Proboscis and Mangrove Forest

Mangrove forests are the most crucial ecosystem for proboscis monkey to survive  

Mangrove Center Balikpapan is located at Graha Indah housing area, West Balikpapan at Balikpapan city. Its about 15 km from the city center, mangrove center covering the forest area of 150 hectares. This area arranged by local community led by Mr. Agus Bei.

Mangrove forests are coastal forest ecosystems consisting of groups of trees that can live in highly saline environments. One of the characteristics of mangrove plants, it has roots that protrude to the surface and function to breathe. The appearance of mangroves is like a stretch of shrub separating the land from the sea. The word mangrove comes from the word mangue (Portuguese) which means plant, with grove (English) meaning bush. Meanwhile in other literature it is mentioned that the term mangrove comes from the word mangi-mangi (Old Malay language).

Mangrove forests are a group of woody plant species that grow along protected tropical and subtropical coastlines and have a form of coastal land with anaerobic soil types. These mangroves are intentionally planted on the coast and downstream of the river to prevent abrasion as well as to preserve the habitat of Borneo fauna such as proboscis monkey.

There are 40 types of mangrove grow at Mangrove Center Balikpapan, rhyzopora mucronata become the dominant plant. And the highlight attraction here that we could seeing the proboscis monkey (nasalis larvatus) or in local language called bekantan. More than 400 proboscis monkey that we could find in at least 15 tree at this area. The proboscis monkey can be found mainly in the late afternoon when they search for food or in the early morning.

The local community provide some klothok for the visitor who want to take a trip for passing the river Somber. Mangrove tree is very important for this community, such as: its provide fresh air, a good habitat for living of the proboscis monkey, the roof from the tree is also an ideal place for the fish including the local fish called mudskipper or periophthalmus gracilis. Interesting? You could contact us and welcome to join our trip.

kiswono@kalimantantourguide.com

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