Analysis of Spatial Use Pattern and Demographic Parameters of Javan Leopard at Gunung Ciremai National Park.

Abstract

Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas F. Cuvier, 1809) is one of the big cats on the Island of Java. Javan leopard has an important role in the ecosystem as top predators. It is also called keystone species particularly in the tropical rain forests of the Island of Java. Within the last few years leopard population in general has decreased, so that the criteria being critically endangered species in the IUCN red list, appendix I of the CITES, and protected by the laws of Republic of Indonesia No. 5 in 1990. The research conducted over the past 11 months, starting April 2012 to March 2013 within the Gunung Ciremai National Park (TNGC). The objectives of this research are: 1) together information on the use of space of Javan leopard species 2) together information on estimation of demographic parameters of the Javan leopard with the TNGC. Research was done in Management Area I of Kuningan and Management Area II of Majalengka. Equipment and materials used in this research consisting of the map of the conservation area camera traps, binoculars, GPS, digital camera, flashlight, compass etc. The method employed was direct observation in the field as well as study of literature. Based on research field known that TNGC has four space range of Javan leopard i.e. Block Sigedong, Block Sayana and Block Sukamukti, as well as Block Resort Argamukti. Demographic parameters of Javan Leopard in TNGC include minimum population size is the 3 individuals, sex ratio of male: female is 3: 0 and the structure of cub: juveniles: adult is 0: 0: 3. The average of home range of Javan leopard in TNGC is 7,22 km2. The number of prey is II and dominated by wild boar, civet and barking deer. The index of diversity of prey 1.65 and index of equity 0,69. Based on the results of the logistic regression analysis known that the dominant factor in habitat that have an effect on the occurrence of the Javan leopard is the distance from settlement (X1), slope class (X4), distance of prey (X6), the number of prey species (X7), and the distance of the water source (X8) with the equation: ( ) That means any increase of one unit of distance to the settlement will increase the chances of the presence of Javan leopard at a habitat as much as of 0.001. Every increase of one unit of slope class will increases the chance of presence of a Javan leopard at a habitat as much as 0,61. Any decrease in one unit of distance to the prey, it will increase the chance of a Javan leopard presence in the habitat as much as 0.125. Any increase in the number of units of as much as prey species then increases the chance of presence of a Javan leopard in a habitat as much as 0.002. Any decrease in one unit of distance of water sources then it will increase the chances of the presence of Javan leopard in a habitat as much as 0.549.