Nature of Indonesia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Virgin forests were cut down uncontrollably for many years in Indonesia. Many species of animals, including endemics, were on the verge of extinction as a result of hunting. The government of the country has taken very seriously the conservation of the island's ecosystems since the 80s. 50 national parks operate on the territory of the country. 6 of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are parks in Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Sumatra, the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Moluccas, and New Guinea. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Java is famous for a number of active volcanoes. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. However, climbing active volcanoes is fraught with danger. Many rivers also flow through the territory. There are a lake and sand sea that is the only one in the country. Unique commune tengressi lives here. It has preserved pagan beliefs and brings offerings to the Bromo volcano.

Almost the entire area of Betung Kerihun National Park is occupied by Borean Mountain and lowland rainforests. More than 300 species of birds and 54 species of mammals live on the territory. There is a rare Bornean orangutan among them. Danau Sentarum National Park on Kalimantan is a system of lakes and swamps. 23 species of mammals are endemic. They are not found anywhere else in the world. The population of orangutans also lives here.

Komodo National Park is located on the Lesser Sunda Islands. One of the most unusual reptiles in the world lives here. This is a Komodo dragon. This huge lizard was first discovered in 1911. It became a real sensation in the scientific world. The length of an adult individual reaches 3 meters. It is worth noting that monitor lizards are predators. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Giant swampy forests cover the territory of Berbak National Park in Sumatra. Rare and endangered species of animals, including the Sumatran tiger, cheprachny tapir, and Sumatran rhinoceros live here. The mountainous Gunung Leuser National Park includes several ecosystems at once. It is a world heritage site. This is one of the few places where the population of Sumatran orangutans has survived. Sembilan in Sumatra is thousands of kilometers of peat bogs, mangroves, and swampy forests. Favorable conditions attract many birds. There are gray's beaked whale and lesser adjutant, which are vulnerable species, as well as Storm's stork, white-winged duck, and Nordmann's greenshank, which are endangered species.

77 species of birds live only on Sulawesi. You can meet them in the Lore Lindu National Park. It consists mainly of plains. Lake Lindu is the only large body of water. Some animals are also not found anywhere else. These are Buru babirusa, Sulawesi palm civet. In addition to preserving ecosystems, the park aims to preserve unique archaeological finds. Several hundred prehistoric megaliths have been found on the territory. Some of them are ancient sculptures.

The highest point of Lorenz Park is Puncak Jaya Mountain. Its height reaches almost 5,000 meters above sea level. There are several ecosystems in the park. This park is one of the most unexplored in the country. This applies not only to its territory but also to its fauna and flora. Not all species living in the park have been studied and classified. Unusual discoveries can be expected by scientists here. More than 600 species of birds live in the park. Some of them are endangered. For example, this is a southern cassowary. A new species of the kangaroo was discovered and described only a few years ago. This is a bondegezou. The place is one of the oldest areas of human settlement on earth. Several indigenous tribes live in the park.

Manusela National Park is located on Seram Island. 14 endemic bird species, including the Eclectus parrot and the purple-naped lory, live here. The park is the only Salmon-crested cockatoo habitat that is protected by the state. The bird is under threat of extinction due to illegal capture and sale.

The name of the largest marine park in the country is Teluk Cenderawasih. More than 150 species of corals grow on the territory. In addition to water resources, it includes the coastal strip, mangroves, and reefs. More than 200 species of fish, several species of turtles, and shellfish are found in the park. Indigenous peoples live in villages within the park.

The Wasur National Park in the province of Papua is the least affected by human hands among all the natural areas of Indonesia. Savannas occupy a large part of its territory. They are an excellent habitat for hundreds of species of birds. 80 species of birds are found only in this region. This is a record for national parks in the country. Several species of crocodiles are also found here.