By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

With photo contributions from Ismail Amin (Macaca maura) and Pamela Q. Reblora.

Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Located between Maros and Pangkep regency in South Sulawesi, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park is known as the second-largest karst area in the world.

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Lowland ecosystem of the park (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Covering 437 sq km, the park is composed of several ecosystems: lowland, karst, and low-mountainous.

Karst landscape of Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Its lowland ecosystem hosts the Celebes endemic species, Dyospiros celebica, one of the protected floras in the park. Other protected species are  Livistona chinensis, Livistona sp., Ascocentrum miniatum, and Phalaenopsis amboinensis which are known as palm and orchids.

Moor macaque (2018) by Ismail AminASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Forty-three species of Ficus have been found throughout the park. The species serve as the source of food for wildlife such as the black monkey or Macaca maura.

Waterfalls at BBNP (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

There are seven priority ecotourism attraction sites:

• Bantimuring Waterfalls Complex
• Pattunuang Asue area
• Wildlife watching and tracking area of Karaenta
• Vertical cave of Leang Pute
• Leang-leang prehistoric cave
• Bulusaraung Mountain area
• Leang Londrong natural water pool area.

Spelunking at BBNP (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Other than being home to the famous Rammang-rammang karst area, also boasts of approximately 41 prehistoric caves. These include the Leang-leang prehistoric park which has a unique archaeological value. Paintings of hand palms and animal prey were drawn on the cave’s walls.

Tarsier at BBNP (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Wildlife of Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park:

• 683 monocotyledons
• 274 species of insects
• 128 species of birds
• 33 species of mammals
• 29 species of reptiles
• 14 species of amphibians

Butterflies in Bantimurung (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The park is referred to as the Kingdom of the Butterfly, as it is known for having high biodiversity and abundance of butterflies. It is home to 200 species of butterflies including the endemic Papilio blumei, Papilio polytes, Papilio sataspes, and Graphium androcles.

Suspected soa-soa (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Other unique fauna include the Sulawesi civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii), Small Sulawesi cuscus (Strigocuscus celebencis), Kangkareng Sulawesi (Penelopides exarhatus), Sulawesi Serpent-eagle (Spilornis rufipectu), and Soa-soa (Hydrosaurus amboinensis).

Gazebo at BBNP (2022) by Pamela Q. RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Learn more about Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

AHP logo by ACBASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

ASEAN Heritage Parks

ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity. 

AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.

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