Abstract
DISTANCE protocols and MIKE Survey Standards were used in the field to determine Critically Endangered (CR) (A2c) Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) occupancy, density and abundance in Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP). Forest and habitat type, age, character, and integrity were the most significant factors affecting elephant occupancy. Principal forage types relative to elephant activity were palms and lianas, which dominated significantly in undisturbed primary forest. DISTANCE model density D=0.167 elephants/km-2 (95% CI=0.106–0.262), best-fitting occupancy Ψ=0.6321 (SE±0.0010) and detection probability p=0.6225 (SE±0.0001) estimates combined yielded N=407 elephants (95% CI: 258–638) in GLNP. The most parsimonious occupancy model estimated N=392.82 elephants (SE:±30.65; 95% CI: 332.78-452.95) in GLNP. Forest restoration, ecosystem protections, and conservation plans for Asian elephants, biodiversity, and forests are suggested in this study.
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