Kelimutu Lakes
Location:
8°43'-8°47'S, 121°43'-12l°52'E; 20 km northeast of Ende, Kabupaten Ende, East Flores, Nusa Tenggara.
Area:
c.5,000 ha.
Altitude:
800-1,690m (Mount Kelimutu).
Biogeographical Province:
4.23.12.
Wetland type:
11 & 14.
Description of site:
A number of crater lakes, each with its own specific water colour. The lakes are relatively small, and lie within disturbed and mostly secondary forest which, however, still provides a very scenic backdrop to the lakes. The colour of the lakes is caused by the high content of minerals and gases.
Climatic conditions:
Relatively dry, tropical, monsoonal climate with an annual rainfall of less than 1,000 mm.
Principal vegetation:
No information is available on the aquatic vegetation. The vegetation in surrounding areas includes Eucalyptus urophylla, Spinifex littoreus. Cassia javanica and Cassutha filiformis.
Land tenure:
Under the responsibility of the Forestry Service of Ende.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
An area of 500 ha has been proposed as a Recreation Park. Three of the lakes are included within the proposed Kelimutu Lake Nature Reserve.
Land use:
Management of forest and wildlife; forestry and cultivation in surrounding areas.
Possible Changes in Land use:
There is a project to develop rice cultivation and aquaculture (fish ponds) on the islands.
Disturbances and threats:
Shifting cultivation, road construction and wood-cutting.
Economic and social values:
The lakes have outstanding scenic values and great potential for outdoor recreation and tourism. They are also of great hydrological value.
Fauna:
Little information is available. Waterbirds known to occur at the lakes include Butorides striatus, Egretta sacra, Ardea sumatrana and Pluvialis dominica. Mammals include Cervus timorensis, Macaca fascicularis, Sus scrofa, Pteropus sp and Herpestes javanicus. Reptiles include Oteophryne sp, Mabouya multifasciata and Emoia similis.
Special floral values:
No information.
References:
Direktorat P.P.A. (1980a); MacKinnon & Artha (1982c).
Criteria for Inclusion:
1a.
Source:
Agustinus W. Taufik and Edi Djuharsa.