The value of North Sulawesi endemic fauna as an ecotourism attraction supporting tourism of Likri Island in Lake Tondano, North Sulawesi of Indonesia
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia 95115
* Corresponding Author
ORCID Details
Umar Paputungan: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4903-6357
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2026, 12(02), 008–019.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjms.2026.12.2.0041
Publication history:
Received on 07 September 2026; revised on 17 October 2026; accepted on 19 October 2026
Abstract:
Introduction and aim: A strategic approach to the scientific management and sustainable conservation of endemic animals involves leveraging their value to positively influence the development of ecotourism areas. This research aims to identify the biodiversity present in an area designated for endemic-animal-based ecotourism, while also evaluating the local community’s level of responsiveness, knowledge, and understanding regarding the development of this new destination on Likri Island in Lake Tondano.
Method: The method used in this study was the survey method which directly interviews the community with questions that have been prepared in the form of a questionnaire, then the collected data were tabulated and the percentages were calculated.
Results: Research indicates that the educational background of the local population in the area designated for the development of an endemic-animal-based ecotourism site (Tandengan and Tandengan Satu villages) consists primarily of individuals with a high school education (42.67%) and those with a bachelor’s degree (2.67%). Regarding the endemic fauna found on Likri Island, eight species were identified; the white-tailed rat was the most prevalent (57.99%), while the babirusa was the least common (0.59%), alongside other endemic species. In terms of the community's perception of the benefits of endemic-animal-based ecotourism on Likri Island, the largest segment (50.25%) reported having an "understanding" of these benefits, while the smallest segment (2.54%) reported having "no understanding at all." A significant portion of the community (72%) expressed agreement with the proposal to develop Likri Island (Tondano) into a new tourist destination and a research center for the endemic fauna of North Sulawesi, with only a very small fraction (0.89%) expressing strong disagreement. Furthermore, there is varying interest among village residents regarding participation in vocational training for endemic-animal-based island ecotourism, with the highest level of interest at 57.40% and the lowest at 3.42%. In conclusion, the study reveals a diversity of perspectives among the local community—ranging from their awareness of the endemic animals in their region and their understanding of endemic-animal-based ecotourism in North Sulawesi, to their level of support for transforming Likri Island (Tondano) into an ecotourism destination and research hub, as well as their interest in pursuing professional training for the island's ecotourism sector.
Conclusion: Research conducted in the villages of Tandengan and Tandengan Satu in Eris District regarding the value of North Sulawesi’s endemic fauna as an ecotourism attraction on Likri Island—and their role in supporting regional tourism—reveals a diverse range of educational and employment perspectives among the local community, alongside frequent sightings of these endemic animals. Public perspective is positive regarding the transformation of Likri Island into an ecotourism destination and a research center for North Sulawesi’s endemic fauna.
Implications: Supporting ecotourism on Likri Island, the intensive outreach programs—led by the government and academic institutions—are required, particularly regarding the conservation and development of North Sulawesi’s endemic species. Developing the Likri Island nature ecotourism destination necessitates increasing the variety of endemic bird species—such as the Local Manguni owl, hornbills, and the Sulawesi hawk-eagle, among other avian species. Furthermore, the Likri island requires spatial reorganization, addressing factors such as total area and habitat carrying capacity; including the systematic arrangement of tree species for animal feed sources to create suitable activity spaces for the endemic animals that serve as the ecotourism attractions.
Keywords:
Ecotourism, Endemic animals, Likri Island, Local community socio-culture.
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