Marine Life Research Conservation International The Nature Conservancy

and MAGAZINE REVUES

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(CI) Rapid Assessment Program publication:

Corals - (Dr. JEN Veron) The islands have the highest known diversity of reef corals for an area of its size. A remarkable 96% (565 of a total of 590) of all Scleractinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in the Raja Ampat Islands. An average of 87 species per site was recorded...

Mollusks - (Dr. Fred E. Wells) Mollusk diversity was higher than for any previous RAP expedition and similar surveys conducted by the Western Australian Museum in Australia. A total of 699 species were recorded...

Reef fishes - (Dr. Gerard R. Allen) Several notable results were achieved for fishes including the 2 highest counts (283 and 281 species) ever recorded by G. Allen during a single dive anywhere in the world. these totals were achieved at Cape Kri (site 2a) and at the South Fam Group (Site 25). A total of 200 or more is considered a benchmark for an excellent fish count. The average number of fish species per site was 183.6.

The total biomass estimate for sites in the Raja Ampat Islands was considerably greater than that for other previously sampled area's in the "coral triangle" including Milne bay Province (Papua New Guinea), Togean -Banggai Islands (Indonesia), and Calamianes Island (Philippines).

Wayag Islands - The Wayag Islands lie approximately 35 km northwest of the north of Waigeo, and were certainly one of the highlights of the entire survey.

It was the unanimous opinion of team members that the area is probably deserving of World Heritage status.

Dr. G. Allen on conservation of Raja Ampat:

Every effort should be made to conserve the reefs of the Raja Ampat Islands. Although the present survey was by no means comprehensive, the rich fauna that was documented over a relatively short period of time indicates an area of extraordinary fish diversity. the author has wide experience throughout the Indonesian archipelago, and it is my opinion that no other area has as much [potential for marine conservation. There are several reasons for this opinion:

• The exceptional habitat diversity and consequent rich fish fauna.
• Good conditions of reefs compared to most other parts of Indonesia.
• A high aesthetic value based on the area's superb above water and underwater scenery.
• A relatively low human population.
• Culturally values by indigenous Papuan people that are highly compatible with reef conservation.
• A rich and unique (many endemics) terrestrial fauna, which affords a rare opportunity to implement both marine and terrestrial conservation at the same time.

 

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Dr. Mark Erdmann - NRM/EPIQ North Sulawesi Program & Dr. Jos Pet - TNC

The intertidal reef flats in the area were among the healthiest and most diverse the authors have seen in Indonesia, with an abundance of octopus, small sharks, giant clams, crustaceans and echinoderms. This is likely due to the very low human population density and a subsequent lack of gleaning pressure on these reef flats.

Endangered marine species were relatively abundant in the Raja Ampat (as compared to other areas in Indonesia). Noteworthy examples include Dugongs, at least 5 species of marine turtles including green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, saltwater crocodiles at least 5 species of giant clam (with Tridacna gigas and T. derasa being particularly noteworthy - PPKPL,
1990; 1992).

The above water scenery was stunning, with karst "beehive" and mushrooms islands dotting the huge, lake-like protected bays. The coastal karts forests were largely intact (through illegal logging is rapidly threatening these forest) and support a diverse Australian flora and fauna that stands out for its unusual appearance with an abundance of palms, orchids, marsupials, birds (including 2 endemic birds of paradise), bats and reptiles.

Dr. Mark Erdmann is one of the foremost Stomatopod (Mantis shrimp) specialists.

He writes: "This is the highest number of reef-associated stomatopod species collected from one area from anywhere in Indonesia by MVE and likely represents the highest known species diversity of reef-associated stomatopods for an area of its size anywhere in the world."

They collected 34 stomatopods from 28 sites in 11 days to the next highest number, 31 stomatopods from 27 sites in 200 days!

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