WP003 An Ecological and Environmental Reconnaissance,J Payne

SOUTH and CENTRAL KALIMANTAN PRODUCTION FOREST PROJECT
Jalan A. Yani, No. 37 (km35), Banjarbaru 70711, Indonesia
Tel. (62) 0511 781 975 – 979, Fax: (62) 0511 781 613
EUROPEAN COMMISSION – INDONESIA FOREST PROGRAMME
An ecological and environmental
reconnaissance
of the Meratus forest in
Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah
Working Paper No. 3
June 2001

An ecological and environmental reconnaissance of the Meratus forest in Kabupaten Hulu
Sungai Tengah
Working Paper No. 3 – June 2001
i
PREFACE
The South and Central Kalimantan Production Forest Project (SCKPFP) is a
technical co-operation project jointly funded, in terms of the financing
memorandum ALA/95/18, by the European Commission and by the Government
of the Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops
(MoFEC).
This report has been completed in accordance with the project Phase I Overall
Work Plan (OWP) and
in part fulfilment of Activity 6.1 “To undertake environmental assessments”,
to achieve Result 6 “The forest ecosystem and associated ecosystems within the
project sites managed to maintain viability and diversity”,
to realise the three-year project Phase I purpose, which is “SFM model developed
that incorporates the ITTO guidelines and principles developed and implemented in
the forestry operation of Aya Yayang and a central Kalimantan pilot concession.”
This report has been prepared with financial assistance from the Commission of the
European Communities. The opinions, views and recommendations expressed are
those of the author(s) and in no way reflect the official opinion of the Commission.
The report has been prepared by:
Dr. Junaidi Payne (Ecologist, SCKPFP)
The report is acknowledged and approved for circulation by the Project Co-
Directors when duly signed below.
Banjarbaru, June 2001
Dr. John Tew
International Co-Director
Dr. Silver Hutabarat
National Co-Director

Sungai Tengah
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks go to Drs. Muhammad Yani Msi for arranging and participating in the
survey reported here; and to Ir. Eddy and Ir. Maserani (Bappeda, HST), Yusi
(DisHutBun, HST), Jaka Santosa and Ahmad Salimi (Koramil Bilayang), Ahmad
Apandi (Kecamatan Batu Tangga), Ahmad Padeli (mahasiswa), Norsewan, Kosim,
Jaman and Johar (Desa Hinas Kiri), Makorban, Panisa, Talip and Dwi (Desa Kiyo)
for participating in the field work. Thanks go to the Pembekal (village heads) and
residents of Desa Kiyo, Desa Juhu, Desa Aingbantai (Dusun Pasumpitan) and Desa
Batu Perahu for their hospitality.
The report benefited from discussion and comments by Ir. Alfan Subekti M.Sc.,
SCKPFP Environmental Expert.

Sungai Tengah
iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SCKPFP was requested by Bappeda of Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) to
conduct an ecological and environmental survey of the Meratus forests in HST.
The survey was done with a team from HST between 23 – 29 April 2001. In
general, the route followed well-established trails and rivers.
Topography varies greatly through the area traversed, with slopes of less than 20%
in valleys, lower hills and on ridge tops, and slopes exceeding 70% on some middle
and higher zones.
The Meratus mountains originate from dense, mainly basic and ultrabasic igneous
rocks of the ocean floor, overlain by limestone and sedimentary rocks, which were
forced up by plate collisions.
The vegetation of the area traversed is divided for this report into twelve types.
Non-irrigated rice represents the basis of farming throughout the region surveyed,
and is usually cultivated at altitudes below 600 m asl and never above 750 m asl.
Other cultivated land includes gardens, orchards and rubber plantation. Riverside
and valley forest varies in composition but at lower altitudes is often dominated
by the trees Saraca declinata and Dracontomelum dao. Young secondary growth
(less than about 10 years old) which recolonises abandoned rice fields contains
pioneer trees and much bamboo (several species) and shrubby growth. Old
secondary growth typically has a fairly continuous canopy cover of greater than 6
metres, and / or scattered trees exceeding 30 cm dbh. In some areas, old secondary
growth consists exclusively of dense bamboo groves which shade the ground and
prevent re-entry of tree seeds.
Hill dipterocarp forest is the natural vegetation of the Meratus hills below an
altitude of about 900 metres, in which the majority of large trees are members of
the family Dipterocarpaceae. Most dipterocarps on the west side of the Meratus
mountains appear to be in the meranti merah group (Shorea species) while those at
altitudes of below 700 on the eastern side appear to be a mixture of meranti merah,
meranti kuning, meranti putih (all Shorea species) and keruing (Dipterocarpus
species). Burned hill dipterocarp forest (dipterocarp forest which had been
burned during the 1997 drought) is noted separately. There is clear evidence of the
1997 fire entering unlogged dipterocarp forest up to an altitude of about 720 m asl
in some areas. Although the fire caused major damage to the overall forest
structure and killed most small trees, the majority of large dipterocarps have
survived. Roadside logged forest along an abandoned logging road on Bukit
Penitiranggang contains a mix of pioneer trees, and planted Acacia mangium was
also present. Logged forest away from the old road was not seen during this
survey.
Agathis forest (about 900 – 1100 m asl) is dominated by trees of the genus Agathis
(presumed to be A. borneensis) and scattered large Shorea trees. Lower montane
forest (1000 – 1300 m asl) contains few trees with a trunk diameter greater than 60
cm dbh, and the larger trees which are present include species of the families
Lauraceae, Fagaceae and Myrtaceae rather than dipterocarps. Montane mossy
forest occurs on the highest peaks (above about 1300 m asl) which form the
boundary between the river systems flowing to the north-western and south-eastern

Sungai Tengah
iv
sides of the Meratus mountains. Key features of this forest type are very abundant
mosses and trees generally not exceeding 15 metres in height.
Based on the appearance of vegetation seen during this survey, especially abundant
mosses and other epiphytes at higher altitudes, annual rainfall in the Meratus area
of HST appears to be high above about 800 m asl, and especially above 1000 m asl.
The Meratus region appears to be rather susceptible to landslides. A very large
slide consisting of mud, siltstones and large granite boulders was seen on the Juhu
River.
Based on observations made during the survey, and on information provided by
local informants, in comparison with the author’s experience elsewhere, the
mammal and bird fauna of the Meratus forests of HST is typical of that found in
mountain ranges in Borneo.
Based on observations made during this survey, the forest types and tree species
composition in the Meratus mountains differ from those in Upper Tabalong
catchment, which represents the only other remaining extensive accessible forest
area in the province of South Kalimantan. The only other area in South Kalimantan
which approaches a similar altitudinal range is the remote Gunung Luang (1096 m
asl) which lies north of Tabalong.
Based on observations made during this survey, most forest above 700 m asl
appears to be natural forest which has never been cultivated (although some has
been logged). In contrast, almost all land below 600 m asl has been or is being
cultivated.
The remaining forest areas in the Meratus area of HST require careful management
because they represent the upper catchment areas of the Batangalai River (flowing
to the heavily-populated areas of Barabai) and also of the upper Sampanahan River
which flows towards the east, and they represent some of the best remaining
natural forests in South Kalimantan which are easily accessible.
It would be best to retain all forest on steep land in the upper Batangalai River and
all other forest above about 700 m asl in the Meratus mountains of HST in their
existing condition.
Two possible methods to retain these forests would be establishment of protection
forest or national park (as proposed by BKSDA, 1997).
Another possible method would be to use Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan Nomor
31/Kpts-II/2001 tentang Penyelenggaraan Hutan Kemasyarakatan, (Minister of
Forestry Decree Number 31/II2001 on Implementation of Community Forests)
which provides a procedure for identifying and managing specific protection forest
or production forest areas for management by a local community. This would
provide a legal basis for retaining the existing forest, and allowing sustainable
harvesting of damar, rattan, wild meats and other forest products.

Sungai Tengah
v
RINGKASAN (INDONESIAN SUMMARY)
SCKPFP telah diminta oleh Bappeda Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) untuk
melakukan survey ekologi dan lingkungan pada hutan Meratus di HST. Survey
dilaksanakan bersama dengan tim dari HST antara tanggal 23 – 29 April 2001.
Pada umumnya, rute melalui jalan-jalan setapak dan sungai-sungai.
Topografi daerah yang dilalui sangat bervariasi, dengan kelerengan lembahnya
kurang dari 20%, perbukitan yang lebih rendah dan pada puncak pegunungan, dan
kelerengan yang lebih dari 70% pada beberapa tempat di bagian tengah dan yang
lebih tinggi.
Gunung Meratus berasal dari kepadatan, terutama bebatuan dasar dan ultrabasic
yang terbentuk karena panas gunung berapi di dasar laut, dengan hamparan batu
kapur dan batu sedimen, yang ditekan keatas oleh pergeseran lapisannya.
Vegetasi daerah yang dilalui dalam laporan ini dibagi menjadi dua belas jenis.
Ladang tanpa irigasi mewakili pertanian dasar pada seluruh daerah yang
disurvey, dan biasanya ditanami pada ketinggian dibawah 600 m dpl dan tidak
pernah diatas 750 m dpl. Daerah pertanian lain termasuk kebun, kebun buah-
buahan dan kebun karet. Tepi sungai dan hutan lembah bervariasi komposisinya
tapi pada ketinggian yang lebih rendah biasanya didominasi oleh pohon-pohon
Saraca declinata dan Dracontomelum dao. Pertumbuhan sekunder muda
(umurnya kira-kira kurang dari 10 tahun) yang tumbuh melimpah pada ladang padi
terdiri dari pohon-pohon perintis dan banyak bambu (beberapa jenis) dan
pertumbuhan semak-semak. Pertumbuhan sekunder tua agaknya memiliki
lapisan tajuk yang terus menerus lebih besar dari 6 meter, dan/atau pohon-pohon
yang tersebar dengan ukuran melebihi 30 cm dbh. Di beberapa tempat,
pertumbuhan sekunder tua terdiri dari kelompok bambu yang padat yang menaungi
tanah dan menghalangi pertumbuhan kembali bibit-bibit pohon.
Hutan dipterocarp perbukitan adalah merupakan vegetasi alami perbukitan
Meratus pada ketinggian dibawah kira-kira 900 meter, dimana sebagian besar
pohon-pohon besarnya merupakan anggota dari famili Dipterocarpaceae. Sebagian
besar dipterocarp pada bagian barat pegunungan Meratus sepertinya menjadi
kelompok Meranti merah (spesies Shorea) sementara pada ketinggian dibawah 700
meter di sebelah timur kelihatannya menjadi suatu campuran dari meranti merah,
meranti kuning, meranti putih (semua spesies Shorea) dan keruing (spesies
Dipterocarpus). Hutan dipterocarp perbukitan yang telah terbakar (hutan
dipterocarp yang telah terbakar pada musim kemarau tahun 1997) yang diketahui
terjadi secara terpisah. Terdapat bukti yang jelas mengenai kebakaran pada tahun
1997 yang memasuki hutan dipterocarp yang tidak ditebang mencapai ketinggian
kira-kira 720 m dpl pada beberapa tempat. Meskipun kebakaran menyebabkan
kerusakan yang besar pada seluruh struktur hutan dan mematikan hampir seluruh
pohon-pohon kecil, sebagian besar pohon-pohon dipterocarp berukuran besar tetap
bertahan. Hutan yang telah ditebang di tepi jalan sepanjang jalan penebangan
pada Bukit Penitiranggang terdiri dari campuran pohon-pohon perintis, dan kebun
Acacia mangium juga ditemukan. Hutan yang telah ditebang jauh dari jalan lama
yang tidak terlihat selama survey ini.
Hutan Agathis (kira-kira 900 – 1100 m dpl) yang didominasi oleh pohon-pohon
dari genus Agathis (dianggap menjadi A. borneensis) dan pohon-pohon Shorea

Sungai Tengah
vi
besar yang berpencar-pencar. Hutan pegunungan yang lebih rendah (1000 –
1300 m dpl) terdiri dari sedikit pohon dengan diameter batang pohon lebih dari 60
cm dbh, dan pohon-pohon yang berukuran besar pada umumnya berasal dari famili
Lauraceae, Fagaceae dan Myrtaceae. Hutan berlumut di pegunungan terdapat di
atas puncak yang tinggi (kira-kira diatas 1300 m dpl) yang letak perbatasannya
diantara sistem sungai yang mengalir ke bagian barat laut dan bagian tenggara
pegunungan Meratus. Hal penting dari jenis hutan ini adalah sangat melimpahnya
lumut dan pohon-pohon yang tingginya biasanya tidak lebih dari 15 meter.
Berdasarkan pada keberadaan vegetasi yang terlihat selama survey, khususnya
dengan melimpahnya lumut dan epifit lainnya pada tempat yang lebih tinggi, curah
hujan tahunan di daerah Meratus HST kelihatannya menjadi lebih tinggi kira-kira
diatas 800 m dpl, dan terutama diatas 1000 m dpl.
Tanah longsor di wilayah Meratus tampaknya mudah terjadi. Suatu longsor yang
sangat besar yang mengandung lumpur, siltstone dan potongan batu granit
berukuran besar terlihat di Sungai Juhu.
Berdasarkan observasi yang dilakukan selama survey, dan informasi yang
diperoleh dari para informan lokal, dibandingkan dengan pengalaman penulis di
tempat lain, mamalia dan burung di hutan Meratus HST merupakan fauna yang
umum ditemukan di jajaran pegunungan Borneo.
Berdasarkan observasi yang dilakukan selama survey ini, jenis hutan dan
komposisi spesies pohon di pegunungan Meratus berbeda dengan yang ada di
tangkapan Hulu Tabalong, yang menggambarkan satu-satunya areal hutan luas
yang masih tersisa yang dapat terjangkau di propinsi Kalimantan Selatan. Satu-
satunya daerah hutan lain di Kalimantan Selatan yang ketinggiannya hampir serupa
adalah Gunung Luang (1096 m dpl) yang terletak di bagian utara tangkapan
Tabalong.
Berdasarkan observasi yang dilakukan selama survey, sebagian besar hutan yang
berada pada ketinggian lebih dari 700 m dpl kelihatannya menjadi hutan alami
yang tidak pernah ditanami (meskipun beberapa telah ditebang). Sebaliknya,
hampir seluruh daerah pada ketinggian dibawah 600 m dpl telah atau sedang
ditanami.
Daerah-daerah hutan yang tersisa di kawasan Meratus HST perlu dikelola dengan
hati-hati karena tempat tersebut mewakili daerah-daerah tangkapan hulu Sungai
Batangalai (mengalir ke daerah pemukiman penduduk yang padat di Barabai) dan
juga hulu sungai Sampanahan yang mengalir ke arah timur, dan juga mewakili
beberapa hutan alam terbaik yang masih tersisa di Kalimantan Selatan yang dapat
dijangkau dengan mudah.
Akan lebih baik untuk melindungi seluruh hutan pada daerah yang curam di hulu
Sungai Batangalai dan semua hutan lain yang berada pada ketinggian kira-kira
diatas 700 m dpl di pegunungan Meratus HST sesuai dengan keberadaannya.
Dua metode yang mungkin digunakan untuk mempertahankan hutan-hutan tersebut
adalah penegakan perlindungan hutan atau taman nasional (sebagaimana yang
dianjurkan oleh BKSDA, 1997).
Metode lain yang mungkin digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan Keputusan
Menteri Kehutanan Nomor 31/Kpts-II/2001 tentang Penyelenggaraan Hutan

Sungai Tengah
vii
Kemasyarakatan, (Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan Nomor 31/II2001 tentang
Pelaksanaan Hutan Kemasyarakatan) yang menyediakan satu prosedur untuk
mengidentifikasi dan mengelola hutan lindung yang spesifik atau daerah hutan
produksi untuk dikelola oleh masyarakat setempat. Hal tersebut dapat memberikan
satu dasar hukum untuk mempertahankan keberadaan hutan, dan memungkinkan
untuk mengambil hasil damar, rotan, makanan liar dan hasil hutan lain secara
berkesinambungan.

Sungai Tengah
viii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
BAPPEDA Badan Perencanaan Daerah (=Local Planning Board)
cm dbh Centimeters diameter at breast height
EA Environmental Assessment Project Component
GPS Global Positioning System
HST (Kabupaten) Hulu Sungai Tengah
Kabupaten District
Kecamatan Sub-district
Koramil Komando Rayon Militer (Kecamatan level military command)
m asl metres above sea level
PEMDA Pemerintah Daerah (=Local Government)
SCKPFP South/Central Kalimantan Production Forest Programme

Sungai Tengah
ix
Table of Contents
PREFACE… ............................................................................................................................................................................i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................iii
RINGKASAN (Indonesian Summary)..................................................................................................................................v
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS............................................................................................................................viii
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................1
2 Methods.............................................................................................................................................................2
3 Results ...............................................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Topography........................................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Geology..............................................................................................................................................................3
3.3 Precipitation .......................................................................................................................................................3
3.4 Landslides ..........................................................................................................................................................3
3.5 Vegetation..........................................................................................................................................................3
3.5.1 Rice fields ..........................................................................................................................................................4
3.5.2 Other cultivated land..........................................................................................................................................4
3.5.3 Riverside and valley forest.................................................................................................................................4
3.5.4 Young secondary growth ...................................................................................................................................4
3.5.5 Old secondary forest ..........................................................................................................................................5
3.5.6 Hill dipterocarp forest ........................................................................................................................................5
3.5.7 Burned hill dipterocarp forest ............................................................................................................................5
3.5.8 Roadside logged forest.......................................................................................................................................5
3.5.9 Logged forest .....................................................................................................................................................6
3.5.10 Agathis forest .....................................................................................................................................................6
3.5.11 Lower montane forest ........................................................................................................................................6
3.5.12 Montane mossy forest ........................................................................................................................................6
3.6 Wildlife ..............................................................................................................................................................6
3.6.1 Mammals............................................................................................................................................................6
3.6.2 Birds...................................................................................................................................................................8
4 Discussion........................................................................................................................................................12
5 Conclusions.....................................................................................................................................................13
6 References.......................................................................................................................................................14
List of Tables
Table 1 : Survey timetable and route........................................................................................................................................2
Table 2 : Mammals of the Meratus forests, Hulu Sungai Tengah.............................................................................................7
Table 3 : Large birds of the Meratus forests, Hulu Sungai Tengah ..........................................................................................8

Sungai Tengah
x
List of Figures
Figure 1. Ricefield (Pasumpitan, 320 m asl) showing old secondary growth and hill dipterocarp forest in the background ......................9
Figure 2. Cultivated land, Desa Juhu (410 m asl).............................................................................................................................9
Figure 3. Riverside vegetation (upper Aingbantai River, 470 m asl) with small natural landslide visible on left side of picture................9
Figure 4. Ricefield, young and old secondary growth (between Maing and Beganjung Rivers, 450 m asl) with view of Kilai peak in the
distance..............................................................................................................................................................................9
Figure 5. Bamboo grove (east of Bukitan, 720 m asl), old trail between Aingbantai and Batu Perahu ...................................................9
Figure 6. Interface of old secondary forest and hill dipterocarp forest (east of Bukitan, 720 m asl) .....................................................10
Figure 7. Hill dipterocarp forest (east of Dataralai, 1000 m asl) showing Shorea ? platyclados tree....................................................10
Figure 8. Burned dipterocarp forest (between Kilai and Juhu, 700 m asl) showing surviving original trees (mainly Shorea) with post-1997
undergrowth.....................................................................................................................................................................10
Figure 9. Hill dipterocarp forest (Dataralai, 850 m asl) on steep slope .............................................................................................10
Figure 10. Hill dipterocarp forest (east of Dataralai, 1000 m asl) rich in wild palms..........................................................................10
Figure 11. Agathis forest (east of Kilai, 1000 m asl) ......................................................................................................................11
Figure 12. Lower montane forest (west of Kilai, 1350 m asl)..........................................................................................................11
Figure 13. Lower montane forest (west of Bukitan, 1100 m asl) showing ground vegetation..............................................................11
Figure 14. Montane mossy forest (Kilai, 1465 m asl).....................................................................................................................11
Figure 15. Landslide (January 2001) on Juhu River (note man walking into forest on upper side of picture)........................................11

Sungai Tengah
1
1 Introduction
The Environmental Assessment component of SCKPFP was requested by Bappeda
of Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) to conduct an ecological and
environmental survey of the Meratus forests in HST.
The survey was done with a team from HST between 23 – 29 April 2001.
Emphasis was placed on water catchment issues, wildlife and other general
ecological issues.
Team members were Junaidi Payne and Alfan Subekti of SCKPFP, who
accompanied the persons listed in the Acknowledgements section of this report.

Sungai Tengah
2
2 Methods
The route traversed is shown in Map 1 and Table 1. In general, the route followed
well-established trails and rivers. GPS readings of locations were recorded when
possible, but hilly topography, cloud cover and/or tree cover prevented readings in
many areas, notably over the entire Bukitan hill route between Aingbantai and
Desa Batu Perahu.
Notes were made on aspects of topography, geology, vegetation and animals
observed during the survey, within the constraints of available time and weather.
The available relevant topographical map (Peta Rupabumi Indonesia, 1:50,000,
Lembar 1813-13 Batutangga, dated 1991) and geological map (Peta Geologi
Lembar Sampanahan, Kalimantan, 1:250,000, dated 1994) were examined.
Table 1 : Survey timetable and route
Date / time Route / location Notes
23 April a.m. Banjarbaru – Barabai – Sulang’ai Road
23 April p.m. Sulang’ai – Hinas Kiri – Kiyo Motorbike
24 April a.m. From Kiyo by old logging road over Panitiranggang
Hulu hills to Hulu Batangalai River
24 April p.m. Dataralai River via Gus Dur waterfall / Megawati tree
to Jumantir camp site
17.00 – 22.00 rain
25 April a.m. Jumantir to Kilai peak 07.00 - 11.00 rain
25 April p.m. Kilai to Desa Juhu
26 April In Desa Juhu
27 April a.m. Desa Juhu via Juhu River & Puai Juhu to Canting
Tingkit
27 April p.m. Canting Tingkit via Puai Aingbantai to Pasumpitan
(part of Desa Aingbantai)
28 April a.m. Pasumpitan to upper Aingbantai River
28 April p.m. Upper Aingbantai via Bukitan ridge top to Desa Batu
Perahu
29 April a.m. Batu Perahu by old logging road over
Panitiranggang Hilir Hills to Desa Atiran
13.30-14.30 rain
29 April p.m. Atiran – Hinas Kiri – Sulang’ai – Barabari -
Banjarbaru
Source: Survey notes

Sungai Tengah
3
3 Results
3.1 Topography
Topography varies greatly through the area traversed, with slopes of less than 20%
in valleys, lower hills (especially on the east side of the Meratus mountains) and on
ridge tops, and slopes exceeding 70% on some middle and higher zones.
3.2 Geology
The Meratus mountains originate from dense, mainly basic and ultrabasic igneous
rocks of the ocean floor, overlain by limestone and sedimentary rocks, which were
forced up by plate collisions. According to the 1994 geological map (1:250,000)
the route traversed includes (a) Batangalai granite (upper Panghiki River near
Hinas Kiri and Kiyo), (b) ultrabasic rocks with some other igneous rocks and
limestone (Penitiranggang hills), (c) the Haruyan formation, mainly basalt of
volcanic origin (Batangalai valley) and (d) Pitap formation, a complex mix of
sandstones, siltstones, chert, limestone and basalt on top of granite (from the top of
the Meratus range eastwards down to Canting Tingkit).
3.3 Precipitation
Rainfall data are not available for the highland parts of the Meratus mountains.
Mosses, epiphytes and non-woody shrubs and herbs become notably more
abundant than in the lowlands at elevations of about 800 m asl. Mosses and other
plants which require constant moisture are very abundant on the high peaks,
suggesting a total average annual rainfall exceeding 4,000 mm in the higher zones.
3.4 Landslides
The Meratus region appears to be rather susceptible to landslides. Some landslides
have occurred following construction of logging roads on steep slopes, as noted on
the old logging road on Penitiranggang. However, small recent natural landslides in
undisturbed forest were noted to be causing heavy sedimentation of two streams
which drain into the Dataralai River, from the south-east side. Small landslides
were seen in some other areas not disturbed by cultivation or past logging (Figure
3). A very large slide consisting of mud, siltstones and large granite boulders was
seen on the Juhu River at UTM map coordinates 0351658, 9701767 (Figure 15).
Local informants stated that this slide occurred during one night in January 2001,
causing the course of the Juhu river (originally about 20 metres wide and spanned
by a footbridge) to widen to nearly 100 metres. The length of the boulder slide
could not be determined, but is assumed to originate more than 2 km upstream.
3.5 Vegetation
The vegetation of the area traversed represents a continuum from cultivated, non-
forest land up to the undisturbed montane mossy forest on the top of the Meratus
mountains. To help understand the variation in vegetation in the Meratus area, the

Sungai Tengah
4
continuum is separated in this report into 12 vegetation types, based mainly on
observations made during this survey. However, future surveys and research are
likely to refine this initial vegetation classification. Bamboos (several species) are a
major feature of the region surveyed, occurring extensively in cultivated land and
along riversides, as well as in secondary growth (Figure 5). The presence of
bamboo is normally an indication of past disturbance to forest cover. Thus,
wherever bamboo occurs there has usually been rice fields or settlement in the past,
although in some sites bamboo may occur on natural landslides, riverbanks and
burned forest.
3.5.1 Rice fields
Non-irrigated rice (Figure 1) represents the basis of farming throughout the region
surveyed. Fields are widely separated, and appear to be upwards of 1 hectare each.
Based on the distribution of secondary forest (see 3.5.5) seen through the transect,
rice is usually cultivated at altitudes below 600 m asl and never above 750 m asl.
Probably the main reason for this altitudinal restriction on rice growing is
connected with the apparent heavy rainfall at higher elevations, making burning of
felled vegetation difficult and possibly also frequent cloud cover inhibiting plant
growth.
3.5.2 Other cultivated land
Other cultivated land includes (a) gardens near houses (Figure 2), (b) orchards
containing a mix of fruit trees and other useful plants such as cinnamom
(Cinnamomum buhrmanii), candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) and the aren sugar
palm (Arenga pinnata), and (c) rubber plantation (seen only on the lower land on
the west side of the Meratus mountains).
3.5.3 Riverside and valley forest
Saraca declinata and Dracontomelum dao were noted as common riverside trees at
lower elevations; the Kalimantan endemic tree Endertia spectabilis (Leguminosae)
which is abundant in damp, rocky sites in upper Tabalong, was not seen. Forest
which was originally lowland dipterocarp forest was not seen and probably no
longer exists, having been farmed at some time in the past. Scattered remnants of
the original trees of lowland valley forest (below 350 m asl) are seen around
Pasumpitan, including a few Koompassia excelsa trees. The rattans Calamus
manan, C. optimus and C. caesius were seen in this forest zone. Riverside forest at
higher elevations is typically on steep, rocky, unstable slopes (Figure 3).
3.5.4 Young secondary growth
Young secondary growth (Figure 4) which recolonises abandoned rice fields
contains pioneer trees and much bamboo (several species) and shrubby growth
such as Zingiberaceae. There is a continuum between “young” secondary growth
and “old” secondary growth (3.5.5). A rather arbitrary cut-off would be that young
secondary growth is less than 10 years old, and has incomplete tree canopy cover
of less than about 6 metres height. It is not clear to what extent bamboo cover
develops as a result of deliberate planting and how much represents natural
regeneration.

Sungai Tengah
5
3.5.5 Old secondary forest
Old secondary growth (Figure 4) is considered to differ from young secondary
growth in being more than 10 years old and having (a) a fairly continuous canopy
cover of greater than 6 metres, and / or (b) scattered trees exceeding 30 cm dbh.
Bamboos (several species) are abundant in old as well as young secondary growth.
In some areas, old secondary growth consists exclusively of dense bamboo groves
which shade the ground and prevent re-entry of tree seeds (Figure 5). In other areas
(Figure 6), there is a good mix of trees with bamboo, in some areas (noted at
Canting Tingkit) including meranti merah (Shorea species) of good form.
3.5.6 Hill dipterocarp forest
The natural vegetation of the Meratus hills below an altitude of about 900 metres is
dipterocarp forest (Figures 9 and 10), in which the majority of large trees are
members of the family Dipterocarpaceae. Differences between sites were noted
during this survey in the representation of different groups of dipterocarp trees.
Most dipterocarps on the west side of the Meratus mountains appear to be in the
meranti merah group (Shorea species) while those at altitudes of below 700 on the
eastern side appear to be a mixture of meranti merah, meranti kuning, meranti putih
(all Shorea species) and keruing (Dipterocarpus species). The following species
level identifications are tentative and require further investigation : Shorea
platyclados (lower west slopes of Kilai; Figure 7); Shorea assamica subspecies
philippinensis (east side of Kilai). On the route taken, density and diversity of
dipterocarp trees was generally greatest on the east side of Kilai. Although no
definitive comments can be made without further survey, the impression gained
was that the density of dipterocarp seedlings and saplings is generally low. This is
not unusual in hill forests, where fruiting occurs infrequently and periodic dry
periods can cause high mortality of seedlings.
3.5.7 Burned hill dipterocarp forest
Hill dipterocarp forest which had been burned during the 1997 drought (Figure 8)
is noted separately because it is of interest in two respects. Firstly, it is often
assumed that fire cannot significantly damage unlogged dipterocarp forest.
However, there is clear evidence of the 1997 fire entering unlogged dipterocarp
forest up to an altitude of about 720 m asl (a) between the Batangalai River and the
Dataralai peak (that is, on the hillside with Gus Dur waterfall), and (b) on the north
side of the Juhu River. The second point of interest is that, although the fire caused
major damage to the overall forest structure and killed most small trees, the
majority of large dipterocarps have survived. However, based on absence of
seedlings, it appears that most of these surviving trees have not fruited after 1997.
It is essential that the remaining dipterocarp trees are retained, and not felled, so
that they can serve as seed trees to allow the forest to regenerate again. Indeed, it is
possible that in the future the burned areas may become dipterocarp-enriched, as
there are few other sources of tree seeds other than pioneers such as Macaranga in
these areas.
3.5.8 Roadside logged forest
The route traversed on Bukit Penitiranggang mainly followed the overgrown
logging road , used in the late 1970’s – early 1980’s. The usual mix of pioneer trees
including Macaranga species, Octomeles sumatrana, Euodia species, Duabanga

Sungai Tengah
6
moluccana, Anthocephalus chinensis, Ficus species, Alstonia species, Glochidion
species and Trema species were seen. Planted Acacia mangium was present.
3.5.9 Logged forest
Since the route did not stray from the former main road, the general condition of
logged forest was not seen during this survey.
3.5.10 Agathis forest
On the east side of Kilai in the altitudinal zone of about 900 – 1100 m asl trees of
the genus Agathis (presumed to be A. borneensis) were noted to be common. Some
trees exceed 100 cm dbh. In this forest type (Figure 11), Agathis is one of the
commonest large trees, but large Shorea trees occur in the same forest area.
3.5.11 Lower montane forest
This forest type (Figures 12 and 13) is most obvious on the west side of Kilai
(between 1000 and 1300 m asl) and at Bukitan (between 1000 and 1100 m asl.
Lower montane forest contains few trees with a trunk diameter greater than 60 cm
dbh, and the larger trees which are present include species of the families
Lauraceae, Fagaceae and Myrtaceae rather than dipterocarps. This forest differs
from Agathis forest (3.5.10) in containing few or no Agathis trees, and from
montane mossy forest (3.5.12) in having less mosses and a greater diversity and
stature of trees.
3.5.12 Montane mossy forest
This is the forest type (Figure 14) on the highest peaks (above about 1300 m asl)
which form the boundary between the catchments of the Batangalai River (flowing
to the north-west) and the Sampanahan River (flowing to the south-east). Tree
species in this forest were not identified. The key features of this forest type are
very abundant mosses on tree roots, trunks and branches, and on the ground, with
trees generally not exceeding 15 metres in height.
3.6 Wildlife
Due to the short period of the survey, and the fact that the route emphasized
existing trails and rivers, it was possible to obtain only limited information on
wildlife.
3.6.1 Mammals
local informants, in comparison with the author’s experience elsewhere, the
mammal fauna of the Meratus forests of HST is typical of that found in mountain
ranges in Borneo.
Orang-utans do not occur in the Meratus forests. Banteng are reported to occur
further east in the kecamatan of Sungai Durian.

Sungai Tengah
7
Table 2 : Mammals of the Meratus forests, Hulu Sungai Tengah
Scientific name Local name Bahasa Indonesia Notes
Echinosorex gymnurus Biyuntung Rindil Bulan 1. Normally in lower, damp
valleys
Manis javanica Tanggiling Trenggiling peusing 1. Mainly in lowlands,
dependent on abundance of
ants and termites
Tarsius bancanus Tanta Lisan Krabuku Ingkat 1. Mainly in lowland
secondary growth
Nycticebus coucang Kukang Kukang Bukang 1. Mainly lowlands
* Presbytis frontata Hirangan Lutung Dahi-putih 2. Heard / seen at Jumantir
(900 m asl) and Juhu (800 m
asl)
Macaca nemestrina Bangkoi Beruk 1. Pest on farms & gardens
Macaca fascicularis Kera Kra 2. Pest on farms & gardens;
heard at Juhu
* Hylobates muelleri Undau Owa 2. Heard in dipterocarp forest
throughout the area
Ratufa affinis Tangka Jelarang Bilalang 1. Not heard, implying that it is
rare
?* Dremomys everetti Tanggalak’ari Bajing Gunung 1. A mountain squirrel,
recorded previously only in
Sabah & Sarawak
* Sundasciurus species Gegarak Andu Bajing 1. One or both mountain
species (S. jentinki, S.
brookei) may occur
Nannosciurus melanotis Kudading Bajing-kerdil telinga-hitam 2. Heard in most areas of tall
forest
?* Exilisciurus whiteheadi Kumpis Bajing-kerdil telinga-
kuncung
1. Reported to occur but not
seen
* Rheithrosciurus macrotis Kambu-kambu Bajing-tanah ekor-tegak 1. A hill dipterocarp forest
species, endemic to Borneo
Petaurista elegans Ku’ung Tanduhut Bajing-terbang Totol 1. A species of mountain
forests
Hystrix brachyura Landak angih Landak raya 1. Reported to favour Agathis
forest
* Hystrix crassispinis Landak pantai Landak butun 1. Reported to favour lower
areas
Trichys fasciculata Angkis Angkis 1.
Helarctos malayanus Beruang Beruang 1. Diet mainly termites,
insects and fruits including
Ficus and Fagaceae
Martes flavigula Laruk 1. Reported locally to prey on
kijang
Mustela nudipes Selusuk 1.
Mydaus javanensis Sa’at Teledu 1. In cultivated land; famous
for its bad odour
Aonyx cinerea Barang-barang Sero ambrang 2. Streams. Faeces seen
Viverra tangalunga Nasilampung Tenggalung 1.

Sungai Tengah
8
Arctogalidia trivirgata Musang tambang Musang akar 1.
Arctictis binturong Musang raya Binturung 1.
Paguma larvata Musang tangkuhak Musang galling 1.
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Musang pandan Musang luwak 1.
Prionodon linsang Walitang Linsang 1.
Diplogale derbyanus Macan burung Musang belang 1.
? * Diplogale hosei Musang jayau Musang gunung 1. Recorded previously only in
Sabah and Sarawak
Neofelis nebulosa Macan tandang Macan dahan 1.
Sus barbatus Bayi Babi hutan 2.
Tragulus javanicus Pelanduk burakit Pelanduk kancil 1.
Tragulus napu Pelanduk bungkalang Pelanduk napu 1.
Muntiacus muntjac Kijang Kijang 2. Antlers of M. muntjac seen
Cervus unicolor Minjangan Rusa 2.
Source: 1 = identified as present by Bapak Panisa & Makorban. 2 = evidence seen or heard during the
survey. ? = presence not confirmed. * = endemic to Borneo island. Local names provided by Bapak Panisa
and Makorban.
Table 3 : Large birds of the Meratus forests, Hulu Sungai Tengah
Scientific name Local name Bahasa Indonesia Notes
Argusianus argus Haruai Kuau raja 1.
Buceros vigil Tanghulu Rangkong gading 2.
Buceros rhinoceros Enggang Rangkong badak 2.
Anorrhinus galeritus Alak-alak Enggang klihingan 2.
Aceros undulatus Bainah Julang emas 1.
Aceros comatus Singkoikoi Enggang jambul 1.
Source: 1 = identified as present by Bapak Panisa & Makorban. 2 = seen or heard during the survey. Local
names provided by Bapak Panisa and Makorban.
3.6.2 Birds
local informants, in comparison with the author’s experience elsewhere, the bird
fauna of the Meratus forests of HST is typical of that found in hill dipterocarp and
lower montane forests of Borneo. However, a specialist survey is required to
determine which montane bird species occur in the higher elevations.

Sungai Tengah
9
Figure 1. Ricefield (Pasumpitan, 320 m asl) showing old
secondary growth and hill dipterocarp forest in the background
Figure 2. Cultivated land, Desa Juhu (410 m asl)
Figure 3. Riverside vegetation (upper Aingbantai River, 470
m asl) with small natural landslide visible on left side of
picture
Figure 4. Ricefield, young and old secondary growth (between
Maing and Beganjung Rivers, 450 m asl) with view of Kilai peak
in the distance
Figure 5. Bamboo grove (east of Bukitan,
720 m asl), old trail between Aingbantai and
Batu Perahu

Sungai Tengah
10
Figure 6. Interface of old secondary forest and hill dipterocarp
forest (east of Bukitan, 720 m asl)
Figure 7. Hill dipterocarp forest (east of
Dataralai, 1000 m asl) showing Shorea ?
platyclados tree
Figure 8. Burned dipterocarp forest (between Kilai and
Juhu, 700 m asl) showing surviving original trees
(mainly Shorea) with post-1997 undergrowth
Figure 9. Hill dipterocarp forest (Dataralai, 850 m asl) on steep
slope
Figure 10. Hill dipterocarp forest (east of
Dataralai, 1000 m asl) rich in wild palms

Sungai Tengah
11
Figure 11. Agathis forest (east of Kilai, 1000 m asl) Figure 12. Lower montane forest (west of Kilai, 1350 m asl)
Figure 13. Lower montane forest (west of Bukitan, 1100
m asl) showing ground vegetation
Figure 14. Montane mossy forest (Kilai, 1465 m asl) Figure 15. Landslide (January 2001) on Juhu River (note
man walking into forest on upper side of picture)

Sungai Tengah
12
4 Discussion
Based on the appearance of vegetation, especially epiphytes, annual rainfall in the
Meratus area of HST appears to be high above about 800 m asl, and especially
above 1000 m asl.
Observations of relatively recent landslides in scattered locations throughout the
area surveyed suggests that this region is susceptible to such events. Forest
disturbance at higher elevations (where slopes are steeper and rainfall heavier) is
likely to increase the risk of landslides.
Based on observations made during this survey, most forest above 700 m asl
appears to be natural forest which has never been cultivated (although some has
been logged). In contrast, almost all land below 600 m asl has been or is being
cultivated.
Based on observations made during this survey, the forest types and tree species
composition in the Meratus mountains differ from those in Upper Tabalong
catchment, which represents the only other remaining extensive accessible forest
area in the province of South Kalimantan. The only other area in South Kalimantan
which approaches a similar altitudinal range is Gunung Luang (1096 m asl) which
lies north of the Tabalong catchment, on the border of South and Central
Kalimantan. However, that area is very remote, unlike the Meratus forests of HST.
The Meratus area of HST represents one of the most accessible areas of good
remaining natural forest in south-eastern Kalimantan.
The wildlife of the Meratus forests of HST appears to be typical of that found in
mountain ranges elsewhere in Kalimantan.
Based on (a) the good condition of the forest above about 750 m asl, (b) the
apparent unsuitability of land above 700 m asl for cultivation and (c) risk of
increased landslides if forest cover is opened, it would be best to retain all forest on
steep land in the upper Batangalai River and all other forest above about 700 m asl
in the Meratus mountains of HST in their existing condition.
Two possible methods to retain these forests would be establishment of protection
forest or national park (as proposed by BKSDA, 1997).
Another possible method would be to use Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan Nomor
31/Kpts-II/2001 tentang Penyelenggaraan Hutan Kemasyarakatan, (Minister of
Forestry Decree Number 31/II2001 on Implementation of Community Forests)
which provides a procedure for identifying and managing specific protection forest
or production forest areas for management by a local community. This would
provide a legal basis for retaining the existing forest, and allowing sustainable
harvesting of damar, rattan, wild meats and other forest products.

Sungai Tengah
13
5 Conclusions
The remaining forest areas in the Meratus area of HST require careful management
because :
- they represent the upper catchment areas of the Batangalai River (flowing to
the heavily-populated areas of Barabai) and also of the upper Sampanahan
River which flows towards the east;
- they represent some of the best remaining natural forests in South Kalimantan
which are easily accessible.

Sungai Tengah
14
6 References
BKSDA (1997) Laporan Penilaian Potensi Calon Kawasan Konservasi Meratus
Hulu Propinsi Kalimantan Selatan. Proyek Perencanaan dan Evaluasi Konservasi
Kawasan dan Jenis Propinsi Kalimantan Selatan, Tahun Anggaran 1996/97. Balai
Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam V Banjarbaru, Departmen Kehutanan.

WP003 An Ecological and Environmental Reconnaissance,J Payne

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (18)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (14)

Similar to WP003 An Ecological and Environmental Reconnaissance,J Payne

Similar to WP003 An Ecological and Environmental Reconnaissance,J Payne (20)

More from Junaidi Payne

More from Junaidi Payne (11)

WP003 An Ecological and Environmental Reconnaissance,J Payne