STATUS EKOSISTEM TERUMBU KARANG DAN BIOTA PREDASI (Acanthaster planci) DI KEPULAUAN SOMBORI, SULAWESI TENGAH

Abstrak

Coral reefs are tropical ecosystems with high biodiversity, but are currently facing various pressures, including in the Sombori Islands conservation area, Central Sulawesi. This research aims to identify the diversity of hard corals based on their growth form (lifeform) and assess the condition of live coral cover. Observations were made at nine stations using the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method, and data analysis was carried out using CPCE software. The results showed that the percentage of live coral cover was in the range of 19–67.4%, with conditions varying from damaged to very good. 14 types of lifeforms were found, with submassive Acropora, encrusting coral, massive coral, and mushroom coral as the dominant lifeforms and adaptive to environmental pressures. These corals have structural and physiological advantages in dealing with sedimentation and physical impact. Apart from environmental and anthropogenic factors, the presence of natural predators such as Acanthaster planci also poses a significant threat to the survival of corals, especially species from the Acroporidae family. This study emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems from increasing ecological and biological pressures.

Kata kunci

• Acanthaster planci
• Coral Reef
• Ecosystem
• Sombori