The Nantu Forest is a vital sanctuary for internationally significant populations of Sulawesi’s remarkable biodiversity, which includes an array of both well-known and newly discovered species. Among its most notable inhabitants are the Lowland and Mountain Anoas, two critically endangered dwarf buffalo species that are endemic to Sulawesi. The forest also shelters the Babirusa, a unique wild pig famous for its upward-growing tusks, and Heck’s Macaque, a highly social primate species. Another fascinating resident is Jatna’s Tarsier, a recently identified species of small, nocturnal primate known for its enormous eyes, specialized for night vision.

The birdlife in Nantu is equally impressive, with over 100 species, of which more than 35 are endemic to Sulawesi. These include the striking Red-knobbed Hornbill and the elusive Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, both playing essential roles in seed dispersal, thus contributing to forest regeneration. The forest is also home to the Fanged Frog, a species recently described by scientists, which highlights how much remains to be discovered in the region.

Beyond these, Nantu harbors millions of species yet to be fully studied, ranging from insects and amphibians to plant life, many of which are thought to be new to science. This rich and largely unexplored biodiversity makes the Nantu Forest a hotspot for both conservation and scientific discovery. It serves as a critical refuge for species found nowhere else on Earth and underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to protect and preserve this unique ecosystem from deforestation and human encroachment.