Habitat preferences of current record of JHE (Nisaetus bartelsi) in lowland forest in Ujung Kulon National Park

Abstract

Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) used camera traps to help monitoring the occurrence of Javan Rhinos (Rhinos sondaicus) but the result accidentally recorded the occurrence of Javan Hawk-eagle (JHE). According to the latest habitat modelling, JHE’s presence was only in highland forests. The new report of JHE occurrence in TNUK confirmed JHE’s presence in lowland forest. The objective of this study was to identify the landscape characteristics that become the habitat preferences of JHE in TNUK. Observation and analysis were conducted around the occurrence location to obtain the information about JHE’s preferences for selecting their nesting and hunting sites. Vegetation analysis was conducted to obtain Important Value Index (IVI) and diversity index that represented plants species domination. The results indicated that in TNUK lowland forest, JHE’s habitat was distinguished into two habitat preferences based on the behaviour. JHE hunted and nested around Cigenter River and its tributary with sloping ground. Hunting and nesting habitats were both dominated by bay trees (Syzygium polyanthum) with IVI of 88.97% and 69.49%, respectively. Tree dominance that provided habitats for JHE’s diet was an important factor in determining hunting preferences, while species diversity was an important factor in determining nesting preferences.