Saving Sulawesi’s Endemic Rainforest Biodiversity

Spanning 520km², the Nantu Rainforest in Sulawesi is one of the few remaining pristine rainforest ecosystems and an important biodiversity site in Southeast Asia. A global biodiversity hotspot, it is home to many flora and fauna including threatened animal species like the Babirusa, Anoas, Heck’s Macaque, Sulawesi Giant Squirrel and at least 35 endemic bird species. Particularly unique to the rainforest is the presence of a large natural salt-lick where Babirusas and Anoas can be observed gathering in large numbers. Yet, despite its global importance, the Nantu Rainforest is under grave threat due to destruction from illegal gold-mining and logging, wildlife poaching as well as slash-and-burn agriculture.

Keeping a watchful eye on the rainforest

Working with Yayasan Adudu Nantu International (YANI), Mandai Nature’s support contributes directly to the deployment of round-the-clock Forest Protection Patrols, which oversees removing snares and traps, and handing over illegal loggers to the authorities, amongst other measures. These protection units have resulted in only 1.9 per cent of the sanctuary being deforested despite intense threats, a figure considerably lower compared to other protected areas in Indonesia under similar threats. YANI is also actively working on obtaining formal protected status for the 61.4 km² East Nantu Production Forest, a key strategic component of the Nantu ecosystem.

Fostering stronger communities through capacity building

An important aspect of YANI’s conservation work is the ongoing engagements with local communities to foster appreciation of the unique ecosystem in their backyard and empower local stakeholders to help protect the forest through capacity building efforts. Field training workshops and learning visits are organised for a variety of local stakeholders including villagers, students and government personnel, to build genuine understanding for conservation.

These efforts also contribute towards building strong relationships with the local authorities and community, as well as help inspire a new generation of young conservationists with first-hand experience, knowledge and appreciation, which is key to the long-term success and sustainability of this project.

Yayasan Adudu Nantu International (YANI)

Conservation work in and around Nantu Forest was initiated by Dr Lynn Clayton’s Ph.D study on Babirusa in 1988. This led to informal meetings between Dr Clayton and local conservationists. Yayasan Adudu Nantu Internasional (YANI) was officially established in 2002 and works together with partners that share its vision and goals on a sustainable future for Nantu Forest, its wildlife and the people that live around it.