Largest historical volcanic eruption, world’s largest lizard, and synchronous fruiting
I. Map boundaries: 0 to 10 degrees South; 112 to 120 degrees East
II. Country (Provinces): Indonesia (Bali, Central Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, East Java, East Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara [Southeast Islands], South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, West Kalimantan, West Southeast Islands, West Sulawesi).
III. Highlights
A. Sumbawa
At Mount Tambora, on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, about 30 cubic kilometers of the upper part of the volcano is missing. This is because the largest and deadliest volcanic eruption in recorded history took place here, on April 10, 1815. The explosion was heard up to 2600 km away, and darkness lasted for up to two days within 600 km of the volcano. Due to a monsoon blowing from the east, most of the ash fall was west of the volcano, covering Sumbawa, Lombok, and East Java. The original height of the mountain exceeded 4300 m; today its height is 2850 m, about two-thirds of its original height. The Flores Sea was littered with large rafts of pumice (up to several km in width) mixed with ash and uprooted trees. Debris flows reached the ocean, creating a tsunami which traveled at 70 m/s and reached eastern Java in less than two hours. The ash depth on Lombok, more than 200 km west of Tambora, reached 60 cm. Because the ash reached the stratosphere, it spread worldwide in about three months, and persistent haze persisted through 1816. To Europeans and Americans, 1816 was the year without a summer. The weather was cold, with snow and frost in the summer, and the mean worldwide temperature dropped 0.4 to 0.7 degree C in 1816. There may also have been a monsoon failure in India in 1816. Approximately 88,000 people are known to have perished on Sumbawa and Lombok (Stothers 1984).
B. Borneo (Southeast)
On Borneo, the dominant trees are members of the Dipterocarpaceae, a plant family that produces single-seeded fruits within a one- to two-month period at irregular intervals. Synchronous seed production serves to satiate seed predators and promote successful reproduction. The periods of fruit production correspond to El Nino-Southern Oscillation events. In 2010, the first large mass fruiting event since 1998 took place. The presence of high, non-volcanic mountains in a tropical rainforest climate zone provides a wide variety of unique habitats promoting plant and animal diversity on land and in sea. In addition, Borneo has remained at tropical latitudes for most of its geologic history, which has promoted environmental stability. Borneo is home to 15,000 species of flowering plants, 34 percent of which are found nowhere else. It has 155 endemic tree species, 44 endemic mammals, and 37 endemic birds. It is a hotbed of scientific discovery, with three new species being discovered per month. Notable plants are the dipterocarp trees which dominate the lowland rainforests, Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower; and pitcher plants, of which there are 30 endemic species on Borneo. Many rainforests in the Indonesian portion are being converted to palm oil plantations. Southeastern Borneo, especially in the provinces of Central and East Kalimantan, notable orangutan preservation efforts take place at Samboja Lestari and Putting Peninsula (Tanjung Putting National Park).
C. Sulawesi
Sulawesi, across the Makassar Straight from Borneo, is part of Wallacia, where Asian and Australian fauna mix. The island itself has lush rainforest and terraced rice fields. The lush mountains are where Alfred Russell Wallace collected butterflies and formulated a theory of evolution at the same time Darwin was doing the same in England. Wallace’s line is a deep oceanic trench marking the plate boundary between Australia and Asia. This is a major biogeographic boundary; Wallacia has high plant and animal endemism. The boundary between Asian and Australian fauna is also between Bali and Lombok.
D. Komodo
South of Sulawesi, across the Flores Sea, Komodo Island and surrounding islands are home to the largest known monitor lizard, the Komodo dragon. While there is a tendency to sensationalize the large lizards, which have been known to eat people, the large lizard is actually an opportunistic predator. A national park protects the monitors, surrounding islands, and marine habitats of the islands between Sumbawa and Flores.
E. Lombok
After Tambora lost its top, Mount Rinjani assumed the position as the second highest mountain in Indonesia, at 12,224 feet. It last erupted in 2004 and is the highest mountain in the Wallacea biogeographic area. A national park and areas on the slopes are good areas to hike to waterfalls, wildflowers, and Hindu temples. Offshore are diving areas in the Gili Islands.
F. Bali
The native long-tailed macque is a privileged visitor to Hindu temples, where they are treated with tolerance. The monkeys at Sangeh Temple are noted for stealing items from tourists who feed them, while monkeys at other sites such as Pura Uluwatu and Alas Kedaton are less aggressive (Small 1994). The West Bali National Park is a coastal savanna while eastern areas and high mountains are covered with rainforest.
G. Java (East)
A continuous line of volcanoes, many of which are active and occasionally deadly, dominates the eastern portion of the island. The world’s largest acidic lake is at Ijen. However, these also harbor lush tropical forests, wildlife, and archeological sites at Hindu temples. A savanna at Baluran National park in the extreme east of the island provides wildlife viewing of large mammals.
H. Sumba (West)
Sumba is a non-volcanic island of low limestone hills and grasslands. Stone megaliths are present over much of the island, and endemic birds are found in remaining dry forest. The southwestern coast is known as a surfer’s paradise.
I. Flores (West)
Only a small part of this volcanic island is shown. However, in this western area is a volcano with a crater lake and reserves that harbor endemic birds.
J. Indonesian Throughflow
Surface winds in the tropical Pacific flow from east to west, leading warm water to accumulate in the western Pacific. The deep ocean trench of the Makassar Straight adjacent to Sulawesi carries a major ocean current that flows between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, known as the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). A branch of the ITF also flows between Bali and Lombok, while another flows through the Flores Sea and exits into the Indian Ocean at the Timor Passage. The ITF influences the monsoons and El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomena worldwide (Oppo and Rosenthal 2010).
IV. Ecoregions
A. Terrestrial Ecoregions
1. Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
a. Indo-Malayan Biome
IM 102. Borneo Lowland rain forests. The richest rainforest in the world, rivals New Guinea and the Amazon. There are at least 3,000 tree species and 2,000 orchids. The dominant plant family is the Dipterocarpaceae, of which 267 species are found in the ecoregion. Rare and unique animals are also present, including the world’s smallest squirrel and frog, orangutan and 12 other primates, small carnivores like the clouded leopard and sun bear, Sumatran rhinoceros, and Asian elephant. Found in Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan. Also found in islands of the Sunda Shelf to the south and east of Borneo.
IM 103, Borneo montane rain forests. An area in the mountains of Borneo above 1000 m in elevation, this is the most diverse montane flora on Earth. A large contiguous area of this ecoregion extends along the Malaysia-Indonesia border across central Borneo, and isolated mountain ranges such as the Hose and Dulit ranges in Sarawak and the Maliau and Tawau Hills in Sabah also are included. At elevations above 1,000 m, dipterocarp forests give way to oak, chestnut, myrtles, eucalyptus, and cloves. At elevations above 1,500 m, an rhododendron belt forms, which quickly gives way to an alpine meadow on the highest peaks. Epiphytes such as orchids are abundant, and pitcher plants are diverse. There are high-altitude swamp forests present. Found in Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan.
IM 104, Borneo peat swamp forests. These mostly coastal dipterocarp forests are key habitat for the proboscis monkey. Large inland peat swamp forests are found in the Kapuas and Mahakam wetland areas. Found in Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
IM 112, Eastern Java-Bali montane rain forests. Found above 1,000 m in elevation, this ecoregion grades from evergreen rain forests in west to moist deciduous and more seasonal montane forest in the east. Evergreen forests are dominated by Artocarpus, Dysoxylum, and Lansiam, while deciduous forests are dominated by Homalium, Albizia, and Acacia. Montane zones have Lithocarpus, Quercus, laurels, and tree ferns. Above 1,800 m, mosses, Ericaceae, and Podocarpus are common. Above 3,000 m, Rhododendrum and Vaccinium are present. Found in Bali and East Java.
IM 113, Eastern Java-Bali rain forests. Predominantly moist deciduous forests with areas of semi-evergreen forests on the south coast and dry deciduous forests on the north coast. Lowland trees are Homalium, Albizia, and Acacia in deciduous forests; along with Artocarpus, Dysoxylium, and Lansiam in sem-evergreen forests. Linestone forests on Barung and Penida have a distinctive dipterocarp and Planchonia trees. Found in Bali and East Java, including Bawean Islands, Kangean Islands, Madura Island, and Penida Island.
IM 153, Southwest Borneo freshwater swamp forests. These wetland areas contain forests of Mallotus and tall legumes, along with long-tailed macaques, orangutans, and 360 birds. Found in East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
IM 161, Sundaland heath forests. White sand soils support nutrient-poor scrub forests of dipterocarp trees on old beaches and sandstone plateaus and ridges. The nutrient-poor soils promote insectivorous plants like pitchers, sundews, and bladderwort. Found in Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
b. Australasia Biome
AA 123, Sulawesi lowland rain forests. These tropical evergreen forests are not dominated by one plant group like on Borneo. While there are seven species of dipterocarps, there are also palms and persimmons which can be abundant. The unique animal fauna (29 endemic mammals) includes a fruit-eating pig, dwarf buffalo, macaques, and cuscuses. The cuscuses are marsupials with Australian affinities. There are 70 endemic birds. Karst and serpentine areas have their own endemic species. Pitcher plants are common understory plants in this forest. Found in Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi. Also found on islands in the Flores Sea to the south of Sulawesi.
AA 124, Sulawesi montane rain forests. At elevations above 1,000 m, oaks, chestnuts, and conifers are common, along with epiphytic orchids. There are 33 endemic mammals and 44 endemic birds. Found in Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi.
2. Tropical and Subtropical Dry Deciduous Forests
AA201, Lesser Sundas deciduous forests. This predominantly dry forest region contains areas of semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and savanna vegetation. Moist deciduous trees include Tamarindus and Sterculia, while dry deciduous trees include Protium, Schleichera, Tabernaemontana and Bauhinia. Dry evergreen forests contain Albizia, Chionanthus, and Prunus. The southwest hills of Lombok and Sumbawa contain dipterocarp trees. Above 1,000 m, Euphorbiaceae dominate dry deciduous forests while other wetter montane forests contain Podocarpus, Engelhardia, and orchids. There are five endemic mammals and 29 endemic birds, and the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo monitor, on Komodo, Padar, Rinca, Motang, and Flores Islands. Found in East Southeast Islands and West Southeast Islands, including Lombok, Sumbawa, Moyo, Komodo, Rinca, and Flores Islands.
AA 203, Sumba deciduous forests. This is mostly a grassland and savanna ecosystem; however, moist lowland evergreen forests are found in the southern coastal areas. An endemic sundew is found in the sasvannas, and the island has seven endemic birds. Found on Sumba Island in the East Southeast Islands Province.
3. Mangrove
IM 1405, Sunda Shelf mangroves. The most biologically diverse mangrove forests in the world are habitat for proboscis monkeys. Found in Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
B. Freshwater Ecoregions of the World
1. Southern Asia Region
a. Tropical and Subtropical Coastal Rivers
737. Indian Ocean Slope of Sumatra and Java. Found off East Java coast.
740. Central and Eastern Java. Includes drainages to north coast of Java; also Bawean, Madura, and Kangean Islands.
741. Kapuas. Found in West Kalimantan.
745. Eastern Borneo. Found in East Kalimantan from Equator south to Adang Bay.
746. Southeastern Borneo. Found in Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan south of Adang Bay.
748. Lesser Sunda Islands. Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Sumba.
749. Sulawesi. Found in Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi.
b. Montane Freshwater
743. Borneo Highlands. Found in Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan (see terrestrial ecoregion 103 on attached map).
C. Marine Ecoregions of the World
1. Central Indo-Pacific Realm, Sunda Shelf Province
117. Sunda Shelf/Java Sea. Found on Sunda Shelf between Borneo and Java.
2. Central Indo-Pacific Realm, Java Transitional Province
119. Southern Java. Found from Alas Purwo westward including Barung and Sempu Islands.
3. Central Indo-Pacific Realm, Western Coral Triangle Province
128. Sulawesi Sea/Makassar. Found along the coast of Sulawesi and East Kalimantan south to Laut Island; also includes areas adjacent to islands in Makassar Straight and Flores Sea.
132. Lesser Sunda. Found along coast of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Sumba.
V. World Heritage Site
Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara (Southeast Islands), including Komodo, Rinca, and adjacent islands. Noted species are the famous monitor lizard, the orange-footed scrubfowl, an endemic rat, yellow-crested cockatoo, Flores crow, Flores green pigeon, and Timor deer. In the seas are coral reefs with 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, and 70 species of sponges. Also a Biosphere Reserve and Important Bird Area. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201 and marine ecoregion 132.
VI. Biosphere Reserves
Komodo National Park (see World Heritage Sites above)
Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi. Approximately 400 granite monoliths of humans, pots, and stone plates, carved from 3000 BC to 1300 CE. Lowland rain forests have Mussaendopsis, Dysoxylum, Ficus, and Myristica. Montane forests have Leptospermum, Rapanea, and Myrsine. An Important Bird Area for maleo, snoring rail, blue-faced rail, yellow-crested cockatoo, Sulawesi golden owl, and Sulawesi eared nightjar. Ecoregions AA123 and AA 124.
Puting Peninsula National Park (Tanjung Puting), Central Kalimantan. This complex mosaic of swampy terrain, including freshwater swamp, lowland rainforest with dipterocarps, and peat swamp forest is known for its long-term orangutan research. Tours of the park are by houseboats. Wildlife includes the proboscis monkey, orangutan, clouded leopard, sun bear, and walking mudskippers. The multitude of habitats make this an Important Bird Area for Oriental darter, black-crowned night heron, little egret, great egret, and purple heron. At Camp Leakey, an orangutan research site for 40 years managed by Orangutan Foundation International, orangutans that have been orphaned or captured in surrounding palm oil plantations are rehabilitated and released. IM Ecoregions 102, 104, 153, 161, and 1405.
VII. Other Sites
Agung (Paramount), Bali. A complex of 23 Hindu temples is found on the south side of this 10,000-foot mountain. Also terraced rice patties, waterfalls, and lava flows can be seen. Ecoregion IM 112.
Alas Purwo National Park, East Java. An Important Bird Area. Mangrove, savanna, and lowland forest habitat. A limestone peninsula has caves and waterfalls. Wildlife includes banteng, green peacocks, lesser adjutant, Javan hawk-eagle, deer, wild dogs, and jungle fowl. Beaches are among the best in the world for surfers. Ecoregion IM113.
Anakalang, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. Noted for stone megaliths. Ecoregion AA203.
Arjuna-Lalijiwo Nature Reserve, East Java. This volcano reserve contains alpine meadows and two peaks; it is the last untouched mountain forest of eastern Java. On the mountain slopes are a tea estate, Purwodadi Botanical Garden, and agrotourism venture. The last volcanic eruption was 1952. The site includes the Tahura Radan Soerjo Important Bird Area for Javan hawk-eagle. Ecoregion IM 113.
Baka-Raya (Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya) Mountains National Park, Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan. This park protects montane forests, waterfalls, and Rafflesia plants. It is an Important Bird Area for wattled pheasant and straw-headed bulbul. Ecoregions IM 102 and IM 103.
Baluran National Park, East Java. An Important Bird Area. Savanna habitats with acacia trees harbor banteng, deer, monkey, pigs, leopards, green peafowl, Java hawk-eagle, black-winged starling, jungle fowl, hornbills, and bee-eaters. Baluran volcano has a horseshoe-shaped crater. Ecoregion IM 113.
Bantimurung, South Sulawesi. This area of scenic waterfalls is famous for butterflies. Nearby are the Gua Leang Leang caves with ancient paints made 8,000 to 30,000 years ago. Ecoregions AA 123 and AA 124.
Barung Island Nature Reserve, East Java. A limestone island surrounded by high cliffs. Ecoregion IM 113.
Batar Mountain, Bali. This volcano erupted in 2000. Ecoregion IM 112.
Batukaru Native Reserve, Bali. An Important Bird Area. Endemic birds, mammals and trees are found on this mountain, which is accessible from a Hindu temple on the south side. Ecoregion IM 112.
Bawean Game Reserve, East Java. This island in the Java Sea between Borneo and Java is known for endemic Bawean deer, a crater lake, hot springs, and waterfalls. Coral reefs surround the island. Terrestrial Ecoregion IM 113 and marine ecoregion 117.
Beratus Mountains, East Kalimantan. This Important Bird Area for crestless fireback is an orangutan release area. Ecoregion IM102.
Bratan Lake, Bali. This hiking area contains coffee plantations, archaeological sites, and the Bali Botanical Garden. Bratan volcano has three caldera lakes and has been developed for geothermal electricity. Ecoregion IM 112.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java. A new caldera formed inside a larger and more ancient caldera. The Tengger Sand Sea has five volcanoes, including Bromo and Tengger. The last eruption was 2004. Semeru is the highest peak and most active and dangerous volcano in Java. It has been in continuous eruption since 1967. This is an Important Bird Area for Javan hawk-eagle. Ecoregion IM113.
Coral Peninsula, Central Sulawesi. Noted as a good snorkeling area. Ecoregion AA123 and marine ecoregion 128.
Dodo Jarangpusang, Sumbawa, West Southeast Islands. This Important Bird Area for the Flores green pigeon is a lowland semi-evergreen forest. Ecoregion IM 201.
Gili Air-Meno-Terawangan Marine Park, off Lombok, West Southeast Islands. Three islands known for diving to coral reefs. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201 and marine ecoregion 132.
Hyang-Argapuro, East Java. This strongly eroded 10,000-foot volcano is dissected by valleys up to 1,000 feet deep. Hyang Plateau is an Important Bird Area for green peafowl and Javan hawk-eagle. Ecoregion IM112.
Ijen-Merapi-Maelang Nature Reserve, East Java. The volcanic cones of Ijen, Merapi and Raung dominate the area. Ijen has a turquoise-colored sulfur lake, the world’s largest acidic lake. Raung last erupted in 2008. This is an Important Bird Area for white-faced partridge, green peafowl, Javan hawk-eagle and Javan scops-owl. Ecoregion IM112.
Kaget Island Nature Reserve, South Kalimantan. Two islands are a preserve for proboscis monkey. Ecoregion IM 1405.
Kahayan Forest, Central Kalimantan. This swamp forest is an Important Bird Area for large green pigeon, Storm’s stork, and lesser adjutant. Ecoregion IM153.
Kangean Islands, East Java. An archipelago with 30 islands; limestone habitats have caves harboring 15 bat species. The area supports natural gas drilling. Ecoregion IM 113.
Kapoposang Nature Recreation Park, off South Sulawesi. An archipelago in the Makassar Straight. Terrestrial Ecoregion AA123 and marine ecoregion 128.
Kawi-Kelud, East Java. This four-mountain complex is an Important Bird Area for Javan hawk-eagle. Kelud volcano last erupted in 2008, and has been the site of some of Indonesia’s most deadly eruptions. The ejection of water from a crater lake has caused pyroclastic flows and lahars. Ecoregion IM 112.
Kodi, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. A surfing area noted for megalithic tombs on land. Terrestrial ecoregion AA203 and marine ecoregion 132.
Kuta Gerupa Bay, Lombok, West Southeast Islands. Seagrass beds harbor dugong. Marine ecoregion 132.
Lamongan, East Java. This area has 27 maars with crater lakes, 60 cinder cones, and spatter cones. The last eruption was 1898. Ecoregion IM 112.
Latimojong Mountains, South Sulawesi. This Important Bird Area is noted for Lompobatang flycatcher. Ecoregion AA124.
Lemba Palu (Hammer Valley), Central Sulawesi. An Important Bird Area for grey imperial-pigeon and yellow-crested cockatoo. Ecoregion IM 123.
Lembongan Island, Bali. A beach resort for surfers, snorkelers, and hikers. Ecoregion IM 112.
Limon-Wilis Mountains, East Java. These mountains are an Important Bird Area for Javan hawk-eagle. Ecoregion IM 112.
Lompobattang Mountain, South Sulawesi. This is an Important Bird Area for the Lompobattang flycatcher, a critically endangered, limited range species. Ecoregion AA124.
Lurus, East Java. A volcano on the northern coast of Java. Ecoregion IM 113.
Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan. These mangrove swamps and mudflats are an Important Bird Area for lesser adjutant and Chinese egret. Ecoregion IM1405.
Malang Plain, East Java. This is a group of nine ash cones, maars, and volcanic plugs. Ecoregion IM112.
Mamasa Valley, West Sulawesi. A hiking area with stunning views, hot springs, waterfalls, and caves. Ecoregion AA124.
Mancong, East Kalimantan. This is a riverside virgin forest area. Ecoregion IM 104 and IM 161.
Mawas, Central Kalimantan. This is a 500,000-acre area to be managed by Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation for conservation, through agreement with the Central Kalimantan government. This is a follow-up to the Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project, funded by the Dutch government from 2006 to 2008 to conserve peat forests by canal blocking and fire prevention. Ecoregions IM 104 and IM 153.
Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. The last remaining lowland semi-deciduous forest in Sumba steeply rises from sea level to 600 m elevation. This park protects nine species of endemic birds, seven endemic butterflies, and four endemic reptiles in the last lowland monsoon forest in Sumba. The park is an Important Bird Area for Sumba buttonquail, red-naped fruit dove, and Sumba hornbill. Ecoregion AA203.
Mbeliling, Nggorang Bowisie, and Wae Wuul Nature Recreation Park, Flores, East Southeast Islands. In habitats ranging from lowland forest to grassland on Flores, these three Important Bird Areas harbor Wallace’s hanging parrot, Flores monarch, and Flores crow. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201 and marine ecoregion 132.
Melak, East Kalimantan. This is an orchid reserve area along the Mahakam River. Ecoregion IM 102.
Meratus Mountains, South Kalimantan. An Important Bird Area for mountain barbet, large hawk-cuckoo, Temminck’s babbler, white-crowned forktail, and Everett’s white-eye. Ecoregion IM 102.
Meru Betiri National Park, East Java. Coastal rainforest with Rafflesia plants, leopards, banteng, pangolins, and nesting sea turtles. Beaches on the south coast have gray sand. Terrestrial wildlife inclues leopard, pig, giant black squirrel, and civet. An Important Bird Area for white-faced partridge, green peafowl, Javan hawk-eagle, and Java sparrow. Terrestrial ecoregion IM113 and marine ecoregion 119.
Middle Mahakam Wetlands (Lahan Basah Mahakam Tengah), East Kalimantan, Indonesia. An Important Bird Area containing swamp forest with three large lakes harboring terns, herons, and storks. IM Ecoregions 102, 104, 153, and 161.
Moyo Island Marine Recreation Park, West Southeast Islands. A dry savanna with thorn trees harbors wild pigs, deer and megapode birds. This is an important Bird Area for yellow-crested cockatoo and lesser adjutant. A luxury nature camp is on the island. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201 and marine ecoregion 132.
Muara Pahu, East Kalimantan. The Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species (Yasan Konservasi RASI) is developing a 70-km long conservation area centered on Muara Pahu. The river in this stretch is prime habitat for freshwater dolphins. A cruise along the Mahakam River also reveals monkeys, macaque, gibbons, leopards and hornbills. Ecoregion IM 153.
Negara Valley, Central Kalimantan. A swampy Important Bird Area with lakes and floodplain habitats, known for Javan pond heron, rails, moorhen, terns, ibis, and lesser adjutant. Ecoregions IM 104 and IM 153.
Nihiwatu, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. A surfing area where the film Green Iguana was filmed. Terrestrial ecoregion AA203 and marine ecoregion 132.
Olet Sangenges Mountain, Sumbawa, West Southeast Islands. The highest mountain in Sumbawa is also an Important Bird Area. Ecoregion AA 201.
Panataran, East Java. Known for Hindu temples dating from 1200 CE. Ecoregions IM 112 and IM 113.
Pararawen Reserve, Central Kalimantan. A project of the Kalaweit Foundation, this is a gibbon rehabilitation center. Ecoregion IM 102.
Pasir Putih, Besar Mountain, and Ringgit Mountain, East Java. This Important Bird Area is a monsoon forest with green peafowl. Ecoregion IM 112 and IM 113.
Pemuteran, Bali. This is noted for a diving resort and a sea turtle hatchery and protection program. Marine ecoregion 132.
Penanggungan, East Java. The slopes of this volcano are notable for the presence of 81 Hindu temples, monuments, and sacred bathing places. The last eruption was 200 CE. Ecoregion IM 112 and IM 113.
Penida Island, Bali. This mostly arid island is known for a limestone plateau with cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. It is also an Important Bird Area for yellow-crested cockatoo. Ecoregion IM 113.
Pleihari Martapura Wildlife Reserve, South Kalimantan. The southern and western slopes of the Meratus Mountains contain grasslands, montane forest, and lowland dipterocarp forest among gorges and waterfalls. The area is rich in orchids and harbors six species of primates. Ecoregion IM 102.
Pleihari Tanah Laut Wildlife Reserve, South Kalimantan. A coastal preserve for mangroves and swamp forest. Ecoregions IM 153 and IM 1405.
Poronumbu, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. This forested area in Sumba has high bird diversity and is an IBA for red-naped fruit dove, yellow-crested cockatoo, and Sumba hornbill. Ecoregion AA203.
Rinjani National Park, West Southeast Islands. The second tallest active volcano in Indonesia, at 12,224 feet, and the highest mountain in Wallacea, contains a caldera lake. Located on Lombok, savanna is found at lower elevations and a rainforest grows near the top. An endemic civet species is also found here. The mountain is an Important Bird Area for yellow-crested cockatoo, chestnut-backed thrush, and Flores green pigeon. Ecoregion AA201.
Samarinda-Balikpapan Forest, East Kalimantan. This area with includes the Wanariset orangutan research center, is an Important Bird Area for crestless fireback, Bornean bristlehead, striped wren-babbler, and flycatchers. Ecoregion IM161.
Samboja Lestari, East Kalimantan. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has funded a project to restore rainforest on a 2,000-ha tract near Balikpapan. The restoration involves 1600 species of trees, 137 bird species, orangutans, and sun bears. Human-use zones ringing the site involve acacia for timber and sugar palms for marketable sap. Cash crops grown among the trees include ginger, papayas, cocoa, and chiles. Ecoregion IM 161.
Sangeang Island, West Southeast Islands. This volcano on an island off of Sumbawa last erupted in 1999. Ecoregion AA201.
Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan. This area contains peat forests and a large population of orangutans. Ecoregions IM 104 and IM 153.
Selah Legium Protection Forest, Sumbawa, West Southeast Islands. Species found in this Important Bird Area are the russet-backed jungle flycatcher, Flores green pigeon, yellow-crested cockatoo and 19 other restricted range birds. Ecoregion AA201.
Sempu Island and Lenggasma Bay Nature Reserve, East Java. This Important Bird Area has green peafowl and Javan hawk-eagle. The off-shore island has freshwater lakes. Terrestrial ecoregion IM 113 and marine ecoregion 119.
Sesanot Forest Park, Lombok, West Southeast Islands. High elevation cool forests on the slopes of Mount Rinjani. Ecoregion AA201.
Solo Delta, East Java. This mangrove area and Important Bird Area is noted for the milky stork, lesser adjutant, Asian dowitcher and Sunda coucal. Ecoregion IM 113.
Sotonda Island Protected Area, West Southeast Islands. This top of an emerging volcano is vegetated with a dry monsoon forest. A crater lake is in the volcanic crater. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201.
Sumanep, Madura Island, East Java. This mangrove-dominated Important Bird Area hosts a big population of the milky stork, as well as dugongs in the sea. Terrestrial ecoregion IM 113 and marine ecoregion 117.
Surabaya East Coast, East Java. This coastal Important Bird Area is a feeding area for migratory birds such as black-winged stilt, Mongolian plover, Asian dowitcher, and great egret. Terrestrial ecoregion IM 113 and marine ecoregion 117.
Takapala, South Sulawesi. A scenic waterfall set amid rice fields. Ecoregion AA123.
Taliwang Recreation Park, Sumbawa, West Southeast Islands. This wetland is an Important Bird Area for milky stork and other waterbirds. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201 and marine ecoregion 132.
Tambora Wiildlife Reserve and Hunting Park, West Southeast Islands. Besides the site of history’s largest explosive eruption (see island highlights), forests are dominated by Duabanga moluccana and the volcano is an Important Bird Area for yellow-crested cockatoo. The last eruption was 1967. Terrestrial ecoregion AA201.
Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi. This mountainous hiking area is visited for unique cultural experiences related to elaborate funeral ceremonies. Cascading rice fields, precipitous cliffs, and ancient hanging graves are viewed. Ecoregion AA124.
Tempe Lake, South Sulawesi. A shallow wetland and lake noted for bird life; it is an Important Bird Area for yellow-crested cockatoo. Ecoregion AA123.
Tirta Gangga, Bali. This is a mountainous hiking area known for scenic views. Ecoregion IM 112.
Ubud, Bali. Noted for fine arts, dance, and music, this scenic hiking area noted for ancient monuments to 11th century Balinese royalty and other archaeological sites. Ecoregion IM112.
Wai Sano, Flores, East Southeast Islands. This volcano on west Flores contains a large caldera lake. On the slopes of the volcano is the Sano Nggoang Important Bird Area, which is noted for Flores monarch and Flores crow. Ecoregion AA201.
West Bali National Park, Bali. An Important Bird Area. This park of coastal savanna with deciduous trees protects the Bali starling and Balinese cattle, a wild species, as well as several species of primates. It is a migration route for the Oriental honey-buzzard, Japanese sparrowhawk, and Chinese goshawk. Ecoregion IM 113.
Yawila, Sumba, East Southeast Islands. The highest peak and wettest area on Sumba supports red-naped fruit dove, yellow-crested cockatoo, and Sumba hornbill. Ecoregion AA 203.
VIII. References
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