It was almost two hours our party down the Swamp Aopa in Southeast Sulawesi. Sun is preparing to drop an umbrella company of overcast skies. When the boat leads back to the dock, pandanus grove of water that covers one corner of the swamp sudden noise. Unexpectedly, it appeared from behind a grove of a large bird that flies with a distance of only 15 meters in front of the boat. His figure looks clear with wide wings to break the silence of the swamp.
"Well, that's it. Aroweli! Aroweli! "Mustari said Tepu half cheered as if calling to the bird. Mustari is the controlling officer of the forest ecosystem Aopa Watumohai Swamp National Park that guides us through the wetlands that.
Mustari is not playing with joy at the sight of a bird named Latin Mycteria cinerea, also known by the name of the white stork stork bluwok or milk, it is. Aroweli is the local name of these beautiful birds in Southeast Sulawesi.
Although aroweli attractions can be enjoyed only less than a minute before disappearing in the sky, wonder and excitement of having found the old bird imprint. A smile kept attached to the face Mustari.
Known, this one including water birds category of rare and protected. From the data BirdLife International, an estimated population of this species throughout the world is less than 5,500 birds and the main distribution in Cambodia, the Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia.
For that reason, the emergence aroweli evening so special. Her presence seemed complete satisfaction after watching dozens of other birds that look before.
Aroweli including large stork family with a body length reaches 1 meter and up to 1.5 meter wingspan. Easily recognizable physical characteristics with smooth white body black feathered wings. A long yellow beak with a red face and legs.
Wetland ecosystems are still "pure" in Rawa Aopa become an ideal habitat for aroweli who likes to migrate. "In addition aroweli, migratory birds that are often seen here is a kind of Australian pelicans," Mustari said. Pelikan usual looked at Rawa Aopa around June-July.
Heaven waterbirds
Aopa marsh is part of the National Park Rawa Aopa Watumohai (TNRAW), Southeast Sulawesi. In addition to the swamp, there are mangrove ecosystems, savannas and lowland tropical rain forests and mountains.
Widespread swamp ecosystem Aopa actually reached 30,000 hectares, but only about 12,000 hectares located in the region TNRAW. The total area of the park's 105,194 acres (1.6 times the area of DKI Jakarta), which entered in the four districts, namely South Konawe, Konawe, Kolaka, and Bombana.
Aopa swamp life seemed to be a haven for water birds. Aroweli addition, there are 39 other species of water birds can be seen live freely there, with most of the protected category. Some of these are great egrets, sea cangak, blekok rice, red cekakak, grouse, pecuk snakes, and black ibis.
The birds are "at home" in Rawa Aopa inhabit because of the abundant food sources, such as various types of fish, insects, worms, snakes, shrimp, and frogs. In addition, fertile plants that float on the surface of the swamp life, such as water hyacinth, water pandanus, water fern, and the lotus, also provide a refuge and breeding comfortable.
Head TNRAW Kholid Indarto said the region was already established as one important area of international wetlands by the Ramsar Convention on March 6, 2011. The Ramsar Convention is an inter-governmental agreement on protecting the world's wetlands.
"Rawa Aopa also plays a vital role as one of the major water sources in mainland Southeast Sulawesi, including the capital city of Turkey," said Khalid. Aopa swamp itself is the largest swamp ecosystems on the island of Sulawesi and the three upstream watershed, namely Poleang, Roraya, and Konaweha.
Swamp ecosystem Aopa located in the northern part TNRAW main function as a catchment and water reserves. At times of high river flows, water flows back into the swamp so that it also functions as a regulator of the flow of lake water in the river system.
Access
Aopa marsh is about 80 kilometers, or 1.5 hour drive west of Kendari. Condition of paved road access to the site seamlessly. Swamp area Aopa included in Region I TNRAW in South Konawe and Konawe.
Visitors can visit the National Park Management Section office TNRAW Pewutaa Region I in the Village, District Angata, in the South Konawe. From there, visitors can rent a boat and guide services to trace the swamp at a cost of Rp 300,000. One boat can contain 10 people. So, it would be more efficient if it comes in the party.
Visitors are advised to bring binoculars to get a better observe the activity of water birds. In the middle of the swamp there is also a small island called Hope Island that has a heading and viewing post. From the substation as high as 10 meters, the eyes of visitors more freely "surf" around the swamp.
However, unfortunately, the condition of the building on the island has a lot of damage. Wooden pier provided the framework left to live, so visitors should be very careful when walking. Suppose maintained, the location is perfect for relaxing while enjoying a picnic lunch marsh.
In addition to bird watching, fishing can also be an alternative activity in Rawa Aopa. Types of fish that can be easily obtained is the cork, catfish, Sepat, and tilapia. Many local residents rely on the livelihoods of fishing there. So, immediately packed suitcase because of the beautiful aroweli was waiting.
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