 2 Batang Toru.

The programme included capacity building for Adiwiyata facilitators, the Gen Berdaya Camp for Adiwiyata student representatives, the third round of support for independent schools and schools undertaking knowledge-sharing initiatives, as well as support for the Gen Berdaya Adiwiyata Student Representative Programme.

Through continuous development and support, efforts to establish Adiwiyata schools are expected to go beyond achieving a formal designation. More importantly, schools can become spaces where a generation grows with an understanding that caring for the environment is not merely a programme, but a value reflected in everyday habits.

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Adujaknas GenRe Indonesia 2026 was held on 21–22 September 2026 at the Ministry of Population and Family Development of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendukbangga RI) in Jakarta. The event provided a platform for GenRe Forums from across Indonesia to share experiences and showcase collaborative practices with partners in their respective regions.

In the MYP category, the assessment focused on the meaningful involvement of the GenRe Forum in programme implementation. Rather than participating solely as beneficiaries or programme participants, the forum was actively involved in programme design, needs mapping, monitoring and activity evaluation.

Agincourt Resources was represented at the event by Senior Manager Community, Christine Pepah. The recognition reflects an ongoing collaborative effort to create greater opportunities for young people to contribute to programmes that are relevant and beneficial to the community.

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In the darkness underground, plant roots and fungi form a remarkable relationship. They recognise one another, communicate, and exchange resources. This relationship is known as mycorrhiza, a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that benefits both partners.

It Begins with a Signal

Plant roots play an important role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. However, roots cannot always reach all the resources available around them. The soil is also home to a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms.

Plants therefore have their own way of finding the right “partner”.

When plants need the assistance of mycorrhizal fungi, their roots release chemical compounds known as strigolactones. These compounds act as signals that can be detected by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi around the roots.

The signal then triggers a response from the fungi. They produce compounds known as Myc factors, which help facilitate recognition between the fungi and the plant.

This exchange of signals marks the beginning of a closer relationship. It is almost like a silent conversation, conducted through a chemical language understood only by organisms living in the soil.

When Roots and Fungi Work Together

Once recognition has taken place, the fungi begin to move towards the plant roots. They form fine, thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae grow towards the roots and enter the root tissue through a process that allows the association to form without damaging the plant cells.

Inside the root cells, the hyphae form highly branched structures called arbuscules. These structures serve as one of the main sites where the exchange of resources between the plant and fungi takes place.

Fungi have an extensive network of fine hyphae that can reach areas of soil that are difficult for roots to access. Through this network, fungi help plants obtain water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus.In return, the plant provides the fungi with a portion of the products of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds that provide energy for growth. Some of these products are then allocated to the fungi, which help the plant obtain resources from the soil.

In other words, both partners provide what the other needs. The plant supplies carbon, while the fungi extend the plant’s ability to access resources in the soil.

A Small Conversation with a Big Impact

The relationship between plants and fungi does not end with the exchange of resources. Mycorrhiza also plays an important role in ecosystems, including supporting nutrient uptake by plants and contributing to the movement of carbon through the soil.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon then becomes part of the organic compounds used by plants for growth. Some of it is also allocated to the roots and organisms associated with them, including mycorrhizal fungi.

This shows that soil is more than simply a place where plants anchor their roots. It is a living ecosystem where countless organisms interact and influence one another.

Beneath the seemingly quiet surface, a network of life is constantly at work. Roots send signals, fungi respond, hyphae explore, and nutrients and carbon move from one organism to another.

If human relationships are built through communication, trust, and mutual support, nature has its own language. Plants and fungi communicate through chemical signals and the exchange of resources.

Romance beneath the soil can be found in a simple relationship of recognising, giving, and strengthening one another.

From this hidden partnership, plants are able to grow and ecosystems can continue to thrive.

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To bring these services closer to the community, Agincourt Resources collaborated with the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office and Sitinjak Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) to organise Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa in Siuhom Village, Angkola Barat, on 16 September 2026. The programme provided access to paediatric, internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynaecology specialists for residents of Paten, Tangga Batu, Aek Martolu, and Tapalan.

The event was attended by Head of the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office dr. Sri Khairunnisa, MH, MKM, Head of Angkola Barat Subdistrict Muhammad Tohir Pasaribu, Manager Community Development Agincourt Resources Rohani Simbolon, and Superintendent Exploration I Putu Suputra Utama.

Manager Community Development Agincourt Resources Rohani Simbolon said the activity formed part of the collaboration between Agincourt Resources, the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office, and the local Community Health Centre. The activity in Siuhom marked the third implementation of Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa in 2026. A total of 132 residents accessed healthcare services during the activity.

Total 98 patients were examined by an internal medicine specialist, 25 by a paediatrician, and nine by an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Patients’ health records were also documented at the Community Health Centre to support any necessary follow-up care.

Head of the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office dr. Sri Khairunnisa, MH, MKM expressed hope that Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa would continue and reach more communities across Tapanuli Selatan Regency.

One of the residents who experienced the benefits of having specialist doctors available directly in the village was Esti Mariati Situmorang, a resident of Tangga Batu. She brought her two children for health examinations and took the opportunity to seek medical advice for stomach problems she had experienced over the previous few days.

For Esti, initiatives such as Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa help residents access medical examinations without having to travel long distances. She hopes that access to healthcare facilities and services in her area will continue to improve, making it easier for her family and the wider community to receive medical care when needed.

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist dr. Ryan Andrian, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG. welcomed the proactive approach taken through Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa. According to him, bringing specialist services directly into the community not only improves access to specialist doctors, but also provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining good health and seeking appropriate medical examinations when needed.

Bringing specialist doctors directly to villages demonstrates that improving community health depends not only on the availability of healthcare facilities, but also on ensuring that services are accessible to the people who need them. Through collaboration with local government and healthcare facilities, Agincourt Resources continues to support efforts to bring healthcare services closer to communities.

The post Bringing Healthcare Closer, Delivering Benefits to Communities: Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa Serves 132 Residents appeared first on Agincourt Resources.

This monitoring not only enriches biodiversity data but also provides valuable insights into habitat conditions and how sustainable environmental management efforts can support the continued presence of wildlife.

The birds observed display a variety of feeding habits, ranging from fruit-eating or frugivorous birds and insect-eating or insectivorous birds to nectar-feeding birds. Each group plays an important ecological role. Frugivorous birds help disperse seeds, supporting natural forest regeneration, while insectivorous birds contribute to controlling insect populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. Nectar-feeding birds also play an important role as pollinators of various flowering plants.

Documenting Behaviour in Natural Habitats

Visual documentation provides a closer look at the natural behaviour of birds, including while they are perching or foraging. Perching positions can reflect how birds observe their surroundings, whether to detect predators or locate food sources. Meanwhile, foraging activities provide valuable information about their feeding preferences and interactions with other components of the ecosystem, such as plants and insects.

The diversity of birds found in the conservation areas also reflects habitat conditions that continue to provide sufficient and varied resources. Well-maintained vegetation, water availability and minimal disturbance are among the key factors supporting the presence of various bird species. These conditions highlight the importance of conservation efforts that not only protect flora but also support the continued presence of fauna, including avifauna that are sensitive to environmental change.

Understanding More, Inspiring Greater Awareness

Bird monitoring also has educational value. As wildlife that are relatively easy to observe and visually appealing, birds can serve as an effective medium for introducing the richness of biodiversity while raising awareness of the importance of conservation. Photographs accompanied by informative narratives can help communities gain a closer understanding of biodiversity and the importance of maintaining the balance of nature.

Bird monitoring and documentation in conservation areas are more than simply record-keeping activities; they form part of ongoing efforts to understand ecosystem dynamics over time. Each piece of data and documentation collected provides valuable information about the relationship between habitats and faunal diversity, while reminding us of the importance of maintaining harmony between people and nature.

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This commitment was brought to life through Coral Reef Transplantation Training held at Pantai Indah Pandan, Central Tapanuli Regency, on 10th September 2026. The activity was a collaboration between Agincourt Resources, Yayasan Masyarakat Penjaga Pantai Barat, Bank Sampah Yamantab, and Kelompok Konservasi Laut Nusantara (KKLN).

The activity was attended by KKLN Chairperson Antonius Zebua and Head of the Conservation Area Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) at the North Sumatra Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service, Eliezeri Irfan Hulu. Representing Agincourt Resources, Biodiversity Management Supervisor Muhamad Kurniawan attended alongside the Biodiversity Management team.

The training comprised a series of activities, including registration, an opening session, presentation of materials, and a coral reef transplantation workshop. Participants also took part in practical sessions as part of their learning about efforts to restore and conserve coral reef ecosystems.

Coral reef transplantation is one of the approaches used to rehabilitate ecosystems by relocating or propagating coral fragments so that they can grow again in areas requiring restoration. Through this training, participants were introduced to the approach in a practical manner, enabling efforts to protect marine ecosystems to be carried out with the appropriate knowledge and skills.

For Agincourt Resources, collaboration in conservation is part of its commitment to fostering environmental awareness beyond the boundaries of its operational area. By working together with communities and stakeholders, knowledge and experience can be shared to support the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.

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