Leuser

Gunung Leuser National Park is a national park covering 7,927 sq km in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces. The National Park named after 3,381 m height of Mount Leuser, protects a wide range of ecosystems. An Orangutan sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located inside the park. Together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat national parks it form a World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.

Gunung Leuser National Park is 150 km long, over 100 km wide and is mostly mountainous. 40 % of the park, which is mainly in the north, is steep, and over 1,500 m. 12 % of the park only, in the lower southern half, is below 600 meters but for 25 km runs down the coast. 11 peaks are over 2,700 m and the highest point is Gunung Leuser, which 3,466 m high. Temperature 21^o - 28^o C, rainfall 2,000 - 3,200 mm/year, at the geographical location 96^o35' - 98^o30' E, 2^o50' - 4^o10' S.

Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii). In 1971, Herman Rijksen established the Ketambe research station, a specially designated research area for the orangutan. Other mammals found in the park are the Sumatran Elephant, Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhinocheros, Siamang, Mainland Serow, Sambar Deer, and Leopard Cat.

The Leuser ecosystem lists over 382 species of birds, 105 species of mammals, 103 species of reptiles and 35 species of amphibians. The flora contains some 3,500 plants species, and in one hectare you can find 130 different tree species.

It is believed to contain around 300 elephants, 60 tigers and 40 rhinos, but the chances of seeing one of these is slim. There are also around 5,000 orangutan as well as gibbons, the white breasted Thomas leaf monkey, the long and pig tailed macaques, the white handed gibbons, and the cuddly black siamang. Also living in the park are clouded leopards, marbled cat, crocodile and sun bears and over 300 birds species including the rhinoceros hornbill and the helmeted hornbill. The Rafflesia Arnoldi, largest flower in the world, can also be found within the park.

Gunung Leuser National Park represent several ecosystem types, from coastal forest ecosystem through tropical lowland forest ecosystem to montane forest ecosystem. Most of the park area is covered with thick Dipterocarpaceae forest with rivers and waterfalls flowing through it. There are some endangered and peculiar plants, namely Daun Payung Raksasa (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons), Rafflesia Flowers (Rafflesia atjehensis and R. micropilora), and Rhizanthes zippelnii, the biggest flower, with a diameter of 1.5 meters. In addition, there is the one plant unique to the area : The Ara, a strangling plant.

Endangered and protected animal species which inhabit the park include Orangutan (Pongo abelii), Siamang (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus), Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) and Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis sumatrana).

Gunung Leuser National Park has been declared a Biosphere Reserve. Under a cooperation program between Indonesia and Malaysia, the park is also designated as a 'Sister Park' to the Taman Negara in Malaysia.

Agriculture is a mojor source of income for the local communities around Leuser. Large rubber and oil palm plantations in northern Sumatra play a major role in the national economy. Almost all remaining lowland forest has been given out officially for oil palm plantation. Yield decline has been recorded, however, in several Leuser regencies. This decline can be ascribed mainly to a deterioration of nutriens in the soil, along with soil erosion, drought and floods, and an increase in weeds. Clearly, these causes of decline are linked to the deforestation of Leuser. For example, the logging of water catchment in Leuser is found to be responsible fo taking 94 % of failed irrigation areas out of production.

Ciremai

Mount Ciremai National Park (TNGC) is a conservation area located in the province of West Java, Indonesia. This national park is intended to protect the living resources and environment in the region of Mount Ciremai.

Mount Ciremai National Park has an area of 15,000 hectares partially in Majalengka Regency (6,927.9 Ha) and partly in the Kuningan Regency (8,931.27 Ha). In the northern forest area is adjacent to the area of Cirebon; in the south, the boundaries are located in areas Cigugur, Kadugede, Nusaherang and Darma, in the west are in the area Majalengka. 

Mount Ciremai National Park is between the lines of longitude 108^o21'35'' - 108^o28'00'' East longitude and latitude lines 6^o50'25'' - 6^o58'26'' South latitude. Topography is mostly undulating (64 %) and steep (22 %), is mountainous, with the highest peak at an altitude of 3,078 m above sea level. Toward the top of Cigugur quite rich in tree species. Listed among the types of 'Saninten' (Castanopsis argentea, C. javanica), 'Pasang' (Lithocarpus elegans and L. sundaicus), 'Mara' (Macaranga denticulata), and 'Janitri' (Elaeocarpus obtusus, and E. Petiolatus stipularis).

Mount Ciremai (3,078 m asl) is the volcano is still and the type of Strato. Administratively included in the three district, namely Kabupaten Cirebon, Kuningan and Majalengka Regency, West Java. The geographical position of the peak is located at 6^o53'30'' latitude and 108^o24'00'' East longitude. This mountain has a distinctive when compared with other mountains on the island of Java, as well as Mount Slamet, the mountain is separated from the other high mountains, but Mount Ciremai are closer to the Java Sea. The activities of the last recorded in 1973, a tectonic earthquake is strong enough.

Furthermore, based on micro climatic conditions, environmental distinguish Ciremai upper plateau of dry and wet highland. For example, land in the Resort Setianegara (lane north Linggarjati) micro dry climates and in the Resort Cigugur (Palutungan Point, the southern mountain) including micro wet climates, which form a special vegetation belt. This mountain has a double crater, western crater radius is truncated by a crater 400 m east of radius 600 m. At an altitude of about 2,900 m above sea level on the southern slope there are ex-point eruption called 'Goa Walet'.

The protected flora are the types of Saninten (Castanopsis argentea, C. javanica, C. tungurrut) and Pairs (Lithocarpus elegants and L. sundaicus), of the tribe Fagaceae; Jenitri (Elaeocarpus obtusus, and E. petiolatus, E. stipularis), spare Elaeocarpaceae; Mara (Macaranga denticulata) and Kareumbi (Omalanthus populneus), Euphorbiaceae tribe; various Jirak (Symplocos fasciculata, S. Spicara, S. sessilifolia, S. theaefolia), Symplocaceae; the types of fig (Ficus including padana and F. racemosa), Moraceae; Puspa (Schima wallichii) and Ki Sapu (Eurya acuminata), Theaceae, etc.

Mount Ciremai also serve as an important area for birds (IBA, Important Bird Areas JID 24) as well as endemic bird areas (EBA, Endemic Bird Areas DBE 160). Some of the status of vulnerable species (IUCN: VU, vulnerable), for example Plop Java (Otus angelinae) and Ciung Mungkal Java (Chochoa azurea). Noted also at least 18 other species with the status of range birds (restricted bird areas) as well as the Java Quail Barking (Aborophyla javanica), Walik (Ptilinopus   porphyreus), Takur Bututut (Megalaima corvina), Blue Berkecet (Cinclidium ciana), Poksai (Garrulax rufifrons), Cica (Crocias albonotatus), Opior Java (Lophozosterops javanicus), Walnut Wilt (Serinus estherae), and others. Cucak mountain is one of the restricted range bird species found in Ciremai. Some important mammal species found here, like leopard (Panthera pardus); Surili (Presbytis comata); Eboni Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus); Javan Slow Loris of Face Geni (Nycticebus javanicus); Muncak Deer (Muntiacus muntjak; and Pelanduk Java (Tragulus javanicus).

Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 424/Menhut-II/2004, October 19, 2004.

Halimun - Salak

Gunung Halimun - Salak National Park represent the ecosystem types of lowland rain forest, sub montane forest. Most of the forest areas of this Park are situated in mountainous terrain with several rivers and waterfalls. The area protects the hydrological function of the regencies of Bogor, Lebak and Sukabumi.

Located in West Java, Gunung Halimun - Salak, Sundanese for 'The Mountains of the Mist', contains some of Indonesia's largest remaining lowland and montane forest. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930's; therefore in 1992 the Government changed it's status to a National Park. The Park has abundant untouched wildlife and stunning scenery. Each year visitors come to Gunung Halimun - Salak National Park to explore mountainous terrain, canyons, rivers and waterfalls, natural hot spring, tropical forest and tea plantations in the middle of the park.

With an approximately 40,000 hectares, this park is a nirvana for the endemic (native) wildlite of West Java. More than 200 species of endemic, rare of common birds including the endangered Javan Hawk Eagle, as well as several species of primates, including Javan Gibbon, Javan Leaf Monkey, and Black Leaf Monkey reside within the park.

Halimun - Salak National Park located on geographical location 106^o21' - 106^o38' E and 6^o37' - 6^o51' S, temperature 30^oC on average, rainfall 4,000 - 6,000 mm/year, altitude 500 - 1,929 m asl.

Among the plants that dominate the forest areas of the park are Rasamala (Altingia excelsa), Jamuju (Dacrycarpus imbricatus), and Puspa (Schima wallichii). About 75 orchid species grow in the park and several of them are categorized as endangered species, including Bulbophylum binnendykii, Bulbophyllum angustifolium, Cymbidium ensifolium and Dendrobium macrophyllum.

This park forms a habitat for several endangered animal like Lesser Malay Mouse Deer (Tragulus javanicus javanicus), Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch), Javan Leaf Monkey (Presbytis comata comata), Ebony Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), Barking Deer (Munciacus muntjak), Panther (Panthera pardus) and Asian Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus).

There are about 204 species of birds, of which 90 are permanent and 35 are endemic to Java, such as the Javan Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi). Two species of bird, the spotted crocias (Crocias albonotatus) and the Red Fronted Laughing Thrush (Garrulax rufifrons), are threatened with extinction. The Javan Hawk Eagle, which is identical to Indonesia's National Symbol, the Garuda, can be quite easily spotted in the Park. With its wet climate, this park is the source for several year round river, and it boasts eight beautiful waterfalls which have great potential as tourist or recreation attractions.

Inside and around Gunung Halimun - Salak National Park also live ethnic Sundanese who are integrated into the customs of societies called 'Kesatuan Masyarakat Adat Kasepuhan Banten Kidul'. They live a life with an agricultural slash and burn pattern known as 'semi permanent'. This way of life comes from their ancestral beliefs called 'tatali paranti karuhun' (ancestor's manner). This belief influences all aspects of the Kasepuhan community. The cyclical pattern is called semi permanent because it is not defined pursuant of the crop season, but rather emphasizes at rule 'wahyu' (divine inspiration) from their ancestors.

The philosophy of the ancestor's is continually cyclical. The cosmovision or the 'Kasepuhan' believe that in the universe physical elements and social systems are intimately connected. The universe will continue to exist as long as its laws of regularity and equilibrium, controlled by its cosmic center can maintain all its elements in balance. They believe that every violation of the ancestor's law will cause disaster, not only to those who violate it, but also to the whole community. That believe becomes the basis for their perception of 'Hutan Titipan'

Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 285/Kpts-II/1992, February 26, 1992.

Wasur

The Wasur National Park forms part of the largest wetland in Papua, province of Indonesia, and has been the least disturbed by human activity. The high value of biodiversity has led to the park being dubbed the 'Serengeti Papua'. The vast open wetland, in particular Rawa Biru Lake, attracts a very rich fauna.

The Wasur National Park is situated in Merauke, Papua. This park has a wildlife habitat and the exact same in Australia, namely savanna forest with various kinds of kangaroo, but the kangaroo in this Wasur smaller compared with the kangaroos in Australia.

Rawa Biru (Blue Swamp)/Wasur Reserve located in the Merauke Region of Papua, the farthest town in the east of Indonesia. Giant termite mounds, long-grass, paper bark trees, acacia, and eucalyptus, much like Australia. The water shelter crocodiles and the curious dugong, and birds are cockatoos, parrots, crowned pigeons, and the fierce cassowary. Native wallabies and The Deer introduced in 1913, thrive in the area. The reserve is 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Merauke and the best way to get there is by Jeep during the dry season.

About 70% of total area of the park consists of savanna, while the remaining vegetation is swamp forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, bamboo forest, grassy plains and large stretches of sago swamp forest. The dominant plants include Mangroves, Terminalia, and Melaleuca species.

The Wasur National park covers an area of 413,810 Ha, average rainfall is about 2,400 mm annually (on average), Temperature 22^oC - 30^oC, at the geographical location is 140^o29' - 141^o00' East and 8^o04' -  9^o07' South.

The park provides habitat for a large variety of up to 358 birds species of which some 80 species are endemic to the island of New Guinea. Fish diversity is also high in the region with some 111 species found in the eco-region and a large number of these are recorded from Wasur. The Park's wetland provides habitat for various species of lobster and crab as well.

Wasur National Park is the habitat for a number of rare and endemic species. Red-listed species known to be present in viable population are Southern Crowned Pigeon and New Guinea Harpy Eagle, Dusky Pedemelon, Black-necked Stork, Fly River Grassbird and Little Curlew. Three Trans-Fly endemic bird species have been recorded, including the Fly River Grassbird and the Grey-crowned Munia.

The introduction of the Rusa Deer to Papua by the Dutch at Merauke in 1928, lead to an extensive spread of this species to most of the southern coastlands of the island. According to the indigenous communities of the National Park, this led to major changes to the local ecosystem, including : the reduction of tall swamp grasses and consequent ceasing of breeding of the Australian Pelican and Magpie Goose, reduction of the Phragmites reed species, and the extensive spread of Melaleuca onto open grasslands.

The Wasur Area was first designated as a Wildlife Reserve in 1978 with an area of 2,100 sq kms. An extended area of 4,138 sq kms was later declared a National Park in 1990. In 2006 the park has been also recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Wasur shares a common border with Tonda Wildlife Management Area (WMA), another Ramsar site in neighbouring Papua New Guinea.

There are four groups of indegenous peoples living in the park, belonging to the tribes of Kanume, Marind, Marori and Yei, who rely on the area for food and their daily needs. The total population is estimated to be 2,500 peoples within 14 villages. The name of the park is derived from the Marori language in which Waisol means garden. These local communities consume fish, sago, sweet potatoes, deer, bandicot and wallaby. Many aspects of their culture are disappearing although some elements such as festivals, pig feasts, dancing, weafing and traditional cooking remain. There are many sites of spiritual significance including sacred sites. The southern part of the park has large areas of ancient agricultural mounds which are of archaelocogical importance.

Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 282/Kpts-VI/1997, May 23, 1997.