Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, National park and Ramsar site in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Rawa Aopa Watumohai is a protected wetland covering 105,194 hectares with lowland rainforest, mountain forest, grassland, swamp, and mangrove zones spread across the region. Each habitat supports different plant and animal communities within the park's boundaries.
The area served as a hunting ground until 1980 when it became a nature reserve, and then gained national park status in 1989. These steps reflected growing efforts to protect this landscape from overuse.
Local communities depend on the mangrove areas for fishing, and their boats are a common sight in these shallow waters. This traditional practice shapes how people interact with the park's resources every day.
The park offers good birdwatching opportunities with over 150 species recorded, and hiking trails pass through different habitat types. Bring binoculars and a camera, and plan time to move slowly through the various zones.
The park is home to rare animals like babirusa and anoa, two wild pig species found only on Sulawesi. These creatures are elusive but their presence draws researchers studying lesser-known mammals of Indonesia.
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