Species-Endangered Fauna in the Forest of Hope

Hundreds of rare and endemic species of fauna found in Sumatra still freshwater Hope Forest Jambi South Sumatra. The urgent protection of species habitat exploitation and extinction threat.

Researchers from Jambi University, Tedjo Sukmono, in his doctoral research program to identify, in total there are 123 species of fish in the 8 point spread rivers, lakes, and swamps in the Forest of Hope. Of that total, 121 of which are endemic species, which shows the authenticity of the habitat is protected in forest restoration.

"Only two species of fish introductions are also commonly found in freshwater Indonesia," said Tedjo, Saturday (02/15/2014). In addition to the 10 species of fish expressed as the rarest in Jambi and allegedly just left in the Forest of Hope, among others carp Brown, Sebarau, Kepras, and Ridiangus, which refers to the endemic, endangered populations and habitat conditions.

Expectations of 100,000 hectares of forest on the border of Jambi and South Sumatra forest restoration is the first in Indonesia. Even so, a powerful illegal logging was hampering efforts. The area of ​​20,000 hectares of illegal encroachment. The perpetrators come from a number of areas, such as Kerinci, Lampung and North Sumatra.

In his research, Tedjo find the precarious status of the species / endangered, namely Ridiangus (Balantiocheilos melanopterus). Meanwhile, three other species near threatened status, the Parang-parang Crooked (Macrochirichtys macrocirus), Snakeskin Pearl (Trichopodus leeri), and Lais Glass (Kryptoperus monir).

"The types of endangered species can be found in a number of river communities," said Tedjo.

The findings were the result of freshwater wildlife research for a doctoral degree at the University. The study took place last year in the lowland forests of Sumatra waters remaining.

In 2004, researchers from the Swiss fish, Maurice Kottelat, publish Paedocypris progenetica fish found in Jambi, as the smallest fish in the world. 5-7 millimeters in length with a translucent body.

Activists Hope Forest Conservation managers, Surya Kusuma, say, a number of collaborative activities many studies reveal the diversity of wildlife in these forests. However, this habitat is currently under threat of exploitation.

The existence of a number of fish in local waters threatened wild bombing in the river. "Once we found dead fish in the river. Bombed," he said.

In addition to water endemic species, number of animals still make key Sumatra Forest of Hope as its habitat, including the Sumatran Tiger, Clouded Tiger, Tiger Root, Sumatran elephants, tapirs, hornbill, and Giant Squirrel. (ita)