Conservation efforts of ikan Batak (Tor spp. and Neolissochilus spp.) and its prospects to support ecotourism in Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Indonesia

Abstract

Ikan Batak or ihan refers to fishes of genera Tor and Neolissochilus. They are socioeconomically valuable fishes in North Sumatra and some regions in Indonesia, yet their population in the wild has been declined. In situ conservation is one of the efforts to increase its population in natural habitat. Our previous study proposed Bonan Dolok River in Samosir Regency as the potential site for Ikan Batak in situ conservation. The combination of scenic landscapes and a waterfall in the upstream part of the river, as well as the presence of Ikan Batak in the conservation site, can be a potential ecotourism attraction in Samosir Regency. Ecotourism has many advantages, such as providing financial benefits to local people while sustaining natural resources. Our present study aimed to explore the potentiality of Bonan Dolok River for the conservation site of Ikan Batak and its prospect for ecotourism. The bioecological of ikan Batak and hydromorphological description of Bonan Dolok River was based on the literature review and a primary study conducted in 2019. People’s perception of the prospect and challenges of developing ecotourism and stakeholder’s role in the management of conservation and ecotourism were identified. The ecological and hydromorphological profile showed the potentiality of Bonan Dolok for conservation site. The local community of Bonan Dolok plays an essential role related to their local customary in environmental management and initiation of ecotourism. Stakeholders’ awareness on conservation of Indonesian native fishes, including Ikan Batak should be enhanced to get a better understanding of conservation management.

A Review on the Emerging Asian Aquaculture Fish, the Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroides): Current Status and the Way Forward

“…In Indonesia, endangered fish species were listed under the Government Regulation no. 7/1999 (Larashati et al 2019). Lake Toba is one of most essential aquatic biodiversity hotspots currently being protected as eco-tourism spot.…”

“…Lake Toba is one of most essential aquatic biodiversity hotspots currently being protected as eco-tourism spot. The Samosir Regency local government has planned to develop one of the rivers flowing into Lake Toba (Bonan Dolok River) into an ecotourism in situ conservation site (Larashati et al 2019). Larashati et al (2019) surveyed the habitat of T. tambroides, T. dongnaiensis and N. stracheyi across Lake Toba and Bonan Dolok River.…”

“…The Samosir Regency local government has planned to develop one of the rivers flowing into Lake Toba (Bonan Dolok River) into an ecotourism in situ conservation site (Larashati et al 2019). Larashati et al (2019) surveyed the habitat of T. tambroides, T. dongnaiensis and N. stracheyi across Lake Toba and Bonan Dolok River. Physiochemical monitoring was conducted at several key locations to ensure the water temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity of these habitats are feasible for the survival of the fishes (Larashati et al 2019).…”

“…Larashati et al (2019) surveyed the habitat of T. tambroides, T. dongnaiensis and N. stracheyi across Lake Toba and Bonan Dolok River. Physiochemical monitoring was conducted at several key locations to ensure the water temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity of these habitats are feasible for the survival of the fishes (Larashati et al 2019). They concluded that all parameters tested were within the healthy range for the fishes.…”

“…They concluded that all parameters tested were within the healthy range for the fishes. Moreover, they recommended that the local government should emulate the mahseer conservation efforts by India, which have converted mahseer conservation into ecotourism encompassing activities like recreational fishing, mahseer watching and fish sanctuaries (Baruah and Sarma 2018;Larashati et al 2019).…”