Ulu Masen
The Ulu Masen Ecosystem is a tropical rainforest area of approximately 738,856 hectares located in Aceh province, Indonesia. Situated within the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, this region borders the more renowned Leuser Ecosystem, creating a critical corridor for wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia.[1][2][3]
Biodiversity
[edit]Ulu Masen is home to numerous endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran elephant, clouded leopard, pangolin, and over 300 bird species. The region also provides abundant prey species, such as sambar deer and wild boars, which are essential for sustaining predator populations. These unique ecological dynamics make the area a vital conservation priority. Despite its ecological richness, the region faces challenges in maintaining a stable balance between predators and prey. Fragmentation of habitat and human activities have put pressure on many species, emphasizing the need for concerted protection efforts.[2][4][5]
Key threats
[edit]Poaching remains one of the most significant threats to the Ulu Masen ecosystem. Sumatran tigers are highly targeted due to the demand for their skins and body parts in traditional medicine markets, particularly in China and Vietnam. Indiscriminate snares set for other wildlife often catch tigers as unintended victims, further endangering the population.[2][6]
Habitat loss due to illegal logging, mining, and agricultural expansion has fragmented the forest and eroded its biodiversity. Between 2001 and 2023, Ulu Masen lost about 370 km² of its primary forest cover, disrupting crucial wildlife corridors and threatening the area's ecological stability.[7][8][1][9]
Conservation
[edit]The Indonesian government has made strides in community-based conservation by granting Indigenous communities the legal right to manage 225 km² of forest in Ulu Masen. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable forest management while empowering local stakeholders.[1][10]
Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of increasing ranger patrols to curb poaching and habitat degradation. Effective patrols have reduced snares by up to 41% in similar conservation areas, though Ulu Masen would require an estimated 560–640 rangers to cover its vast landscape.[2]
Potential and outlook
[edit]Despite its challenges, Ulu Masen holds immense potential for biodiversity conservation. Multidisciplinary approaches, including enhanced law enforcement and community involvement, are key to ensuring its long-term sustainability.[2][11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Yoga, Joe Figel, Photography by Hermansyah and Irwan “Kayukul” (2024-10-29). "Protect This Place: The Mountainous Ulu Masen Ecosystem • The Revelator". The Revelator. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e Cowan, Carolyn (2024-11-20). "Camera traps reveal little-known Sumatran tiger forests need better protection". Mongabay Environmental News. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ ACEHNEWS.ID (2023-08-19). "8 Kabupaten di Aceh Sangat Ketergantungan pada Hutan Ulu Masen". ACEHNEWS.ID (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "Where we work". Sumatran Elephant Project. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ Ghai, Rajat (2024-10-25). "Is the Sumatran tiger being poached in one of Southeast Asia's last wildernesses? New study raises questions". Down To Earth. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ aminef (2024-10-29). "Sumatran tigers in Aceh's Ulu Masen need protection: Study". AMINEF - American Indonesian Exchange Foundation. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "Reducing carbon emissions from deforestation in the Ulu Masen Ecosystem, Aceh, Indonesia" (PDF). IGES REDD+ Project Database. Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ Kurnadi, Andrea Prisca. "Kegagalan Implementasi REDD+ Ulu Masen Aceh". ResearchGate. ResearchGate. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ cifor.org. "Ulu Masen REDD+ initiative, Aceh, Indonesia | REDD+ on the ground - CIFOR". REDD+ on the ground. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ Chris (2013-03-01). "Tokoh masyarakat adat angkat bicara tentang Ulu Masen: "Kami tidak pernah melihat apapun dari REDD. Seperti angin, kita tidak dapat melihat dan menyentuhnya" | Down to Earth". www.downtoearth-indonesia.org. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
- ^ "Madu Hutan Ulu Masen, Potensi Sumber Ekonomi Baru di Aceh Jaya". acehprov.go.id. Pemerintah Provinsi Aceh. Retrieved 2024-12-12.