Assessing potential habitat of Javan Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) based on landscape characteristic in Banten Province

Abstract

Javan Hawk-eagle is an endangered raptor on natural forest in Java Island, Indonesia. Banten Province has six potential habitat patches based on previous research obtained from the updated of JHE habitat suitability models. The objectives of this study were to obtain landscape characteristics of potential habitat and to compare it to actual habitat characteristic based on literatures review. Data was collected through ground check activities and interviewed the key informants. Landscape characteristics were assessed through gap analysis between potential and actual habitat. Several information includes land cover, landform, slope, elevation, nest vegetation, corridor movement; human activity intensity, river, and home range were used for this study. Five levels of gap found between potential to actual habitat patches were determined from this analysis. Result showed that two patches were the highest potential, which were Mt. Karang and Mt. Aseupan in Pandeglang district. Three patches high potential (Gunung Tukung Gede Nature Reserve, Mt. Pulosari, and Mt. Honje), then one patch (South Coast) was moderately potential. Forest has dominated in six potential habitat patches with total area of 136.35 km2 (71.09 %). Only three potential habitat patches (Mt. Pulosari, Mt. Karang, Mt. Aseupan) were located in the protected forest which is covered about 20.84 km2 (9.54%). Six potential habitats JHE should be monitored continuously, increased the landscape quality, and offered conservation activities.