Fauna
Bukit Duabelas supports a diverse array of wildlife, including endangered species such as Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and sun bears. The park is also home to various primate species including gibbons and leaf monkeys, over 150 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. This rich fauna diversity makes it an important conservation area in Sumatra.
Flora
The park harbors rich tropical rainforest vegetation, including valuable timber species like Meranti (Shorea sp.), Jelutung (Dyera costulata), and various rattan species. The forest canopy reaches heights of up to 45 meters, creating distinct ecological layers that support diverse plant communities, including numerous orchid species and medicinal plants traditionally used by the Orang Rimba.
Geology
The landscape of Bukit Duabelas is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging from 50 to 438 meters above sea level. The soil consists primarily of red-yellow podzolic types, typical of tropical rainforest regions. The terrain features numerous small rivers and streams that form part of the larger Batanghari River system.
History
The park was established in 2000 to protect both the unique ecosystem and the indigenous Orang Rimba people who have inhabited these forests for generations. Covering 60,500 hectares, it represents one of the last remaining lowland rainforest areas in Jambi Province. The park's name 'Duabelas' means 'twelve' in Indonesian, referring to the twelve hills that characterize the landscape.
Notable Features
The park's most distinctive feature is its role as home to the Orang Rimba indigenous people, who maintain their traditional nomadic lifestyle within the forest. The area also contains numerous important watershed systems, ancient burial grounds of cultural significance, and several scenic viewpoints atop its hills that offer panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest landscape.
Climate & Weather
Bukit Duabelas experiences a tropical rainforest climate typical of Sumatra, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25-32°C (77-90°F), with the heaviest precipitation occurring between October and April during the monsoon season. The park receives approximately 2,500-3,000mm of annual rainfall, creating ideal conditions for its rich biodiversity.