Ecology and

Biodiversity
BY MISS. HANNA
Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms
 Types of biodiversity
1. Genetic diversity
shows variations of the same species
Examples:

1) Mango varieties,

2) Dogs are all the same species (Canis familiaris), but wide variety of sizes, shapes, coat colors, eye colors,
and temperaments.
2. Species diversity
shows the variation within the same famili/ genus

Example: Family level-> Fabaceae family in peanuts

Genus level-> Felis genus in leopard cats (Felis bengalensis), domestic cats (Felis silvestris), and jungle
cats (Felis chaus).
3. Ecosystem diversity
shows the variety of different habitats and ecological processes within an area.

Example: Tropical forest ecosystem, Coniferous forest, Desert ecosystem.

Distribution of Flora and Fauna in
Indonesia
Indonesia is a country with high biodiversity. Each geographical zone in Indonesia has different
characteristics of biodiversity.

1. Distribution of Flora

• In Java island: many teak trees, mahogany, and canary trees grow.
• In Papua: endemic plants queen's wreath, also has a distinctive tree, namely the Matoa tree

• Aceh and Bengkulu: endemic plants such as Rafflesia arnoldii are found
• In Kalimantan: groups of meranti trees and rattan (Calamus caesius) are commonly found.

• In Java and Sumatra: durian trees (Durio zibethinus) are abundant

• In Yogyakarta, Bali and Banjarnegara: salak trees (Salacca edulis) are commonly found.
2. Distribution of Fauna
1) The area west of Wallace's line, including Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan.

Characteristics of fauna:
 Many large-sized mammal species.
Examples: rhinoceros, elephant, and tiger.

 Various species of monkeys in Kalimantan.

Examples: orangutan, slow loris, and proboscis monkey.

 Singing birds, but not as colorful as Australian birds.

Examples: Bali myna and magpie.
2) The area between the two lines, or the transition zone, including Sulawesi and the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Fauna in this area includes various species of animals from both the Oriental and Australasian types. Examples:
tarsier, anoa, babirusa, owl, and maleo bird.
3) The area east of Weber's line, including Maluku and Papua. Fauna Australis.

characteristics:
 Small-sized mammals.
Examples: cuscus and possum.
 Many marsupial animals (those with pouches).
Examples: kangaroo (Dendrolagus ursinus).

 No ape species.
 Colorful and diverse bird species. About 320 species are found in Papua,
Example: birds of paradise/Cenderawasih, and cassowaries.
Threats to Biodiversity in Indonesia
a. Illegal hunting

b. Deforestation for agriculture or urbanization

c. Pollution

d. Overexploitation of species for human purposes

e. Excessive use of pesticides

f. Introduction of exotic species (foreign species): Introducing a species into a

new habitat can threaten the existence of native species in that habitat.
 Influence of Human Activities on Ecosystems
Here are some human activities that affect ecosystems:

Activities that cause habitat destruction:

Habitat destruction is one of the causes of species extinction worldwide. Deforestation for plantations, settlements,
and mining leads to many plant and animal species losing their habitats, thus threatening their survival.
Activities that cause pollution:

Human activities, such as waste burning, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and chemical waste
disposal, contribute to pollution. Environmental pollution can lead to acid rain and global warming.
 Agricultural and food production activities:

The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can affect ecosystem balance. Continuous use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can cause the death of soil microbes. If soil microbes die, soil fertility will be
disrupted.
 Conservation of Biodiversity
Conservation is the regular maintenance and protection of something to prevent damage and
destruction, ensuring the preservation of genetic resources.

Benefits of Conservation:
oEcological Benefits of Conservation:

Protecting various rare or endangered flora and fauna species, maintaining environmental
quality, and safeguarding ecosystems from damage caused by natural factors, thus preserving
ecosystem balance.
oEconomic Benefits of Conservation:

Getting natural resources to meet their needs sustainably and generating income by turning
conservation areas into ecotourism destinations.
Conservation Method
In Situ Conservation Methods

In situ conservation involves preserving species in their natural habitats.

1) Nature reserves [Cagar Alam] are natural sanctuary areas with unique flora species.

Examples; Batu Gajah in Simalungun Regency, Martelu Purba in Langkat Regency.

2) Wildlife sanctuaries [Suaka Margasatwa] are natural forest sanctuary areas with diverse
or unique wildlife species that need protection for their survival in their habitat.

Examples; Sermo in Kulon Progo, Lore Rindu in Central Sulawesi.

3) Forest reserves [Taman Hutan Raya] are natural preservation areas intended to collect natural or non-
native plant and/or animal species utilized for public purposes.

Examples; Gunung Bunder in Yogyakarta, Bukit Barisan in North Sumatra.

4) National parks [Taman Nasional] are original ecosystem areas managed for research, education,
cultivation, tourism, and recreation purposes.

Examples; Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten Province, and
Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara.
 Ex Situ Conservation Methods

It is preserving species outside their natural habitat by relocating animals or plants to

suitable locations for their survival. Examples of ex situ conservation include zoos,
botanical gardens, and safari parks.