Land purchase for Sulawesi’s endangered mascot, the Maleo.

The project of PALS aims to protect beach nesting grounds of the endangered Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo). This bird, a megapode species which is endemic to Sulawesi, lives in lowland tropical forest but nests communally in sun-heated sandy beaches, or in volcanically heated soil. Adult birds visit the site only to lay eggs, which are buried in the ground and left unattended to incubate. Once hatched, chicks dig to the surface and return to the forest without ever seeing their parents. Almost all historically known beach nesting sites of the Maleo in North Sulawesi have been abandoned, either as a result of over exploitation or loss of excessive separation of the site from natural forests. The area targeted for purchase is three small parcels of land, totalling 52 ha, near the village of Mataindo, in Bolaang Mongondow Selatan District of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This private agricultural land is specifically targeted as it contains the colonial nesting grounds of the endangered maleo and turtles. The purchase is necessary to apply full protection of the maleo from illegal poaching and land development. One active nesting site in Torosik village, not far from the proposed land, was recently destroyed by paddy field and housing development. Given the fact that many of remaining sites in North Sulawesi are already abandoned, protecting every active site in the area is PALS primary priority. While awareness is important to gain peoples support, alternative income from ecologically-sensitive business is needed to maintain their interest. A secure maleo population on a beautiful beach can make an attractive eco-tourism site. Therefore, the intention of purchasing this land is two-fold: Firstly, to ensure full protection of the site; and secondly, to acquire and manage sufficient land so revenues from agricultural sales and eco-tourism can be used to sustainably manage the site.