Kapuas River facts for kids

The Kapuas River is the longest river in Indonesia. It flows for about 1,143 kilometers (710 miles) through the island of Borneo. This mighty river is very important for the people and wildlife living along its banks. It helps transport goods and people, and it's home to many unique animals.

Where is the Kapuas River?

The Kapuas River is located in the province of West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. It starts in the Muller Mountains and flows westwards. The river eventually empties into the South China Sea, near the city of Pontianak. Pontianak is the capital city of West Kalimantan.

The River's Journey

The Kapuas River flows through many different landscapes. It passes through dense rainforests, swamps, and lowlands. Along its path, it collects water from many smaller rivers and streams. This makes it a very wide and powerful river, especially closer to the sea.

Why is the Kapuas River Important?

The Kapuas River plays a huge role in the lives of people in West Kalimantan. It's like a natural highway for trade and travel.

Transportation and Trade

Many towns and villages are built along the river. People use boats of all sizes to move goods like timber, rubber, and agricultural products. They also use the river for daily travel. This makes the Kapuas River a vital part of the local economy.

Water Source

The river provides fresh water for drinking, farming, and fishing. It supports the livelihoods of many communities. The river's water is also used for irrigation, helping crops grow in the surrounding areas.

Animals of the Kapuas River

The Kapuas River and its surrounding areas are home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Many unique species live in its waters and along its banks.

Fish and Aquatic Life

The river is famous for its diverse fish population. One of the most well-known is the Asian arowana, especially the "super red" variety. This beautiful fish is highly valued and is only found in the Kapuas River basin. Other interesting fish species, like Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus, also live here. These fish are adapted to the river's unique environment.

Other Wildlife

Beyond fish, the Kapuas River ecosystem supports many other animals. You might find crocodiles, various types of turtles, and many bird species. The surrounding rainforests are home to monkeys, orangutans, and many insects. Protecting this river helps protect all these incredible creatures.

Challenges for the River

Like many large rivers around the world, the Kapuas River faces some challenges. These include pollution and changes to its natural environment.

Environmental Concerns

Activities like deforestation (cutting down trees) and mining can affect the river's health. They can lead to soil erosion and pollution, which harms the water quality and the animals living there. Efforts are being made to protect the river and its precious ecosystem.

Images for kids

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  A 1945 map showing the two Kapuas rivers of Borneo (Kapueas on the map)

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  A bridge on the outskirts of Pontianak

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  The super red arowana, a special fish found only in Kapuas

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  A female Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus, a small fish about 4 cm (1.6 in) long