Sumba's unique forests need greater conservation efforts<\/p>\n
By Tomie Dono and Andalusi Apsari<\/p>\n
BOGOR, West Java (JP): Sumba Island, located in the southern
\npart of East Nusa Tenggara, about 100 kilometers south of Flores
\nIsland, is 250 kilometers long with a total area of 10,845 square
\nkilometers.<\/p>\n
It is formed from volcanic crust fragments and limestone. The
\ngeological formation of Sumba is different from other islands in
\nNusa Tenggara, which originally derived from volcanic rock. The
\ndry season in Sumba occurs between May and November.<\/p>\n
The annual rainfall is estimated between 500 millimeters and
\n2,000 millimeters. Sumba has four types of forest (Banilodu and
\nSaka, 1993). The deciduous forest is found along the rivers and
\nlowland areas, while the semi-evergreen forests grow in the hilly
\nareas, where the humidity is lower. The true evergreen forest is
\nin area with higher humidity, about 700 meters above sea level.
\nAnother type, the elfin forest, is found on Mount Wanggameti at
\n1,050 meters to 1200 meters above sea level.<\/p>\n
Now, only 11 percent of Sumba Island is covered with forest,
\nmostly in the south. The forest is home to a great variety of
\nfauna, much of which is endemic to Sumba.<\/p>\n
Sumba is known to have nine species and 21 subspecies of birds
\nendemic to the area. We can see julang Sumba (Rhyticeros
\neveretti), pungguk wenggi (Ninox rudolfi), punai Sumba (Treron
\nteysmannii), walik rawamanu (Ptilinopus dohertyi) and gemak Sumba
\n(Turnix everetti), along with seven butterfly, four reptile and
\ntwo amphibian species.<\/p>\n
Sumba people do not seem to realize they are rich in flora and
\nfauna. Unfortunately, destruction of the forests continues.<\/p>\n
Studies conducted by the local Agency for Conservation of
\nNatural Resources (PHPA), BirdLife International-Indonesia
\nProgram, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang Widya Mandira Catholic
\nUniversity, and the Manchester Metropolitan University expedition
\nhave concluded that eight forest areas in Sumba Island need
\nconservation efforts if they are to survive.<\/p>\n
The forests are Yawila, Poronumbu, Manupeu, Langgaliru,
\nWanggameti-Tabundung, Tanjung Ngunju, Lulundilu and Luko Meldo.
\nHowever, a 1998 government decree had only accredited to areas as
\nnational parks: the Manupeu-Tanadaru and Wanggameti-Langgaliru
\nnational parks. Both of them have the largest unseparated forest
\nareas in Sumba, each having unique biodiversity. They also serve
\nas water catchment areas for local communities.<\/p>\n
Wanggameti-Langgaliru lies in East Sumba regency with a total
\narea of 42,567 hectares. Only about 27,895 hectares of this has
\nforest cover. The region has a complete ecosystem, which is
\namazing in a dry region like Nusa Tenggara.<\/p>\n
Mount Wanggameti is the highest point on Sumba Island. It
\nrepresents all types of forest found on Sumba, including elfin
\nforest, which is rare. The forest is home to 77 bird species,
\nincluding Walik Rawamanu (Ptilinopus dohertyi) and Walet Sarang-
\nputih (Aerodramus fuciphagus) two of six endemic birds.<\/p>\n
The studies also identified 43 butterfly species, three of
\nthose being endemic to Nusa Tenggara. Vegetation has a large
\nvariety of structure and composition.<\/p>\n
Approximately 70 plant species are found in this area. For
\nlocals, the forest is the main source for food, firewood,
\nmedicine the raw materials for the famed tenun ikat cloth,
\ntraditional arts and ceremonies.<\/p>\n
Manupeu-Tanadaru lies in East and West Sumba regions, Lewa
\nDistrict, Katiku Tana, Walaka and Loli, Langgaliru village,
\nWatumbelar, Kangeli, Konda Maloba, Umamanu, Matayangu and Katiku
\nLaku.<\/p>\n
The total area is 28,429 hectares. Langgaliru is part of
\nPraimamonguditas forest block. Most of Manupeu is hilly and
\nsteep, and ranges from sea level to 600 meters above sea level.
\nWet evergreen forest is found in Mount Manupeu. The geological
\nbase is formed of Neogene and Paleogene limestone and some areas
\nof volcanic rock.<\/p>\n
Although it has a very dry climate, we can found the biggest
\npopulation of Rangkong Sumba (Rhyticeros everetti) there, one of
\nthe Sumba endemic birds.<\/p>\n
The sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea
\ncitrinocristata) and yellow-crested cockatoo are common.<\/p>\n
Biodiversity in this area is high, according to research
\nconducted by Banilodu and Saka in 1993. It lists 62 types of
\nplants in the Langgaliru area and 54 types in Manupeu.<\/p>\n
There are 76 bird species, five of those endemic to Sumba
\n(Jones et. al, 1994), such as cempaka cockatoo, julang Sumba, and
\npunai Sumba. There are also 57 butterfly species.<\/p>\n
The region has beautiful views of waterfalls, beaches and
\ntraditional culture invaluable for tourism industry development.
\nThe forest area plays an important role in the local people's
\ndaily lives.<\/p>\n
The biggest problem facing the Sumba forest is fire. Many
\npeople practice the slash and burn technique to open up land for
\nfarming, and this is difficult to control.<\/p>\n
The Sumba community needs information on the importance of
\npreserving forests. This is particularly important for those
\nliving in the surrounding area. It is clear that Sumba's forests
\nhave a social and economic importance to the community. They are
\ninterdependent.<\/p>\n
Several studies have been conducted in Sumba by different
\ninstitutions concerned with conservation and development of the
\nforests.<\/p>\n
In our opinion, the Manupeu-Tanadaru and Wanggameti-Langgaliru
\nshould be protected and given the status of national parks. Core
\nzones would not be disturbed because the locals' needs for wood,
\nthe base material for ikat woven cloth dye, and other daily needs
\nwill be taken from the production zones.<\/p>\n
The community in the vicinity of the forests should have a
\nsound understanding of the plans and be involved in the
\ndevelopment process. Their philosophy and traditional knowledge
\nabout forest management should be taken into account and they
\nshould retain their basic rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n
Involvement of the indigenous people will support the efforts
\nto develop the conservation management system. When the community
\ncan take an active role to protect and use the forest resources
\nthoughtfully, the efforts will likely be successful.<\/p>\n
Sumba Island needs a national park to conserve its unique
\nbiodiversity, which is invaluable to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The writers work for the BirdLife Indonesia Program<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sumbas-unique-forests-need-greater-conservation-efforts-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }