The ecology of the Sulawesi region is unique because of its position between South East Asia and Australasia, but surrounded on all sides by deep ocean trenches. This means that it has remained totally isolated from both continents for millions of years, even when global ocean levels have fallen, and many of the species of plant and animal found in the Sulawesi archipelago occur nowhere else on Earth.
Unfortunately deforestation and development have taken their toll on the main island, but Buton and Kabaena still contain large areas of pristine rainforest, parts of which have never been touched by human influence. The waters around Sulawesi also contain large areas of coral reef, which have been described by Jacques Cousteau as "the finest diving site in the world"!
Every year survey work continues on these virginal habitats, and each time numerous new species are discovered. 2001 will also be only the second research season in which survey teams will work to investigate the rugged interior of Kabaena.