Karakteristik habitat banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton 1832) di Taman Nasional Meru Betiri, Jawa Timur
Abstract
Banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton 1832) is one of the large mammals in Meru Betiri National Park (MBNP). IUCN 2008 Data Red List of Threatened Animals listed banteng as endangered species. Banteng is a protected species according to The Government Regulation of Republic of Indonesia No. 7 / 1999. The main problem of banteng in Meru Betiri National Park was invasion banteng to the private plantation area of PT. Perkebunan Bandealit and PT. Perkebunan Sukamade Baru. Therefore, study of banteng habitat characteristics was needed to determine food, water, and cover availability as basis for banteng conservation effort. This research was held in three National Park Management Sections (SPTN), including SPTN W I Sarongan, SPTN W II Ambulu, and SPTN W III Kalibaru. This research was held in July-August 2010. Structure and composition of vegetation studied using line transect method of vegetation analysis. The observation of banteng’s food plants was done through by observation of browsing signs. Measuring of productivity, palatability, and carrying capacity was done by making of plot sampling 1x1 m². Cover characteristics observation was done by identifying of cover types which used by banteng. The data of water sources characteristic was obtained by water resources inventory in each location. Banteng included to the intermediate group between grazer and browser ungulata. The types of banteng’s feed in study sites contained of 25 species, mostly obtained from the plantation area. Productivity of banteng’s feed in Banyuputih Block is 463,92 kg/ha/day for 16 banteng. The highest palatability of banteng’s feed at Banyuputih Block and Sikapal Block is paitan (Paspalum conjugatum). Most of cover used by banteng was tree canopy and bamboo which has the function as a protection from the sun. Most of water sources for drink are the river flow to the estuary. The water sources in location are Sumbersari River, Cawang River, Sanen Kali River and Banyuputih River. The preferable habitat of banteng was Banyuputih Block which contains plantation area and low land rain forest that provide feed, water and cover. Habitat function in TNMB is less than optimal caused by banteng moved to the plantation areal and it rendered wild hunting by local people. To overcome the problem, it is required intensive habitat management for banteng in order to prevent banteng enter the plantation area.