Pleihari Martapura

Pleihari Martapura is a Wildlife Sanctuary (Suaka Margasatwa) of about 364 km² (roughly 36,400 hectares) in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, spanning hilly terrain between Pleihari and Martapura in Banjar and Tanah Laut regencies, near Banjarbaru about 25 km away. ^[1] Established in 1979, it protects lowland and hill forest, grasslands, and savanna-like areas that provide habitat for Bornean wildlife. As a suaka margasatwa, its primary purpose is the protection of fauna and their habitats, and it forms part of a cluster of protected areas in the Pleihari region managed by BKSDA South Kalimantan. ^[2]

The sanctuary was established especially to protect deer and other wildlife, supporting species such as sambar and barking deer, wild pigs, primates including macaques and langurs, and a variety of birds and reptiles. ^[1] Its mosaic of forest, scrub, and open grassland offers grazing and cover for ungulates, while wooded areas shelter primates and smaller mammals. The area functions as an important refuge for native fauna amid surrounding agricultural and settled lands.

Vegetation comprises secondary lowland and hill forest interspersed with grasslands and savanna-like patches, a landscape partly shaped by past disturbance and fire. ^[1] Tree cover includes native hardwoods and pioneer species, with grasses and shrubs dominating the more open ground. This mix of woodland and grassland creates varied habitat that distinguishes the Pleihari area from continuous closed-canopy rainforest.

The sanctuary lies on the rolling hills and low ridges of the Pleihari–Martapura uplands at the southern end of the Meratus foothills. The terrain consists of weathered sedimentary and lateritic soils over undulating topography, drained by small rivers flowing toward the surrounding lowlands. Gentle hills and broad slopes characterize the landscape rather than steep mountains.

The area has a tropical climate with warm temperatures typically in the mid-20s to low-30s Celsius and high humidity. Rainfall is seasonal, with a wetter period generally from November to April and a marked drier season mid-year that can leave grasslands parched and prone to fire. The seasonal dryness contributes to the savanna-like character of parts of the sanctuary.

The Pleihari region sits within the Banjar cultural area of South Kalimantan, with farming, livestock, and settlement long established on the surrounding lowlands near Martapura, a town famous for its diamond and gem trade. Local communities have historically used the hills for grazing and forest products. Land pressure from agriculture and settlement around the sanctuary has shaped its management history.

Pleihari Martapura was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, primarily to protect deer populations and their habitat in the hills between Pleihari and Martapura. ^[1] It is administered by BKSDA South Kalimantan as part of a network of Pleihari-area protected zones. The suaka margasatwa status emphasizes faunal protection, allowing managed conservation activity while restricting development.

The sanctuary is valued for wildlife observation, particularly deer in its grasslands and forest edges, and for scenic rolling hill landscapes. It is not heavily developed for tourism, though some areas allow guided nature visits and observation of fauna. Its open terrain offers opportunities to see ungulates and birds against a backdrop of hills near the Banjarbaru–Martapura area.

Access is by road from Banjarbaru or Pleihari, with the sanctuary about 25 km from Banjarbaru. Facilities are limited and oriented toward conservation rather than mass tourism; visits for observation or research are typically arranged through BKSDA South Kalimantan. The surrounding road network makes the general area reachable, but interior access is informal.

Conservation focuses on protecting deer and other wildlife and maintaining the forest-grassland mosaic, with major challenges from dry-season fires, encroachment, grazing, and hunting pressure. BKSDA South Kalimantan works on fire management, habitat protection, and community engagement to sustain wildlife populations. The sanctuary's role within the cluster of Pleihari protected areas supports regional biodiversity and watershed values.