Segara Anakan, Heaven of Cilacap's Biodiversity

[caption id="attachment_53496" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Langitperempuan.com"][/caption] There are not many people considering Segara Anakan a great place to visit. Segara Anakan is a  8.354 ha  delta on the coast of Cilacap Regency. This is where the flow of Citanduy, Cimeneng, Cikonde, and Cibereum river meet the sea. Biodiversity researches conclude that ecosystem of Segar Anakan has the most complete composition as well as structure in Java. With estremely rich potential and natural beauty, Segara Anakan is suitable for protection area as well as ecotourism object. Fertile environment and pristine mangrove forest acting as the floor of food pyramid. Twenty six mangrove species are among prominent biodiversity treasures here. Environment above it is a perfect spawning ground for all living crustaceans, fishes, and other sea creatures as well as feeding ground for local and migrating birds. Bird watching is one of great activities can be done here. On the village of Tritih lies a 475 m long wooden bridge popularly called Kemesraan bridge. The bridge is one of favorite spot for scientist doing their research. Quite a long bridge under lush mangrove vegetation and shallow water is also perfect place for birding. [caption id="attachment_53497" align="alignright" width="276" caption="Perempuan.com"][/caption] According to a scientific research, Segara Anakan is home for 32 bird species. Among them are thirteen endangered species. They are Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), American egret (Egretta albus), Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea), Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), Little Tern (Sternula albifrons), Kingfisher (Alcedo euryzona), and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Among the migrated birds are Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Numenthus arguata, and Kentish plover. (Charadrius spp.) Apart from the birds, one will need a nest in between exciting outdoor activities. There is a unique fishing vilage on the area namely Kampung Laut. Here, houses were built above water supported by bamboo stiches. During late afternoon, the lowered angle of the sun beam creates magnificent silhouette of the houses with palm trees standing in between. Beside the beauty of fishermen village, mangrove bushes, and its birds, Segara Anakan offers the beauty of natural caves lie on its hilly karst area. Among the famous is Cave Masigit in Ujungalang village. Under the sun light strikeing through holes, its interior filled with handful of stalagtits dan stalagmits is one of rare, hardly forgotten view.