Ecology and Conservation of the Endangered Banteng (Bos javanicus) in Indonesia Tropical Lowland Forest

Ujang Mamat Rahmat,Mochamad Syamsudin,Riki Herliansyah,Dede Aulia Rahman,Puji Rianti,Asep Yayus Firdaus

doi:10.4308/hjb.26.2.68

Ujang Mamat Rahmat, Mochamad Syamsudin + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4308/hjb.26.2.68

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Abstract

Banteng, Bos javanicus, as wild cattle is a vital and importance source of germplasm in Indonesia. Various human activities currently threaten their conservation status. Nonetheless, no long-term monitoring programmes are in place for this species. Using distribution point and statistical analysis based on 46,116 camera trap days from December 2015 to January 2017, we aimed to provide habitat preferences, activity patterns and ecological data for banteng population in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). It is the largest population of banteng in Indonesia and is living in a limited habitat area. According to the best occupancy model, the most suitable areas for this species were the secondary forest located at the center portion of UKNP. The presence of the invasive cluster sugar palm, Arenga obtusifolia, in dry season provides additional alternative food for banteng when its main food is scarcer in the forest. Banteng was cathemeral all year round, with the proportion of cathemeral records and the recording rate did not change with the protection of the level area, moon phase or season. To reduce the probability of encountering predators, banteng avoided the space use of dholes. Selection and avoidance of habitats was stronger than avoidance of the predator activity areas. Habitat competition from domestic cattle which grazed illegally in the national park appears to be a problem to the species since zoonosis appears from domestic cattle to banteng. Therefore, eﬀective law enforcement and an adequate conservation strategy are required to eliminate the impacts of both direct and indirect threats.

Highlights

Besides habitat destruction, intrinsic factors such as low reproduction rates, low densities, and extensive area requirements cause a high level of threat in the medium-large bodied mammal populations (Ripple et al 2015; De la Torre et al 2018)
Using distribution point and statistical analysis based on 46,116 camera trap days from December 2015 to January 2017, we aimed to provide habitat preferences, activity patterns and ecological data for banteng population in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP)
In 1970, there were 13 locations known as banteng habitat in Java, whereas it shrinks into four locations which the Camera trap location in Ujung Kulon National Park

Summary

Introduction

Intrinsic factors such as low reproduction rates, low densities, and extensive area requirements cause a high level of threat in the medium-large bodied mammal populations (Ripple et al 2015; De la Torre et al 2018). 60% of medium-large bodied ungulates are commonly faced dramatic population declines and habitat destruction and threatened with extinction (Ripple et al 2015). The. The natural history and conservation need of many tropical forests of ungulates are poorly known, in Bos javanicus (banteng). The natural history and conservation need of many tropical forests of ungulates are poorly known, in Bos javanicus (banteng) This lack of knowledge is heavily impacted by the conversion and degradation of lowland forests and illegal hunting, commercial trade, and bush-meat consumption (Nowak 1999; Di Marco et al 2014). Banteng has its crucial function in ecosystems as dispersal vectors of plant propagules and nutrients

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