Events

Observasi Wahana Alam (OWA) Division of Himabio IPB explored Mountain Halimun-Salak National Park in February 6-8^th, 2015. The tropical forest ecosystem covers mostly land of the National Park. Due to rich resources (water, land, light intensity), the forests were occupied by various flora and fauna. The precipitation was quite high where staying for three days was mostly raining.

The members of OWA were observing organism in the second day. The observation started from waterfall Macan until Gunung Kendeng. Observation groups were made based on member’s interest such as Fungi, Gymnospermae, Angiospermae, Vertebrates, and Invertebrates. Due to commonly rainfall in afternoon, the observation started early sun rises.

In order to observe the diversity, the member of OWA must passed through forests, which were dominated by high density of Angiosperm vegetation, water flow and mud areas. The first group walked to watch approximately 5-6 individuals of lutung moving from one trees to another trees in Curug Macam. We feel very satisfied to see Trachypithecus auratus living in their habitat. Unfortunately, Owa Jawa, which known as endemic primate in Java, could not be seen. However, the sound of Owa Jawa was heard in the morning.

Meanwhile, the other group also found many interesting creatures in the route of Gunung Kendeng such as horn frog (Megophyrs Montana). The frog has not really got a horn but it come from spiky skin which looks like a horn upside of eyes and mouth. Another group, which observed insects and other invertebrate, was more excited. Many invertebrates were found from behind the leaf to the water flows such as two-centimeter gastropod, moth, caterpillar, dragonfly, spider, etc.

Fadhli Sofyan

(Windra P, translator)