Alam Liar Terakhir Pulau Terbesar Ketiga | Pulau Kalimantan – Part 1

Summary

This documentary takes viewers on a journey to Kalimantan, an island rich in biodiversity, home to unique species like the Bornean elephant, Mahakam dolphin, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills. It delves into the ecological challenges these animals face, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The script highlights the interconnectedness of nature, showcasing how the animals contribute to forest regeneration and the health of the ecosystem. The video calls for awareness and conservation efforts to protect Kalimantan's endangered wildlife, emphasizing the importance of sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Borneo is a global attraction for scientists, explorers, and nature lovers due to its preserved jungle and unique wildlife.
• 😀 The Bornean elephant, the smallest subspecies of elephants, has a mysterious origin, with some theories suggesting they were a gift from a Hindu king, while genetic research points to them being an isolated population on the island.
• 😀 Bornean elephants face major threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict, primarily due to deforestation for palm oil plantations.
• 😀 Elephants play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by spreading seeds through their droppings, promoting forest regeneration.
• 😀 The Mahakam River in Kalimantan, known for its murky waters, is home to the endangered Mahakam dolphin, also known as the freshwater dolphin.
• 😀 Mahakam dolphins are threatened by pollution, noise from traffic, entanglement in fishing nets, and habitat degradation, with fewer than 80 dolphins remaining in the Mahakam River.
• 😀 Orangutans, particularly Bornean orangutans, are the most iconic species of Kalimantan, with a distinct behavior of making nests and living in the trees.
• 😀 Orangutans are omnivores with a diet that includes fruits, tree bark, leaves, insects, and even soil and small stones, which provide essential minerals.
• 😀 Proboscis monkeys, endemic to Borneo, have unique adaptations such as swimming and diving skills, which help them thrive in water-dominated habitats.
• 😀 Hornbills are significant to Kalimantan's culture and ecosystem, acting as forest farmers by spreading seeds and playing an important role in maintaining biodiversity, but they face threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.

Q & A

What makes Kalimantan unique in terms of wildlife?

Kalimantan is unique due to its rich biodiversity, including iconic species like the Bornean elephant, Mahakam dolphin, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills. These animals are adapted to the island's specific habitats like peat swamps, forests, and rivers.

Why are Bornean elephants smaller than other elephants?

Bornean elephants are the smallest elephant subspecies in the world, believed to be smaller due to isolation on the island of Borneo. They evolved into a smaller form around 300,000 years ago after being separated by the ocean following the sinking of the Sunda shelf.

What are the main threats to Bornean elephants?

Bornean elephants face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and human-elephant conflict, particularly due to agricultural land conversion, including oil palm plantations. These factors contribute to their shrinking habitat and decreasing population.

What is the role of the Mahakam dolphin in its ecosystem?

The Mahakam dolphin plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by using echolocation to navigate the muddy waters of the Mahakam River. This helps it locate food and maintain the balance of aquatic life in the river.

What factors are threatening the survival of the Mahakam dolphin?

The Mahakam dolphin is threatened by habitat degradation, such as sedimentation caused by forest and swamp conversion, chemical pollution, plastic waste, and noise pollution from boat traffic. Additionally, entanglement in fishing nets poses a significant risk.

How does deforestation impact the Bornean orangutans?

Deforestation significantly impacts Bornean orangutans by destroying their natural habitat. As a result, they face habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to isolation and fewer resources for survival. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their remaining habitats.

What makes the proboscis monkey’s nose so unique?

The proboscis monkey's large nose, mainly found in males, is unique because it serves multiple functions, including signaling dominance and attracting females. It also amplifies their vocalizations. However, the full function of the nose remains uncertain.

Why do proboscis monkeys prefer water habitats?

Proboscis monkeys are well-adapted to life near water, where they use their webbed feet to swim and can cross rivers as far as 20 km. Their ability to dive and hold their breath, while also having special valves to protect their noses, makes them exceptional swimmers.

What role do hornbills play in Kalimantan’s ecosystem?

Hornbills are important for seed dispersal, helping to maintain the fertility of the forest. By eating fruit and spreading seeds through their droppings, hornbills contribute to forest regeneration and biodiversity. They are also considered sacred by the Dayak people.

What threats do hornbills face in Kalimantan?

Hornbills are threatened by habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. The loss of their forest habitats, combined with human poaching, has put significant pressure on their populations, especially the males who are targeted for their unique features.