OBSCUREFEST
8-31 JANUARY 2026
Bogor, Indonesia

A celebration for the unseen

Much attention is focused on megafauna, or those that are warm-blooded, or provide a direct benefit to the survival of the human species. Yet, many critters play a role in pollination or feed on disease-carrying species. A recent study found that of 14,600 species conservation projects, 83% of funding went to vertebrates, with the vast majority allocated to mammals and birds (Guénard et al. 2025). An older study revealed that fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians are viewed by humans as the groups most distantly related to humans (especially the cognitive ability), making them difficult for humans to sympathize with (Eddy et al., 1993).

Nevertheless, our differences with those critters should not be an indication of their degree of importance

In Indonesia alone, over 2,000 species beyond mammals and birds have been assessed by the IUCN as threatened. Barring miracles or missing data, four are Extinct – forever lost to us and generations to come. Unlike the Javan tiger, all four remain little known by the public: a stingray (Urolophus javanicus), a ginger (Etlingera heyneana), a knifefish (Chitala lopis), and a prawn (Macrobrachium leptodactylus). They were endemic to Java, and victims to its unceasing growth. There are many other neglected species struggling with habitat change, air pollution, or invasive species, without us ever having the resources, either time or money, to truly understand their role on Earth.

Find the Critters

ObscureFest 2026 was a celebration and open invitation to everyone who wanted to learn more about Earth's diversity, beyond the well-known animals.

Various activities will be open to all groups, covering reptiles, amphibians, fish (including sharks and rays), terrestrial invertebrates (such as insects, spiders, snails, worms) and aquatic invertebrates (such as starfish, shellfish, crabs, and corals), native Indonesian plants (in addition to supermarket and market vegetables and fruits), as well as fungi, lichens, and algae.

Main pre-event:

Main Event Day 1:
Indoor Sessions, Naturalist Hub,
24 January 2026, 9 AM - 8 PM WIB

Main Event Day 2:
Outdoor Sessions, Batoo Farm Adventure,
25 January 2026, 8 AM - 1 PM WIB

Photo & Art Exhibition

SUBMISSIONS GALLERY
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A mini exhibition to showcase photographs and artworks portraying obscure animals. Two best (judges version and people's choice) got award and private session with our storyteller.

Online Sessions

Watch Recording

In-person Intensive Workshop

An intensive and exclusive sessions for 5 selected participants to learn about freshwater fishes, herpetofauna identification photography techniques, marine invertebrate plot and sampling techniques, and arthropod sampling and preservation techniques.

Ex-situ Showcase

An open-for-public session to discuss and debate the ex-situ approach for conservation, and showcasing the best and worst practices for both terrestrial and marine ex-situ efforts.

Culinary Show: Bedawang project

A demonstration and presentation delivered by Swarnadipa to showcase the interrelation between food diversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation. They brought Nepenthes ampullaria specimens from Jambi and cooked them for 'lemang' dish.

Pub Quiz

A fun session with three sections of games for both plants and animals, guessing what species only based on clues or pictures.

BioBlitz

iNaturalist

Rapid biodiversity assessment of obscure animals such as arthropods and reptiles.

Nature Journaling

Combining art and conservation, three illustrators hosted a session for participants in creating a nature journal which based on a deep observation in nature.

Nature Art Contest

Special session crafted for kids, started by a presentation about nature, followed by exploration to collect leaves, flowers, or anything from nature to create artworks.