The Potential of Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan as a Birdwatching-Based Ecotourism Destination

 Introduction

Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan (THRPMI) is located on the Banda Aceh-Medan highway, in the Saree region of Aceh Besar, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. (45 minutes from Banda Aceh). It is a biodiversity hotspot with Sumatran tropical rainforest. This natural reserve provides a habitat for numerous bird species, making it an ideal spot for birding. With over 80 known bird species, including some unique species, Tahura has amazing potential as a birdwatching-based tourist destination. Birdwatching is now recognized as one of the world's most popular ecotourism hobbies. This not only benefits visitor interest, but also supports awareness of the importance of protecting bird habitat in the surrounding area.

Protected area Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan

Birdwatching-based ecotourism has multiple benefits for both the ecosystem and the local economy. It is established that integrating the local people in tourist management would provide good incentives for conservation of biodiversity. According to Schwoerer and Dawson (2021), birdwatchers can have a beneficial influence on conservation since they are more aware of environmental concerns and help to preserve habitat. As a result, the growth of Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan as an ecotourism destination benefits not only visitors, but also the local people and the bird species that live there.

The article explores the possibilities of this Tahura for the purpose of finding out how birdwatching could potentially be an important factor for the development of sustainable ecotourism. A more thorough understanding of Tahura's biodiversity will allow us to find the best methods to increase birdwatching while protecting the ecosystem. Thus, it is believed that this effort will increase awareness about the need for environmental protection in Indonesia, particularly in Aceh, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Description of Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan.

Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan, located in Indonesia's Aceh region, is an important biodiversity protection area. The Ministry of Forestry issued Decree Number 95/Kpts-II/2001 on March 15, 2001. This region consists of approximately 6,120 hectares and includes a range of ecosystems such as primary and secondary forests, wetlands, and rivers. The richness of this area provides an ideal habitat for lots of species mammalian, insect and plant. This Tahura is home to more than 80 bird species, including protected species like the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus), and Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela). The presence of these species indicates the importance of this Tahura as a conservation site that is not only beneficial for birds but also for the ecosystem as a whole.

Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park has a rich biodiversity, including several Sumatran endemic species. In addition, the bird species that live in Tahura are often displaying unusual behaviors and habits, making them interesting subjects for birdwatchers to study. For example, the Sumatran Babbler (Pellorneum buettikoferi) is recognized for its pleasant sound and can often be seen in Sumatra's lowlands, as can the Brown-chested Jungle-flycatcher (Cyornis brunneteatus), a terrestrial migratory species that regularly visits Tahura. The presence of this species suggests the health of the Tahura ecosystem and helps to maintain ecological balance both locally and globally. Thus, it underlines the significance of excellent and sustainable management in protecting bird species and habitats.In addition, the Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan offers enormous potential for bird conservation activities. With continuous educational and research initiatives, this Tahura can serve as a natural laboratory for researchers and birdwatchers. As a birdwatcher, I believe that collaboration among researchers, government organizations, and local people may improve conservation efforts and raise awareness about the need of habitat protection. Birdwatching allows tourists to not only appreciate nature's beauty but also help to the preservation of endangered species. As a result, Tahura Raya Pocut Meurah Intan has enormous potential as a birdwatching-based ecotourism destination and deserves to be supported even more in order to protect its sustainable future.

Birdwatching in Tahura

Bird watching at the Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan is an exciting interests for researchers and birdwatchers, with an assortment of instruments accessible to improve the observing experience. Direct observation is a common method in which observers use binoculars and cameras with tele lances to chronicle the bird species they encounter. This approach can improve species detection and give valuable data for conservation efforts. Additionally, bioacoustics techniques and  camera traps can be used in bird studies because they facilitate observation without direct intervention, reducing disruptions to bird habitats.

Bird and other animal observation in Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan

Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan provides a rare opportunity to watch different bird species, such as raptors, migratory birds, and indigenous birds. Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Sunda Scops-owl (Otus lempiji), and Malayan Banded Pitta (Hydrornis irena), among other interesting species, have been seen in their native habitats. According to Abdullah et al. (2022), birdwatching is a beneficial experience that not only entertains but also improves understanding of their behavior and environment. This practice has become a major tool in ornithological study, with observers adding to the bird species database by reporting their observations.

Birdwatching is important in this Tahura because it not just collects scientific data but also educates tourists and the local population about biodiversity and conservation. Educating communities about bird habitats and observation techniques can increase involvement in conservation projects and build a sense of environmental ownership (Forero & Rodríguez, 2021). Thus, birdwatching in the Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan is both a pleasure recreational activity and a strategic step toward protecting birds and their habitats.

Advantages of Birdwatching-Based Ecotourism

Birdwatching-based ecotourism has many benefits, including contributions to environmental protection, the local economy, and community education. One of the important benefits is greater public knowledge of the significance of biodiversity protection, particularly for birds. Through asking tourists to join in birdwatching activities, they can gain a greater understanding of the value of a healthy ecosystem and the function of birds in environmental health. When including tourists in birdwatching activities, they are more likely to become sensitive to environmental issues, particularly those threatening birds, which could result in increased support for conservation initiatives.

On the reverse side, birding ecotourism benefits the local economy, particularly in areas around Tahura. Birdwatching's immediate development as a specialized tourism activity generates fresh livelihood possibilities for locals, including ecotourism guides, accommodation service providers, and conservation-focused present shops. This community-based tourism strategy not only benefits the community economically, but it also deepens their commitment to environmental preservation.

Conservation Challenges and Opportunities at Taman Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan. 

The Tahura Pocut Meurah Intan encounters a diversity of conservation issues, despite its high potential for birdwatching-based tourist growth. One of the main problems is habitat degradation caused by human activities such as expanding agricultural land and illegal logging, which endangers the survival of the bird ecology in this conservation forest. The rate of forest fragmentation in Aceh has resulted in a dramatic fall in bird populations, including numerous species that depend on primary forests to survive. The loss of this habitat not only impacts birds, but it also threatens the entire balance of the ecosystem.

Although these obstacles, there are several opportunities for improving conservation efforts through partnership between the government, non-governmental groups, and communities. Habitat restoration and replanting projects involving local populations can be a significant step toward decreasing environmental degradation and establishing economic possibilities. Community-based conservation initiatives which combine ecotourism activities can improve the environment while also empowering people with additional income and new skills. This community-based strategy could be developed to guarantee that conservation actions correlate with the local population's economic interests.

Conclusion

Tahura Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan has the potential to become a significant ecotourism destination in Sumatra, thanks to its abundant biodiversity, which can draw researchers, birdwatchers, and ecological tourists from throughout the world. With long-term management support, appropriate facilities, and local community engagement, this Tahura could potentially function as additionally a natural recreation area and an important research and conservation center.

To achieve long-term success, the government, academia, and local communities must work together to continually make improvements. Tahura has the potential to be an inspiration for how conservation areas may serve as living laboratories for research and teaching while also delivering social and economic benefits to those who live nearby. The effectiveness of preserving Tahura mostly depends on collaboration among multiple stakeholders and the use of current technologies. As therefore, Tahura Hutan Raya Pocut Meurah Intan has the capability in establishing its authority as a leading ecotourism destination that not only supports conservation but also supports the community it serves.

Reference

Abdullah, F., Nor, I., and Mohammad, A.. 2022. Transforming Children's Live Experiences with Species into Conservation Willingness: The Mediating Roles of Biodiversity Knowledge and Affective Attitudes. European Journal of Educational Research. 11(4):2057-2067. DOI: 10.12973/eu-jer.11.4.2057. 

Forero, J. A. M,. and Rodríguez, A. C. P.. 2021. Community-based Avitourism as a tool for Environmental Appropriation. Academic Conferences International Limited. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Tourism Research ICTR 2021. DOI: 10.34190/IRT.21.015.

Schwoerer, T., and Dawson, N. G.. 2022. Small sight—Big might: Economic impact of bird tourism shows opportunities for rural communities and biodiversity conservation. PLOS ONE 17(7):e0268594. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268594.