EKOSISTEM MANGROVE SEBAGAI OBYEK WISATA ALAM DI KAWASAN KONSERVASI MANGROVE DAN BEKANTAN DI KOTA TARAKAN

Abstract

Conservation Areas for Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey (MCAP) in Tarakan, East Kalimantan was built at the aimed of mangrove education and proboscis monkey conservation. Presently, MCAP was developed as an ecotourism area. A study was conducted to understand suitability of mangrove ecosystem of MCAP and tourists perceptions. Data on mangrove vegetation, heavy metal contentin the soils, soil texture, wildlife, biotics riverin, sea tidal, and visitors ¶ perception were collected. Vegetation analysis was conducted in the natural forest and extension area of mangrove. The first was dominated by Rhizophora apiculata (IVI = 106.94%), while extension area was dominated by Sonneratia alba (IVI = 113.50%). Soil analysis indicated high pollution of heavy metal (Pb = 20.63-33.41 ppm). Telescopium telescopium is an endangered species, that was usually consumed by community. Twenty five individuals of proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) and 18 species of birds were encountered in the ecosystem. The suitability values of both types of MCAP ecosystem were 80.26% and 92,10% for natural forest and extension forest, respectively. This indicated that both areas were very appropriateas ecotourism areas as they fulfilled the criterias of ecotourism areas. It was also supported by perception of visitors on the beauty of scenery, presence of wildlife and biotic riverine.