Pollution threatens water quality in the Central Marshes of Southern Iraq

Water pollution is an issue that can be exacerbated by drought as increased concentrations of unwanted substances are a consequence of lower water levels. Polluted water that flows into natural marshlands leads to the deposition of pollutants in the interior of the marsh. Here we present evidence that the interior of the Central Marsh (CM) in southern Iraq suffers from higher levels of pollution than areas closer to the source of water entering the marsh (the Euphrates River). A 1.7m embankment that halts the flow of the Euphrates is only infrequently breached and so the CM is effectively the terminal destination of the waters (and their associated pollutants and agricultural waste) flowing from the West of Iraq. A range of water quality metrics were measured where the Euphrates enters the CM and at increasing distances into the interior of the CM. The following measures were taken: NO2, NO3, PO4 , Salinity, Major ions, and Heavy Metals (Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Zn). The area of study was divided into four horizontal zones (the river and three zones inside the marsh) and eight field surveys were carried out from November 2013 to June 2014 to collect water samples by using a transect line methodology. Salinity and major ions (Na, K, Cl, Ca, and Mg) were significantly higher inside the marsh compared with levels in the river water immediately before it entered the CM. These findings indicate the increased risk of these pollutants to humans and wildlife living in and using the CM. This issue requires urgent attention, especially to the status of the CM as a World Heritage site (for the ecosystem services provided to local people) as an Important Biodiversity Area. The reported declines in water quantity in the Euphrates over recent decades will likely further exacerbate the problems we report.

Composition, Density and Spatial Distribution of Zooplankton in Inner Ambon Bay, Indonesia

Inner Ambon Bay is part of Ambon Bay; it is semi-closed area and a small pelagic fish fishing ground, especially anchovy. The anchovy is a zooplankton predator; therefore the existence of anchovy is affected by the abundance of zooplankton. The aims of the research are to obtain information on the composition, density, and spatial distribution of the zooplankton in these waters. Data of zooplankton composition were obtained from sampling by using plankton net at ten observation stations. Meanwhile, data of densities were collected using a scientific hydroacoustic system, BioSonic DTX supported with split-beam technology, on six parallel transect lines and one cross-parallel transect line. Geostatistical analyses technique was used to describe horizontal distributions of zooplankton, and vertical distributions pattern were plot in the graphs. The result shows that the zooplankton community is dominated by Copepod and meroplankton. The highest average density was found in August (9393 ind./m2),while the lowest density was in June (903 ind./m2).

Bird diversity analysis in the lower mountain forest of mount Bulusaraung to support ecotourism’s activities in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Lower mountain forest in the complex of Mount Bulusaraung Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, is a one of bird’s habitat in the South Sulawesi. This area is a tourist destination, especially mountain climbing activities. Thus, it is necessary to know the diversity of animals, especially birds on this hiking trail, so that the information can be used to support ecotourism activities. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bird species in the complex of Bulusaraung Mountain, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to support ecotourism activities. This research was conducted from April to June 2018. Data was collected using the line transect method on three lines, namely the Balleanging, Kattokaddaro and Tompobulu lines. The second and third paths are hiking trails, while the rest are trails leading to community agricultural areas. The geographical position of the transect line was recorded using GPS. The GIS method was used to generate a bird watching trail map. Data analysis was carried out to calculate the individual density and frequency of bird presence. In addition, the species diversity indices, species evenness indices, and species richness indices were also calculated. The results showed that there were 44 species of birds found in the study area, which were 16 species in the Balleanging line, 27 species in the Kattokaddaro line and 37 species in the Tompobulu line. The highest bird species diversity indices value was found on the Tompobulu line (H' = 2.93), while on the Kattokaddaro line it was H' = 2.73 and the Balleanging H' = 2.55. The results of this study will support the management strategy in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to harmonize the conservation of biological resources through ecotourism activities that involve local communities to increase their economic income.

Morphological and agroecological study of Purwoceng Gunung (Artemisia lactiflora wall.) in areas slopes of mount Lawu

This study aims to determine the distribution pattern, morphological and agroecological characteristics of Purwoceng Gunung. The research location on the slopes of Mount Lawu, around the Grojogan Sewu, Tawangmangu sub-district. The sampling point was determined based on purposive random sampling through a pre-survey. Determination of sample plots and analysis of vegetation using the transect (line) method. The results showed that the stem shape was round and segmented, smooth surface and green, oval leaf shape with serrated edges, compound leaves, pointed leaf tip, blunt leaf base, green leaf color with a length of 4 cm and a width of ± 2 cm. The location of the flowers at the end of the stem and classified as compound interest, fibrous roots with yellowish white color. The distribution pattern of Purwoceng Gunung was uniform with low population density of 6 individuals per plot and an INP of 4.4. Habitat agroecological conditions with climate type C with the following soil chemistry: C organic 5.8%, organic matter 9.9%, N 0.27 %, P 16.04 %, K 0.27 %, pH NaF 9.02, pH H2O 6.1, CEC 26, 9 me 100 g-1, field capacity 43.9. The proportions of dust, clay and sand were 27.4%, 9.4% and 63.2% respectively.

Nest Characteristics of the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) in the Wildlife Sanctuary Soraya Station in Aceh Province, Indonesia

Orangutans (Pongo spp.) populations used to be widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, from Java in the south to the Southern China in the north during the Pleistocene. Their populations have declined up to 75% of their original size and are now distributed only in parts of the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Pongo pygmaeus, Pongo tapanuliensis and Pongo abelii are the three most representative species, in this study, here we discussed the latter. Sumatran forests are generally suffering from deforestation with rates ranging from 3.74% to 49.85% between 2000 and 2012. Thus, human wildlife conflict intensity has escalated and gained more traction. Orangutans are known as arboreal great apes and need to build nests for resting. We applied the transect line method (three transects; each 1,000 m long) at different elevations in Soraya Research Station, Gelombang Village, Sultan Daulat sub-district, Subulussalam district, and assessed the nest characteristics. The characteristics are: (1) nesting position referring to the position of nest on a tree; (2) nest successional stages defining the age and leaf decay used in constructing a nest indicated with I (new) until V (almost gone); and (3) nest density to predict the density of nest per square km. Afterwards, the identified nesting trees along the transect were further identified based on their species, and assessed based on three characteristics (the tree height, diameter and the height of a nest measured from the soil). A total of 27 nests were found, and 44% were located in transect III or at the riparian. Out of 27, four orangutans’ nests were found on Moraceae (Streblus elongatus) and Myrtaceae (Syzigium spp.), while three nests were found on Dipterocarpus sp. The tree height, tree diameter and nest height were 10 m–25 m (mean = 17.5 m; SD = ± 0.25), 10 cm–30 cm (mean = 20 cm; SD = ± 0.4) and 16 m–20 m (mean = 18 m; SD = ± 0.35), respectively. Meanwhile, nest density calculated based on the form: d = [N/ (L* 2w)], and the values obtained were 8.4, 13.45, 26.9 nests/km2 located on transect I, II and III or at the riparian. The most commonly found nest successional stages and position were stage III and position 3, respectively. This study could serve as a baseline research in primate conservation and nest characterisation could be used as guidance for any future activity planning (e.g. tree reforestation) in a particular region and the existence of various tree species diversity are indispensable for maintaining orangutan habitats’ quality.

Structure of Seagrass Community in the Karapyak Beach, Pangandaran Regency, West Java

Karapyak Beach is one of the beaches that has a variety of abundant marine ecosystems. One of the marine ecosystems is seagrass. This study aims to identify the structure of seagrass communities in Karapyak waters based on seagrass species, species density, species frequency, diversity, and uniformity. This research was conducted in February – April 2021. The method used is a survey method with direct observation at each predetermined station using a square transect measuring 1 x 1 m2. While the determination of stations and observation points is done by purposive sampling method. The research location is divided into three stations, each station is divided into five substations (plots), and a 50 m transect line is made perpendicular to the shoreline. Furthermore, the results showed four types of seagrass found in the waters of Karapyak Beach, namely Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis. The density of seagrass at station I was in the medium category, namely 125 individuals/m2, with a cover percentage of 86%. Then the lowest seagrass density was found at the second station, which was 104 individuals/m2 including the unhealthy category with a cover percentage of 58%. While the highest density score was shown at the third station, namely 144 individuals/m2 with a closing percentage of 94%.

POPULATION CONDITIONS OF ECHINOIDEA AND CORAL REEF COVERS IN PONCAN GODANG ISLAND, SIBOLGA, NORTH SUMATERA

Poncan Godang Island is included in the appropriate category based on the suitability of land for the Sibolga tourist area, with the presence of tourism activities that can also affect the amount of biodiversity in it. Considering the importance of coral reefs for biodiversity and sea urchins which also have a role in coral reef ecosystems, it is necessary to conduct research on the condition of sea urchins population and the percentage of coral reefs on Poncan Godang Island. Sea urchin and coral reef data were collected using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method by monitoring directly on the transect line along 50 meters. The results obtained indicate that the population of sea urchins in the waters of Poncan Godang Island, North Sumatra can be described, that sea urchins do not affect the coral reef ecosystem because at stations 1 and 5 there is no sea urchin and the percentage of coral cover is classified as bad, but at station 3 there are 32 individuals with coral reef cover conditions, while at stations with The percentage of good coral cover is that at station 4 there are only 25 individuals, as well as at station 2 where the percentage of coral cover is higher than station 3 and there are no sea urchins

Keanekaragaman laba-laba pada perkebunan kelapa sawit yang berbatasan dengan hutan

Oil palm plantations bordering forests were thought to affect the biotic components that make up the diversity of ecosystems, especially species with high mobilization and adaptability, such as spiders. This study aims to identify spiders found in oil palm plantations and analyzing diversity and evenness at various distances of oil palm plantations from the forest. Observations of spiders were carried out on oil palm plantations bordered by forests in Nagari Gunung Selasih and Sungai Kambut, Pulau Punjung District, Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra Province. In oil palm plantations, a one km long transect line was made from the forest edge. In the sample plots, spiders were observed using a pitfall trap, knockdown, and hand collecting. Data were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness index. The highest spider species diversity index was found at a distance of 100–300 m from the forest, respectively 3.06, 3.05, and 3.11. The same is true for the highest evenness index at a distance of 100–300 m from the forest, respectively, namely 0.94, 0.94, and 0.95. In general, the results of this study indicate that the presence of forest bordering the forest is thought to affect spiders in oil palm plantations.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS BURUNG RANGKONG (Bucerotidae) DI STASIUN PENELITIAN WAY CANGUK TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN

The rise of hornbill hunting and deforestation that occurred in Indonesia, especially the island of Sumatra lately, threatening the preservation of these birds in nature. The purpose of this study was to determine thediversity of hornbill species in the Way Canguk Research Station, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. The method used in this study is a transect line with a total of 18 line transects. The data obtained was processed using the Shanon wienners diversity index formula, then translated with descriptive analysis. A total of 5 types of hornbills found in these locations are rhinoceros hornbills (Buceros rhinoceros), helmeted hornbills (Rhinoplax vigil), wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), bushy crested hornbill (Anorrhinus galeritus) and white crowned hornbill (Berenicornis comatus), with a species diversity index value of 1.00 included in the low category and the evenness of the species is a stable with an evenness index value of 0.62. The highest abundance of hornbills is (Anorrhinus galeritus) a beside that hornbills can be found in almost all transect lines.

Impact of ground cover vegetation types on the diversity and similarity of spider assemblage at two adjacent sites

Spider (Arachnida) is one of the classes of arthropods known to give strong responses to differences in land cover vegetation. This study intended to investigate whether the difference of vegetation types that are located adjacently occupied by the same genera of spiders. Two adjacent areas in Liwa Botanical Garden that covered by two different types vegetation were assigned as the sampling sites. The spiders sampling was carried out over a 100 meter long transect line (5 lines each) by applying active searching and pitfall trapping techniques. There were 21 genera from 9 spider families that were collected from two sampling sites. In the land vegetated with wood, there were 12 genera with 129 specimens. In the herbaceous land, there were 13 spider genera with 120 specimens. The Simpson's index of diversity were 0.7739 and 0.8868, meanwhile the Shannon's index were 1.8575and 2.2831, respectively obtained at herbaceous and woody land. The difference of diversity between two compared sites by Hutcheson t-test was highly significant (α < 0.01). This presumption is also supported by the coefficient of dissimilarity calculated using Sorensen’s index formula (Ss = 75.7575). Thus it can be concluded that the different types of land cover vegetation have a significant impact on the diversity of the dwelling spiders even though the two fields are located adjacent to each other.