The park is renowned for its rich wildlife diversity, serving as a crucial habitat for numerous endangered species. It's home to an estimated 200 Sumatran tigers, making it the largest tiger population in Sumatra. Other notable species include Sumatran rhinoceros, Asian elephants, clouded leopards, and sun bears. The park hosts over 370 bird species, including 17 endemic species, and is a key habitat for the Sumatran ground-cuckoo and Salvadori's pheasant. Numerous primate species also inhabit the park, including siamang gibbons and Sumatran orangutans.
Kerinci Seblat hosts an incredibly diverse range of plant species, with over 4,000 documented plant species including 300 orchid varieties. The vegetation varies with altitude, from lowland rainforest to alpine meadows above 3,000 meters. Notable species include the Rafflesia arnoldii (the world's largest flower), various pitcher plants (Nepenthes), and numerous rare medicinal plants. The park contains some of Sumatra's last remaining pristine rainforest areas, with massive dipterocarp trees dominating the lowland forests and rhododendrons flourishing at higher elevations.
The park's geology is dominated by the Barisan Mountains, featuring active volcanoes, including Mount Kerinci, Sumatra's highest peak at 3,805 meters. The landscape was formed through intense volcanic activity and tectonic movements, resulting in diverse geological features including hot springs, crater lakes, and steep valleys. The park contains various soil types, from volcanic ash deposits to rich alluvial soils in the lowlands. Several active fault lines run through the park, contributing to its dynamic geological character and frequent seismic activity.
The park was established in 1982 and granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2004 as part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. The area has been home to various indigenous communities for centuries, including the Kerinci people, who have maintained traditional agricultural practices in the region. Historical records show the area was once part of the Malayu Empire, with archaeological findings dating back to the 4th century. The park's boundaries have expanded several times since its establishment to provide better protection for its unique ecosystems and endangered species.
Key attractions include Mount Kerinci, Indonesia's highest volcano and a popular trekking destination. The park features numerous waterfalls, including the spectacular Telun Berasap Falls, and the pristine Lake Gunung Tujuh, Southeast Asia's highest crater lake. Traditional villages around the park offer cultural experiences and insights into local customs. The park contains ancient megalithic sites and traditional agricultural areas known as 'ladang', where communities practice sustainable farming. Several hot springs, including those at Sungai Penuh, provide natural spa opportunities. The park also features extensive cave systems and unique geological formations that attract speleologists and researchers.
Kerinci Seblat National Park experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 16°C to 28°C (61-82°F), varying significantly with elevation. The park receives between 2,000-4,000mm of annual rainfall, with the wettest period occurring from October to April. Higher elevations, particularly around Mount Kerinci, experience cooler temperatures and frequent cloud cover. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, afternoon thunderstorms, and high humidity levels year-round.
Indonesia
-2.0830°, 101.5330°
1982
13753
Kerinci Seblat is the largest national park in Sumatra and home to the highest volcano in Indonesia, Mount Kerinci. The park contains diverse ecosystems from lowland rainforest to alpine meadows and is a crucial habitat for Sumatran tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros. It features over 4,000 plant species and numerous endangered wildlife species.