An inventory of the biodiversity of Kare Caves for the development of ecotourism karst district Pamotan Rembang

Abstract

The karst area is a unique ecosystem area and has a wealth of abundant potential resources. On the one hand, it is vulnerable to environmental exploitation to improve the economy. Kare Cave is a non-natural formed cave located in a karst topography. The beauty of Kare Cave has the potential to be developed into an ecotourism object. This study aims to determine the diversity of fauna and flora and identify ecotourism's potential in Kare Cave, Pamotan District, Rembang Regency. This research used a quantitative descriptive study. Data were analyzed using the Shannon-Wienner Diversity Index formula. The diversity of flora and fauna in Kare Cave can be developed into ecotourism based on education and conservation with several efforts that must be developed, namely improving infrastructure and involvement of local communities. The fauna diversity index H'=1.35 and the flora diversity index H'=1.81, which means it is included in the medium category.