Large scale land-based investments have a significant impact on natural resources and environmental conditions. It is necessary to protect areas of high conservation value (HCV) within land management investments, such as the mining sector, to minimise this impact. The existence of high conservation value sites in locations with activities related to the mining sector is intended to maintain the ecological and conservation value of a mining investment area. We demonstrate a model that can identify potential high conservation value sites in mining areas using remote sensing data and spatial analysis compiled with field observation data. The research was conducted in one of the largest nickel mining areas (71,047 ha) in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. We mapped vegetation density using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), calculated from Sentinel-2 imagery. We also collected biodiversity data in predetermined inventory sampling plots, which we then used to estimate species richness using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Using a linear regression model to compare the normalized difference vegetation index value in each sampling plot with the biodiversity value of flora and fauna, we then estimated biodiversity distribution patterns for the entire study area. We found that potential high conservation value areas (areas likely to have high biodiversity based on our regression model) covered 40,000 ha, more than half of the total concession area.

The development of dyeing frm natural substances for silk fabrics has been rapidly growing in recent years. This study aimed to explore the plant species prodsucing unique dyes and patterns on silk fabrics. The flowers and leaves of some plant species found at the research sites were assayed for their color and shape expression on the fabrics. The dyeing technique applied was the bundle dyeing or ecoprinting technique on the fabric’s surface with mordant alum and myrobalan. We obtained 297 plants consisting of 95 families and 181 genera. The plant species producing colors were trees (48.4%), shrubs (30.5%), and herbs, vines, ferns, and lycopods (21.1%). The plant species samples obtained were 213 (71.7%) producing color and 84 (28.3%) species not expressing color. The leaves and flowers producing colors and patterns on the fabrics suitable for bundle dyeing were 126 species and 19 species, respectively. The leaves produce colors without shape patterns; thus, they have potential roles as dyes for the dipping technique.

Due to the absence of topsoil, low pH, and contamination by various heavy metals, revegetation of post-nickel mining land, which is generally carried out by planting economically valuable species, is usually unsuccessful. This study aims to identify tree species suitable for revegetation on post-nickel mining land in Kolaka Regency, Indonesia. Nine plots measuring 20 m x 20 m were distributed in the revegetated post-nickel mining land at three different age categories (1, 5, and 10 years) to observe the growth of revegetation trees, which are introduced species and native tree species that naturally invade the revegetation area. In total, there were 24 tree species found in the revegetated post-nickel mining land consisting of 9 introduced revegetation species and the other 15 tree species were native tree species that invaded the revegetated area. The older the age of the revegetation, the more native plant species are found. In line with the increasing age of revegetation, the density of revegetation plants decreases while the density of native plants increases. The population structure of revegetation trees does not indicate that the species can regenerate, while the inverted shape of the population structure of native plants indicates excellent regeneration potential. Thus, the results of this study recommend making native species, including Buchanania arborescens, Alstonia macrophylla, Ficus sp. Syzygium sp. Colona scabra, Litsea sp., and Metrosideros cf. petiolata as revegetation plants in former nickel mining areas.

Togenra cave in Madello Village, Barru Regency (South Sulawesi) is located in the Tonasa Karst Formation, known as one of the largest formations in Asia and is also popular for its unique features and functions. Currently, the local government has not yet established a regulation on the management of the cave, and locals are free to access the cave for calcium and guano mining which can threaten the ecosystem of the cave. Therefore, it is necessary to develop non-consumptive use of the cave, through ecotourism that can provide long-term benefits to the local communities. This study aimed to examine the community’s perceptions toward the cave, bats and conservation; formulate strategies by assessing the potency of the cave and bat species as an ecotourism spot based on the local’s perceptions; and provide recommendations for the local government in supporting both ecotourism and conservation in the area. The study was conducted from August 2020 to February 2021. A set of questionnaires were to 31 respondents living within a radius of 1 km from Togenra cave. Formulation of strategies were done by using combined analyses of Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats and Analysis of Hierarchy Process. Our analyses indicate a growth strategy trend. Several strategies drawn emphasize on improving local’s knowledge and perceptions, active involvement of locals, establishment of local management initiatives and regulations, capacity enhancement, and implementation of a stakeholders’ forum. These findings can become a baseline in planning and developing both bat-cave tourism as well as conservation efforts in the area.

The sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis) is a unique reptile species whose population may be threatened by habitat destruction as well as local and global trade. As an anticipation of extinction, sufficient ecological information is required to support its conservation efforts. On the other hand, information on its ecology is still limited. The aim of this study was to collect information on its feeding ecology. This study was conducted for 78 days from June to August 2022. Direct observations were made on sailfin lizards to determine when they started feeding and the species of plants and animals consumed. To determine the availability of forage plants, we set up 22 10 x10 m plots with 5 x 5 m subplots. The results showed that the sailfin lizard started to forage at noon. They ate more plants than animals. There were 18 plant species and 7 animal species eaten by sailfin lizards. Codiaeum variegatum, which had the largest canopy cover area, was the most prevalent species of forage plant. In general, it is also relatively abundant for animal feed. Ficus hispida and Davalia trichomanoides are the two forage plant species that are most frequently consumed out of the total of 18. One species, the river crab (Gecarcinucoidea), was the only one of the seven species of animal source that was frequently consumed. Key words: Sailfin lizard, Hydrosaurus, feeding ecology