Penggunaan metode spool track dalam menelaah pola pergerakan harian katak bertanduk (Megophrys montana) di Taman Nasional Gunung Gede Pangrango, Jawa Barat

Abstract

Studies on amphibian movement have been reported abroad, including selection of appropriate method. However, there is only two study on amphibian movement reported in Indonesia by Sholihat (2007) and Muliya (2010). This study aims to 1) find suitable material for spool track that well suited with body weight of M. montana., 2) map daily movement patterns of M. montana and describe microhabitat use of M. montana in Gede Pangrango National Park. Research was conducted at Ciwalen and Cibereum. Four types of spool were tried to selected frogs and movements were observed every three hours for 72 hours. Data from observations were then analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. Seven frogs (3 males, 4 females) were observed for 72 hours, each using a spool weight under less than 10% of body mass and there are one male frog were successfully observed using a spool weight more 10% from their body mass. Results showed that suitable spool equipment materials differ for males and females according to their body mass. The best materials for the male frog are made by plastic straws and mica, while for female frog it is made from plastic and piece of carambol powder plastic. Kruskal Wallis test on eight frogs indicated that the movement of every 3 hours during the day are significantly differ between male frogs and female frogs (H = 0.296, df = 1, P> 0.05). While the movement of every 3 hours during the night were significantly differ between male frogs and female frogs (H = 0.000, df = 1, P <0.05). Kruskal Wallis test also shows the average male frog movement every 3 hours in the day and night were not significantly different (H = 0.000, df = 1, P <0.05) in which males did not move much. In the contrary, there is significant differences between day and night 3 hourly movement for female (H = 0.049. df = 1, p <0.05). Females tend to move more during the night compared to afternoon. From observation, it appears that most of the male and female frogs have similar activities during the day, which is sleeping in a protected area away from the sun, such as under leaf litter, rocks, and logs or burrowing in the wood in tree root holes. The purpose of burrowing aims to avoid drought and retain moisture. Observations on microhabitats use showed that most frogs used wet leaf litter during the day and night. Therefore plants as producer of leaf litter needs to be protected.