A snorkeller reaching towards a golden jellyfish in green water

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Nature and wildlife

Marine and land species found in the national park, with conservation status and guidelines for observing them.

Summary

The national park

Togean Islands National Park was established in 2004. It lies in the Coral Triangle and includes reefs, mangroves and lowland forest. Several species are found only in the Togeans, including the Togean tarsier, the Togean babirusa and the Togian water monitor.

Wildlife lives freely and sightings are never guaranteed.

Last updated

Status
National park since 2004; UNESCO biosphere reserve
Region
Coral Triangle
Endemic species
Tarsier, babirusa, water monitor, boobook owl
Entry
National park fee applies

Marine life

In the sea

Conservation status according to the IUCN Red List.

  • Green sea turtle

    Chelonia mydas · Least Concern

    Grazes on seagrass and algae in shallow water. Often seen around Kadidiri and in sheltered lagoons.

  • Hawksbill turtle

    Eretmochelys imbricata · Critically Endangered

    Smaller than the green turtle, with a pointed beak. Feeds on sponges on coral reefs.

  • Napoleon wrasse

    Cheilinus undulatus · Endangered

    A large reef fish up to 2 m long, usually seen on outer reef slopes at 15 to 30 m.

  • Dugong

    Dugong dugon · Vulnerable

    A marine mammal that feeds on seagrass in sheltered bays. Rarely seen.

  • Giant clam

    Tridacna spp. · some species threatened

    Large bivalves up to 1.2 m, found on shallow reefs. Protected species.

  • Seahorses

    Hippocampus spp. · CITES Appendix II

    Includes the Walea pygmy seahorse, endemic to the Togeans and listed as Critically Endangered.

Land animals

On land

Several of these species are found only in the Togean Islands.

  • Togean tarsier

    Tarsius niemitzi · Endangered

    A small nocturnal primate. Found on most islands, but not on Una Una. Seen on guided night walks.

  • Tonkean macaque

    Macaca tonkeana · Vulnerable

    A dark macaque endemic to Sulawesi, living in groups in the forest on Malenge.

  • Togean babirusa

    Babyrousa togeanensis · Endangered

    An endemic wild pig found on Malenge, Batudaka and Togean Island. Rarely seen.

  • Togian water monitor

    Varanus togianus

    An endemic monitor lizard living in mangroves and forest.

  • Coconut crab

    Birgus latro · Vulnerable

    The largest land arthropod. Active at night on remote islets with coastal forest.

  • Togian boobook

    Ninox burhani · Near Threatened

    An endemic owl, described by science in 2004. Heard at dusk near forest edges.

Guidelines

Observing wildlife

These guidelines apply on reefs, in forests and on night walks.

  • Keep your distance. Do not chase, touch or ride animals.
  • Do not feed fish or other wildlife.
  • Do not use flash photography.
  • Keep groups small and noise low.
  • Use a red light on night walks and go with a local guide.
Reef rules for snorkellers

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see a tarsier?

On a guided night walk at the forest edge, for example on Batudaka near Bomba. Tarsiers are not found on Una Una.

Can I see dugongs?

Sightings are rare. The chance is higher from April to October in bays with seagrass.

Is there a national park fee?

Yes. The fee supports protection of the park. Ask your accommodation for the current rate.