Diversity of Mammals in the Catchment Area of Sa’dang River South and West Sulawesi Provinces

Abstract

This is the wet season mammals biodiversity study in this area. Sulawesi’s fauna has long been fascinating scientists and naturalist. Located in the central part of Indonesia, Sulawesi is the biggest island in Wallace-Bioregion and is well-known as biodiversity hot-spot, habitats of at least 127 indigenous mammal species, and 79 (62%) are endemic (Whitten et al 1987), and new species of mammals continue to be found. Among the enigmatic and iconic mammal species are the dwarf buffaloes, lowland (Bubalus depressicornis) and mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi), babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), Sulawesi black macaques and the smallest living primate, tarsier. This island is also habitat of endemic marsupials, bear cuscus and Sulawesi dwarf cuscus. Sulawesi is the west border of natural distribution of the endemic marsupials. One of the high mammals diversity on the island is forested areas in the western parts wich is in the border of South and West Sulawesi provinces. Wildlife habitats on this region are characterized by mountanious and hilly landscapes, with primary forests at higher altituden and secondary forests at lower altitude. Mixed plantations of coffee, cacao, clove, durian, cinnamom, and other annual commodities dominated the lower altitudes. Dryland agriculture of corn plantation could also be found at lower altitude both on the flat, steep and extremely steep areas. Patchy paddy fields that are close to the villager’s settlements could be found along the riverine of Saddang River. The landscape is also characterized by rocky-cliffs along the riverine. This study aimed to reveal mammals diversity in the catchment area of the river, especially mammal species inhabiting various habitat types at 0 – 3 km distance from the river banks covering many habitat types including secondary and primary forests, riverine forest, schrubs, and dryland agriculture of mixed plantation, and paddy fields.