Siberut National Park, located on the island of Siberut, covers 65 percent of the area covered by Dipterocarpaceae primary forests, mixed primary forests, swamps, coastal forests, and mangrove forests. This area is approximately 155 km from the City of Padang.
Conservation on Siberut Island began in 1976 with the establishment of the Teitei Batti Wildlife Reserve with an area of 6,500 ha based on the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 670 / Kws / Um / 10/1976 October 25, 1976.
In 1979 the Teitei Batti Wildlife Reserve was expanded to 56,500 ha and changed its status to a nature sanctuary according to Decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 758 / Kws / Um / 12/1978 dated December 5, 1978.
Through the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program in 1981 the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of Siberut Island was designated a Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia.
In further developments based on the Decree of the Minister of Forestry No. 407 / Kpts-II / 1993 stipulated Siberut National Park with an area of 190,500 which is a combination of natural reserves (132,900 ha), protected forest (3,500 ha), limited production forest (36,600 ha) and permanent production forest (36,600 ha).
Ecosystem
The potential and natural resources found within the region and outside the Siberut National Park area vary greatly. There are 7 types of ecosystems in Siberut National Park with various types of flora and fauna that live in them, the type of ecosystem on Siberut, namely:
Dipterocarpaceae Primary Forest
Located in an area that has a height and is hilly. Forest canopies are generally around 40-50 m with a height of 50 m trees are still found. The dominant tree species are Dipterocarpus, Shorea, Vatica and Hopea. Also found are other types such as Palaquium (Sapotaceae) and Hydnocarpus. In this forest type LIPI (1995) managed to record 81 species and 59 genera.
Mixed Primary Forest
Found on slopes and hills lower under dipterocarpaceae primary forest. Many tree species are represented but none are dominant. The common families are Euphorbiaceae, Myristicaceae, Dilleniaceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae.
Dipterocarpaceae Forest Regeneration of Logs
It is a logged-over forest from several timber companies that once operated on Siberut. The area covers the North, South and East of Siberut. Some areas are dominated by pioneer plants such as Macaranga, Trema and Neolamarkis.
Freshwater Swamp Forest
This type of forest has limited and special tree flora, often dominated by Terminalia phellocarpa. There are many valleys and surrounding rivers. The most extensive wetlands are in villages / hamlets located on the east coast. The soil flora is dominated by palm, rattan feathers, pandanus and aroid.
Mangrove forest
Found along the coastline and islands on the east coast. Areas that have the widest mangrove forests such as Teluk Katurai (Southwest Siberut), Saliguma (Central Siberut), Cimpungan (Central Siberut), Pokai (North Siberut). In general, Rhizophora is the main genus and is widespread in mangrove groups on Siberut Island. The results of research carried out by Siberut National Park (2001) have recorded as many as 23 species of mangroves, 14 species are typical types of mangroves and 9 species are non-typical groups of mangroves.
Sago Swamp Forest
There are 2 sago species in Siberut namely Metroxylon sagu and M. rumphii. Sago in Siberut has a remarkable growth rate, reaching 12 meters in 8 years and growing to 18 meters, higher than most other regions.
Coastal Forest
Found along the west coast of Siberut Island. Species commonly found are Casuarina equsetifolia, Baringtonia sp, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Pandanus sp.
Based on planimetric measurements and maps of satellite image interpretation (LIPI, 1995) forest cover in Siberut, namely: 76% primary forest, 6.5% exploited secondary forest, 5% swamp forest, thicket in the plain area 5.97% and the remaining 4 , 53% is agricultural land. The forest in the national park is relatively still natural with many large trees with an average height of 60 meters.
Flora
Rainforest covers almost 65% of Siberut Island. This forest is a palace for the life of flora and fauna by providing food sources and shelter and this forest also functions as a supporter of the traditional life of the Mentawai people especially as tradiosonal medicines.
LIPI (1995) has succeeded in recording around 846 species, 390 genera and 131 families from groups of trees, shrubs, herbs, lianas and ephypit. Also identified are 18 species of ferns and 5 species of moss and fungi. The most important families are Euphorbiaceae (24 genera, 100 species), Orchidaceae (41 genera, 67 species), Rubiaceae (25 genera, 54 species) and Lauraceae (11 genera, 39 species). The Dipterocarpaceae group recorded as many as 20 species, consisting of 6 species of Dipterocarpus, 2 species of Hopea, 8 Species of Shorea and 4 Species of Vatica.
Rattan
From the results of the BTNS inventory (1999) 15 types of rattan were found in Siberut consisting of 3 genera, namely 10 species of Calamus, 2 types of Daemonorops and 2 types of Korthalsia. Of the types of rattan Calamus manan and Calamus scipionum are of economic value, where they are widely found in mixed primary forests.
Orchid
Natural orchids in the TNS area of 25 species are included in 13 genera consisting of 22 types of epiphytic orchids and 3 types of soil orchids (LIPI, 2002). The most famous orchids from Siberut are White Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), white flowers, thick fleshy leaves, long flowering 3-4 months with 7-15 buds in one stalk. Other orchids that can be found are Coelogyne incrasata, Eria nutans, Dendrobium paphyllum and others.
Fauna
Siberut National Park has 4 types of primates that are not found in other regions of the world (endemic), namely bokkoi (Macaca pagensis), langawai / joja langur (Presbytis potenziani siberu), bilou (Hylobates klossii), and simakobu (Nasalis concolor siberu ) In addition, there are 4 types of squirrels that are endemic, 17 species of mammals and 130 species of birds (4 endemic species).
Tourism Potential
The tourism potential in Siberut National Park in the form of cultural attractions or attractions can be enjoyed or presented:
1. Cultural Tourism
Mentawai culture is very typical, where the community has a unique tradition. Cultural tourism that can be enjoyed is the daily life of the Mentawai people in their traditional homes. Community activities such as; menyagu, hunt, make arrow poisons, make tattoos, make kabit (traditional pants), cook sago, traditional ceremonies with the typical Mentawai dance (turuk) and ritual treatment by Sikerei (mentawai shaman) has a high cultural value and tourist attraction.
2. Trecking and River Tracking
To reach the location of a tourist attraction or area / location where there is cultural tourism, a speed boat or canoe is used through the main river where certain areas along the river can be seen as sapou where local people are farming and raising livestock, or seeing the lives of local people coming down to the estuary or up the river using a canoe. Travel / trekking is done by walking through primary forests with muddy soil conditions, and during the trip can enjoy dipterocarpaceae trees, forest orchids and wild life. When entering Madobak Village, we will find Ulukubuk Waterfall which has a beautiful and natural panorama. Trekking tours and river treks will be very interesting for those who like challenges and wild life.
3. Marine Tourism
Maritime tourism which is well-known and preferred by foreign tourists on Siberut is Surfing, carried out on small islands on the southern tip of Siberut Island such as Pulau Nyang-nyang and Karang Bajat. In addition, marine tourism that can be enjoyed is snorcling, swimming, fishing and enjoying the beauty of white sand. At present there are tourist resorts in Karang Bajat which were established by private companies and managed by local communities.
4. Bird Observation
Birdwatching can be done in primary and secondary forests or along rivers during trips to tourist sites. On the coast of the Siberut estuary, it can also be observed beach birds looking for fish. Observation of birds as a gathering and nesting place is Saplap Island, located in the village of Saliguma.
5. Observation of Primates
One potential that will be developed in the Siberut National Park area is primate observation tourism. Although currently there are primate research stations managed by the Siberut Conservation Project located in the North Siberut Politcoman, where the four Siberut primates can be seen and observed directly. Observations are usually carried out in the morning when the primates begin to move.
6. Explore Mangroves
The potential of mangroves on Siberut Island has not been widely promoted. There are several potential mangrove tourist sites, namely Katurei Bay, which still has extensive and relatively native mangrove forests with a calm blend of Gulf Katurei. Here you can also directly search for crabs or fish and shrimp between mangrove forests.
