The Importance of Amphibious Diversity

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 46 views

Introduction

The Lau Bertu ecotourism area, located in Rumah Galuh Village, Sei Bingei District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, is a unique and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of flora and fauna. One of the most fascinating aspects of this ecosystem is the amphibious community, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. This study aims to investigate the structure of the amphibious community in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area, with a focus on identifying the types and diversity of amphibians in two different locations: River Forest Communities and plantation community.

Methodology

The research team used the Purposive Random Sampling and Visual Encounter Survey Night-Stream (VES-NS) methods to collect data on the amphibious community in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area. The study was conducted in January-February 2015, and the data was collected from two different locations: River Forest Communities and plantation community.

Results

The results of the study showed that there were 16 identified amphibian species, divided into 9 genera, 5 families, and 1 order. Interestingly, the density of species in both locations is not much different. Location 1 (river forest) has a density of 28.26 individuals per hectare, while location 2 (plantation) has a density of 28.18 individuals per hectare. The frequency of amphibian attendance in both locations is also relatively similar, with constant categories, accessories, and actual actions.

Discussion

The dominance of species in both locations is different. Location 1 is dominated by Hosii Rana, while location 2 is dominated by Rana Chalconata. The diversity index in both locations shows a medium value, which is 1 ≤ h '≥ 3. The compliance index in both locations shows a value that is close to 1, which means the distribution of species is relatively evenly distributed. The similarity index in both locations shows a high value, which is 72%, indicates that the composition of species in both locations is quite similar.

The Importance of Amphibious Diversity

Amphibious diversity has an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Amphibians act as natural predators for insects and other invertebrates, thus helping to control the population of pests and diseases. Amphibians are also a source of food for other animals such as birds, snakes, and mammals. In addition, amphibians are bioindicators that are sensitive to environmental changes, so that they can be an indicator of ecosystem health.

Threat to Amphibious Diversity

The threat to the diversity of amphibians is increasing, mainly due to changes in habitat, pollution, and climate change. The loss of habitat due to deforestation, infrastructure development, and plantation is a major threat. Water and soil pollution due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste also has a negative impact on amphibians. Climate change that causes an increase in temperature and rainfall can also affect the life cycle of amphibians.

Amphibious Conservation Efforts

Amphibious conservation efforts are very important to preserve species and ecosystems. Some efforts that can be made include:

Protects Amphibious Habitat

Through a reforestation program, wetlands conservation, and environmentally friendly spatial planning.

Reducing Pollution

Reducing the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste, as well as encouraging responsible waste management.

Applying Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Minimizing negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

Increasing Public Awareness

Through education and campaigns about the importance of amphibians and the impact of environmental changes.

Conclusion

Research on the structure of the amphibious community in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area shows the importance of this area in maintaining amphibious diversity in North Sumatra. However, the threat to the diversity of amphibians is increasingly apparent. Therefore, it is necessary to make integrated and sustainable conservation efforts to preserve the amphibians and their ecosystems.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The government and local authorities should take immediate action to protect the habitat of amphibians in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area.
The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste should be reduced or eliminated in the area.
Sustainable agriculture practices should be implemented in the area to minimize negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity.
Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate people about the importance of amphibians and the impact of environmental changes.

By implementing these recommendations, it is possible to preserve the amphibious diversity in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Q: What is the significance of the Lau Bertu ecotourism area in maintaining amphibious diversity?

A: The Lau Bertu ecotourism area is a unique and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The area is home to a variety of amphibian species, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The area's diverse ecosystem and the presence of amphibians make it an important location for preserving biodiversity.

Q: What are the main threats to amphibious diversity in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area?

A: The main threats to amphibious diversity in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area include changes in habitat, pollution, and climate change. The loss of habitat due to deforestation, infrastructure development, and plantation is a major threat. Water and soil pollution due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste also has a negative impact on amphibians. Climate change that causes an increase in temperature and rainfall can also affect the life cycle of amphibians.

Q: What are some ways to protect the habitat of amphibians in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area?

A: Some ways to protect the habitat of amphibians in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area include:

Reforestation programs to restore degraded habitats
Wetlands conservation to protect breeding and larval habitats
Environmentally friendly spatial planning to minimize the impact of human activities on the ecosystem
Reduction of pollution through the use of sustainable practices and responsible waste management

Q: What is the role of amphibians in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem?

A: Amphibians play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They act as natural predators for insects and other invertebrates, thus helping to control the population of pests and diseases. Amphibians are also a source of food for other animals such as birds, snakes, and mammals. In addition, amphibians are bioindicators that are sensitive to environmental changes, so that they can be an indicator of ecosystem health.

Q: What are some ways to reduce the impact of human activities on the ecosystem in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area?

A: Some ways to reduce the impact of human activities on the ecosystem in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area include:

Implementing sustainable agriculture practices to minimize negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity
Reducing the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste
Encouraging responsible waste management practices
Educating local communities and tourists about the importance of preserving the ecosystem

Q: What is the importance of public awareness in preserving amphibious diversity?

A: Public awareness is crucial in preserving amphibious diversity. Educating local communities and tourists about the importance of preserving the ecosystem and the impact of human activities on the environment can help to reduce the threat to amphibious diversity. Public awareness campaigns can also help to promote sustainable practices and responsible behavior.

Q: What are some ways to increase public awareness about the importance of preserving amphibious diversity?

A: Some ways to increase public awareness about the importance of preserving amphibious diversity include:

Conducting education and outreach programs for local communities and tourists
Organizing public awareness campaigns and events
Developing educational materials and resources
Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and responsible behavior.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, we can better understand the importance of preserving amphibious diversity in the Lau Bertu ecotourism area and take action to protect this unique and diverse ecosystem.