Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra

Spanning over an area of 13,791 sq. Km, Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest national park of Indonesia. It is located on island of Sumatra and covers four provinces; namely West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra. In 1982, it was given the status of a national park and a World Heritage Site. It is also an ASEAN Heritage Site.

Geography

The montane landscape is comprised of hot springs, meandering rivers, exciting rapids, and cascading waterfalls. There are five active volcanoes in this national park. Mount Kerinci, an active volcano, is the highest peak of Sumatra, located in this region. A large portion of Barisan mountain range is covered by Kerinci Seblat National Park. The highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia - Lake Gunung Tujuhwhile is also located here.

Flora and Fauna

Researchers have identified over 4,000 plant species in this area. World’s largest flower Rafflesia Arnoldi, is also found here. The most prominent fauna found here are the Sumatran Tigers. The park is an important tiger conservation site. Other animals found here, which are on the verge of extinction, are Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sumatran elephants, Sunda Clouded Leopard, Malayan Tapir and Malay Sun Bear. Around 300 bird species also inhibit this national park.