HAYATI Journal of Biosciences
Vol. 26 No. 2 (2019): April 2019

Ecology and Conservation of the Endangered Banteng (Bos javanicus) in Indonesia Tropical Lowland Forest

Dede Aulia Rahman (Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry, IPB University, Bogor)
Riki Herliansyah (Department of Mathematics, Kalimantan Institute of Technology, Balikpapan)
Puji Rianti (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor)
Ujang Mamat Rahmat (Ujung Kulon National Park, Pandeglang)
Asep Yayus Firdaus (Ujung Kulon National Park, Pandeglang)
Mochamad Syamsudin (Ujung Kulon National Park, Pandeglang)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Oct 2019

Abstract

Banteng, Bos javanicus, as wild cattle is a vital and importance source of germplasm in Indonesia. Various human activities currently threaten their conservation status. Nonetheless, no long-term monitoring programmes are in place for this species. Using distribution point and statistical analysis based on 46,116 camera trap days from December 2015 to January 2017, we aimed to provide habitat preferences, activity patterns and ecological data for banteng population in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). It is the largest population of banteng in Indonesia and is living in a limited habitat area. According to the best occupancy model, the most suitable areas for this species were the secondary forest located at the center portion of UKNP. The presence of the invasive cluster sugar palm, Arenga obtusifolia, in dry season provides additional alternative food for banteng when its main food is scarcer in the forest. Banteng was cathemeral all year round, with the proportion of cathemeral records and the recording rate did not change with the protection of the level area, moon phase or season. To reduce the probability of encountering predators, banteng avoided the space use of dholes. Selection and avoidance of habitats was stronger than avoidance of the predator activity areas. Habitat competition from domestic cattle which grazed illegally in the national park appears to be a problem to the species since zoonosis appears from domestic cattle to banteng. Therefore, effective law enforcement and an adequate conservation strategy are required to eliminate the impacts of both direct and indirect threats.

Copyrights © 2019






Journal Info

Abbrev

hayati

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences

Description

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences (HAYATI J Biosci) publishes articles and short communication in tropical bioscience fields such as development, biotechnology, biodiversity and environmental issues. HAYATI J Biosci covers wide range of all life forms topics including virus, microbes, fungi, plants, ...