Studi Terhadap Komponen Daya Dukung Harimau Sumatera (Panthera tigris sumatrae, Pocock 1929) di SPTN IV Painan dan SPTN II Merangin-Bungo, Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat

Abstract

As the top predator, tigers need the existence of prey. Without prey, tigers can become extinct, and if so the food chain balance will be disturbed. The function of habitat is to provide food, water and cover. Food is a main factor that supports the Sumatran tiger’s life. Water is needed because tigers cannot stand the heat. Cover is used for protection, a hunting place, shelter and reproduction. This research is done on July-December 2008 at National Park Management Section (SPTN) IV Painan, Pesisir Selatan Residence, West Sumatra and National Park Management Section (SPTN) II, Merangin-Bungo, Jangkat Residence, Jambi. Line transect method is used to take data in four strips (strip I, II, III, and IV), with average of strip length is 4,86 kilometres (strip I); 5,24 kilometres (strip II); 2,05 kilometres (strip III); and 4,70 kilometres (strip IV). All strips is on animal active strip from type of range of hills forest to type of mountain forest. Based from type of its habitat, the highest estimation of tiger density is on strip II and I with density value 1,30 ind/100 km2 and 1,20 ind/100 km2. For the lowest estimation of tiger density is on strip III and IV with density value 0,7 ind/100 km2 and 1,00 ind/100 km2. The highest value of tiger relative abundance is on strip III (2,08 footprints/km) and the lowest value is on strip IV (0,085 footprints/km). Tigers prefer to prey on sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), wildboar (Sus sp), and serrow (Capriconus sumatrensis). Other potential animals found during the research are: Sunbear (Helarctos malayanus), ajag (Cuon alpinus), great argus (argusianus argus), siamang (Hylobates syndactillus), banded langur (Presbytis melalophos), agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), giant squirrel (Ratufa affinis) and common porcupine (Hystrix brachyura). The vegetation is the main cover because they provide canopy for tigers who cannot stand the heat. Based on the function, there are three types of vegetation, which are overstory, understory, dan ground cover. The water sources in Kawasan Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat (TNKS) are both stand-water and run-water. In each location, there are big flowing rivers. The research location has high carrying capacity for tigers. However, the research location also has high threats and intervention against tigers and their habitat, increasing chances of their extinction in the research location and the wild.