Mahasiswa Biologi UGM Ungkap Biodiversitas Laut Pulau Wangi-wangi
Mahasiswa Biologi UGM Ungkap Biodiversitas Laut Pulau Wangi-wangi
Mahasiswa Biologi UGM Ungkap Biodiversitas Laut Pulau Wangi-wangi
Marine study group of Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (KSK Biogama) has explored the waters of Wangi-wangi island at the Wakatobi National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, from December 2016 to January 2017.
“This expedition aims to reveal the marine biodiversity potential of Wangi-wangi island,” said coordinator of the 1 Nyali expedition, Citra Septiani, on Tuesday (4/4) at Faculty of Biology UGM.
Having the theme Explore, Learn, and Discover, it is followed by 29 members who are divided into five disciplines: Algae and seagrass, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Pisces and Coral. All of them did observation and research related to marine ecosystem and biodiversity in four locations, Liya, Soumbu, Waha, and Waelumu beaches.
“The marine potential of Wangi-wangi island is high, the species of fish, sea animals, and coral reefs are diverse,” she said.
The results of the exploration has been diseminated on Saturday (1/4) in the Auditorium of Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was attended by students, representatives from Marine and Fisheries Agency, and Environment Agency of Yogyakarta.
Wangi-wangi island has a range of biodiversities. From Soumbu beach some 7 species of seagrass have been discovered or Angiospermae lives in the intertidal zone of the beach. There are also 7 species of Echinodermata, such as starfish, sea urchin and Echinoidea, 9 families of sea snails, and 4 families of shrimps.
In Waha beach, the marine biotas also vary. There are 11 families of reef fish, Echinodermata, 4 families of shrimps, 4 families of sea snails and 9 species of seagrass. Coral colonies at 3 meter deep cover up to 51%, 9 meter deep cover 25%, and 10 meter deep cover only 10%.
In Waelumu beach, there are 10 families of reef fish, 5 species of Echinodermata, 5 families of sea snails, and 8 families of shrimps. In Liya beach there are 5 species of Echinodermata, 3 families of sea snail, 7 families of shrimps, and 1 seagrass species.
The team also gave a short training on coral reef maintenance and village ecotourism; and the importance of sustaining the sea and ecosystem to the children of Kampung Bajo area.
Citra said all results of research had been compiled in a book. She expected this would benefit the society and academics.