Bats, birds vie for space in Pulau Rambut sanctuary

Bats, birds vie for space in Pulau Rambut sanctuary

By Bambang Parlupi

JAKARTA (JP): Pulau Rambut, in the Pulau Seribu (Thousand
Islands) chain of islands off North Jakarta, is just for the
birds.

Based on a 1999 forestry minister's degree, the island, which
is only one and a half hours from the Ancol Marina by speedboat,
is protected by law as a wildlife sanctuary.

Rambut island's unique ecosystem is an ideal habitat for
various bird species. Its coastal forest abounds with pandan
(Pandanus tectorius) and undergrowth. In its tidal areas one can
find sea spades (Thespesia populnea) and sea casuarina (Casuarina
equisetifolia). Acacia and fast-growing lamtoro, which is not
native to the area, is also found here.

Mangroves and brackish water forests cover two thirds of
Rambut's total area. Its hillside has a blanket of mixed
secondary forestation and the three main forest groups serve as
the primary habitat for fish-eating birds. The western and
northern coasts of the island are fringed with coral reefs which
form natural lagoons.

"The island is dubbed a 'palace of birds' with its pristine
condition and numerous bird species," said Ganie Suparlan, a
national conservation and environmental observer.

Some 40,000 birds of 49 species nest on the 45-hectare tract
of land. Eighteen of the species belong to the category of rare
birds protected by law.

About 40 percent of the resident birds are cormorants; egrets
and herons constitute 24 percent, whereas heron-like birds and
ibis constitute another 25 percent.

"Most of the birds in this protected zone are sedentary," said
Ganie, who is a member of the Communication Forum for Indonesian
Conservation Activists (FK3I).

Bird lovers, from students to environmental activists and
ornithologists, flock to the island from March to September to
watch the courtship displays and the birds taking care of their
young (unpredictable weather makes it more difficult to see the
birds between December and February).

"As the various breeds of birds are very easy to observe
there, the sanctuary appeals to tourists," said Ade M. Rahmat, an
information officer from the Jakarta chapter of the Natural
Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA).

However, there is the potential for trouble in paradise.
Conservationists are concerned that several factors -- both
natural and manmade -- may threaten the sanctuary.

"There is fear that many factors will disturb the birds'
habitat, including sea pollution and the existence of bats," said
Ade.

The latter is especially troubling, as a number of trees have
died despite being surrounded by fertile areas. Bats (Pteropus
vampyoris) are believed to be the cause of the problem.

Both bats and birds choose tall trees to build nests or rest.
The claws of bats are harmful to tree branches and twigs.
Hundreds of them hang on the trees during daytime before they
leave at sunset to feed many kilometers away.

No exact data is available on the population of bats living on
the egg-shaped island, but more colonies will definitely lead to
more dead trees.

Garbage

Another problem is garbage. Household refuse, washed ashore
from Jakarta and rivers emptying into the Java Sea, gather on the
sand and among the mangroves. Plastic bottles and bags, wooden
items and rubber sandals are very harmful to the coastal
ecosystem.

"Oil spills are often found along the coastline," Ade
revealed.

Visitors may also be a problem for birds, particularly those
disturbed by noise. There are regulations in place to prevent
large parties spending the night on the island and loud music is
banned.

"As a wildlife reserve, Rambut island is basically restricted
to limited tourism," said Ganie, explaining that, based on Law
No.5/2000 on the conservation of biological resources and their
ecosystem, such zones can be used for scientific research and
development, education, limited tourism and other supporting
activities.

It's even closer to Rambut from Tanjung Pasir in Tangerang,
taking only about half an hour by motorboats to Untung Jawa
island, a tourist transit point located beside Rambut island. The
people of Untung Jawa provide rest houses for visitors.

Situated no less than three kilometers from Rambut, this
neighboring islet is the reserve's buffer zone. Sadly, Rambut and
Untung Jawa lack good accommodation facilities.

Conservationists say local people may also be involved in the
effort to marry wildlife preservation with their livelihood in
other ways, such as acting as tourist guides, a job still taken
care of by the Rambut conservation officers.