Biodiversity (HCV 1)

• Flora and Fauna:
  Gunung Kidul’s forests support diverse plant species, including teak (Tectona grandis), mahogany, and native shrubs, as well as endangered and endemic fauna such as Javan leopard, various bird species, and bats critical for pollination and seed dispersal.
• Ecosystem Services:
  These forests contribute to maintaining biodiversity corridors essential for species survival.

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), a subspecies of leopard native to Java, Indonesia, has been known to inhabit various forested areas in Java, including Gunung Kidul. However, specific recorded sightings or studies in Gunung Kidul are relatively recent and typically associated with efforts to assess the biodiversity of the region.

In 2020, a significant milestone occurred when researchers confirmed the presence of the Javan leopard in Gunung Kidul through camera traps installed in protected forest areas and wildlife corridors. This discovery highlighted the importance of Gunung Kidul’s karst forests as critical habitats for endangered species, underlining the need for conservation efforts in the region.