Eastern Java-Bali rain forests

The Eastern Java-Bali rain forests ecoregion (WWF ID:IM0113) covers the lowland areas of the eastern half of the island of Java, and the island of Bali, in Indonesia. This ecoregion is distinct from the Eastern Java-Bali montane rain forests, which exists at higher altitudes where mountain forest habitat dominates. Very little of the natural lowland rainforest remains in its pre-human settlement state.[1][2][3][4]

Ecoregion: Eastern Java-Bali rain forests
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
RealmIndomalayan
BiomeTropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
Geography
Area53,872 km2 (20,800 sq mi)
CountryIndonesia
Coordinates6.25°S 110.75°E / -6.25; 110.75

Location and description

The ecoregion covers the lowlands of the eastern half of Java and Bali. Also included are Madura Island and the Kangean Islands off the north coast of Java. The soil is mostly volcanic and alluvial deposits due to the large, active volcanoes in the center, and with some uplifted coral limestone.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification (Am)). This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year (all months being greater than 18 °C (64 °F) average temperature), and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than 60 mm of precipitation, but more than (100-(average/25)) mm. This climate is mid-way between a tropical rainforest and a tropical savannah. The dry month usually at or right after the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.[5][6]

Flora and fauna

About 25% of the region is closed forest, 25% open forest, 35% cultivated/agricultural, and the rest urban or built up.[3] Precipitation levels determine much of the forest character. Through the inland lowlands, the forests are moist deciduous, with 1,500-4,000 mm of precipitation per year and with a four-six months of dry season. Because precipitation levels decline towards the east of Java, these forests are not as wet as in the west.[1] Typical trees in these moist deciduous forests include (Homalium tomentosum), Silk trees (Albizia lebbekoides), and Reonja (Acacia leucophloea) a 20-30 fit tree with yellow flowers.

Along the southern coast of the ecoregion are semi-evergreen rain forests, with higher precipitation levels and only two-four months of dry season. Common south coast trees include (Artocarpus elasticus) (of the mulberry family), Yellow mahogany (Dysoxylum caulostachyum) and Duku (Lansium parasiticum). Along the northern coast precipitation levels are dryer (below 1,500 mm/year and with more than six months of dry season), resulting in a dry deciduous forest.[1]

Scientists in the ecoregion have recorded 103 species of mammals, notable 15 species of ecologically important fruit bats that provide pollination. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded.

Protected areas

Less than 3% of this ecoregion is official protected. Notable protected areas include:

References
  1. "Eastern Java-Bali rain forests". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  3. "Eastern Java-Bali rain forests". Digital Observatory for Protected Areas. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  4. "Eastern Java-Bali rain forests". The Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  5. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
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