Nantu forest locates in Gorontalo. It is a sanctuary for Babirusa. Babirusa is mammal species endemic from Sulawesi. The status conservation of this animal is vulnerable. It means that they are almost extinct. Hence, Nantu forest become its shelter. Sometimes, Heck’s macaque and anoa (dwarf buffalo) can be observed here. Both animals are endemic species from Sulawesi. Along with Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Nantu forest hosts many endemic faunas. Trip to Nantu Forest leads you to one lost world of Sulawesi. It is very interesting to observe. Trip to Nantu forest highlight the whole tour. However, you will also visit the other jungles on the north.

7 DAYS | ALL IN | SUITABLE FOR NATURE LOVER, ECOLOGISTS, SCIENTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, BIOLOGISTS | LEVEL OF ACTIVITIES: MODERATE | NOT FOR CHILDREN AND HANDY-CAPS

NANTU FOREST

Nantu Forest is one of the last strongholds for Sulawesi’s richness. Clean air and water around Nantu Forest equal wealth in wildlife of the jungle. As mentioned, it is home for endemic species of Sulawesi. These species are found nowhere else on earth but Sulawesi. Nantu Forest is located around upstream of Paguyaman River. The jungle is thick and heavy. There is a salt lake in the middle of the jungle. Babirusas like to wallow in this salt lake. Therefore, it is the perfect spot to observe this animal. As mentioned, sometimes anoa (dwarf buffalo) appears on sight as well. This animal is very difficult to be found now. As they only live in primary forests.

The conservation area of Nantu Forest consists of Nantu Wildlife Sanctuary (33.023 ha), Protected Forest (19.606 ha) and Production Forest (10.002 ha). In other words; It is 500 square kilometers of virgin rain-forest. At the rim of the jungle, A river bank borders it from people and villages. Some biologists, nature photographers, wildlife observers and nature lovers start to come to this forest. They want to see the animal with their own eyes.

MALEO CONSERVATION IN BOGANI NANI WARTABONE NATIONAL PARK

Maleo is a large megapode. It is a species of bird from Sulawesi. This bird species is endemic to the Island. It can be found on lowland and highland forests. First interesting thing of Maleo is it nests in warm areas. It lay eggs around volcano or areas that are heated by thermal energy. The bird needs the thermal energy for incubation. That is right, Maleo does not hatch by sitting on the eggs. Yes, It is very similar to turtle. Turtle also buries its eggs. The only different is a turtle lays hundreds of eggs. While Maleo lays big egg. The egg is too big for it. It is 5 times bigger than domestic chicken’s. Hence, it needs a warmer soil for incubation. This is the second interesting thing.

One conservation area of Maleo is in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, North Sulawesi. The location is near Tambun. This area has hot springs. Thus, it become perfect nesting for the bird. Up to this day, This conservation area has released more than 10.000 chicks of Maleo to the wild. After nantu forest, this maleo conservation area will be the destination.

TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE

Northeast of North Sulawesi has Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve. Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve is home for 127 species of mammals, 233 species of bird and 104 species of reptile and amphibian species. Among them 79 species of mammals, 103 species of bird and 29 species of reptile and amphibian are endemic to the island. However, several species of animals are threatened to extiction. Black crested macaque or Celebes Crested Macaque, spectral tarsier or tarsius spectrum, Sulawesi bear cuscus, Sulawesi Dwarf Cuscus, Red Knobbed Hornbill and Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill are among them. These are popular animals of the nature reserve. You will visit this nature reserve too.