TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A team of joint researchers has revealed a biodiversity of coast and karst mountains along the Lengguru area in Kaimana Regency, West Papua. The team, which was deployed in an expedition starting from October 17 to November 20, succeeded in collecting initial data of the biodiversity in the barely touched area.
The team is consist of researchers from the Indonesia Institute of Science (LIPI), the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD), the Sorong Fisheries Academy, the Kaimana Fisheries and Marine Agency, the State University of Papua, Cendrawasih University, and Musamus University.
“We explored area ranged from 100-meter deep underwater up to 1,000-meter height,” said team coordinator from LIPI, Gono Semiadi in a discussion at LIPI building on November 28.
Hundreds of species of fishes, crustaceans, and sea anemones in the Kaimana waters have been listed. In Lengguru karst mountainsthe team spotted the nest of bowerbird. Bowerbird is known for its expertise in decorating and keeping its nest clean.
“It [the bowerbird] is one of Papua endemic species and is renowned for its courtship behavior to attract female birds,” Gono explained.
Researchers also found more than a dozen of new insects, reptiles and mollusca. According to Gono, the announcement of these new species would take time depends on the availability of experts.
The expedition which involved around 70 researchers and technicians was mainly focus to the Lengguru area since there have no zoology or botany data of the area. Lengguru is home for hundreds of ancient endemic areas in the island.
“The expedition is one the biggest scientific project in Indonesia,” said Head of LIPI Iskandar Zulkarnain.
According to Gono, the forests in Lengguru is well-preserved. There is no land opened for plantation, production forest or mining like those in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and several parts in Papua.
“This area must be protected, especially from companies that intent to open oil palm plantation and mines,” Gono added.
GABRIEL WAHYU TITIYOGA
