Lariang-Lumu Plains
Location:
1°10'-1°45'S, 119°17'-119°31'E; between Pasangkayu and Mamuju on the west coast of South Sulawesi, close to the border with Central Sulawesi.
Area:
145,000 ha, including Lumu 45,000 ha, Karosa 28,000 ha, Lariang 40,000 ha and Pasangkayu 32,000 ha.
Altitude:
Near sea level.
Biogeographical Province:
4.24.12.
Wetland type:
02, 05, 07, 08, 11, 13 & 21.
Description of site:
The west coast plains of northern South Sulawesi are the most extensive areas of alluvium on the island of Sulawesi. Habitats range from sandy beaches and river mouths with narrow mangrove fringes and tidal areas, to extensive riverine alluvial swamps and peat swamps. Much of the area remains under primary forest.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate with no marked seasonality. The average annual rainfall is 2,500 mm.
Principal vegetation:
A wide range of natural forest types including mangroves, riverine forest and swamp forest.
Land tenure:
State owned (Indonesian Government).
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
Surveys are urgently required to identify representative areas for conservation.
Land use:
Extensive settlements on Lumu plain, scattered settlements along the coast (mainly fishing villages), and some new settlements along the rivers.
Possible Changes in Land use:
Spontaneous agricultural development and government development schemes.
Disturbances and threats:
Most of the area has been studied under the transmigration planning programme and rejected as unsuitable for development. Nevertheless, spontaneous development is proceeding rapidly, and it is unlikely that such extensive alluvial areas can remain undisturbed for much longer in a densely populated island such as Sulawesi.
Economic and social values:
No information.
Fauna:
The area is known to be rich in wildlife, including Maleo Macrocephalon maleo, but no details are available.
Special floral values:
The largest area of lowland alluvial forest on Sulawesi. The Lariang plain (40,000 ha) and contiguous Pasangkayu plain (32,000 ha) are the least disturbed areas.
References:
Binnie & Partners & Hunting Technical Services Ltd (1979).
Criteria for Inclusion:
1b.
Source:
Derek A. Holmes.