Patch dynamics in the Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) habitat of East Java

Abstract

Javan Hawk-Eagle (JHE, Nisaetus bartelsi) is an endemic species in Java Island and an important biological indicator of ecosystem health. The government has issued regulations to protect this species and increase the population by 10% from 2015 until 2019. East Java has the largest JHE potential habitat in Java Island based on a previous study using satellite images of 2002. Therefore, the current habitat distribution of JHE’s is essential for getting knowledge about patch dynamics in JHE’s habitat. This study’s objective was to analyze patch dynamics of JHE’s habitat from 2002 until 2015 and validate habitat distribution. Previously predicted probability map (2002) of JHE’s were updated using Landsat 8 satellite images of 2015 and was validated through ground-truth checked. Results showed that the distribution of JHE’s habitat after validation is 28 patches, which is covered 4766.26 km2. The dynamics that occur in the JHE’s patch are patch lost(1 patch), patch area decreased (5 patches), patch area increased (13 patches), new patch (4 patches), and merged patch. After validation, there are six newly identified patches, and one patch area increased. The total area increased by 2156.14 km2 or 82.61% of the total area occupied by JHE’s in 2002. About 39.89% of total habitat patches were located inside the protected area. This study recommends continuing monitoring activities on habitat patches, including potential habitat patches in lowland areas, and proposing conservation activities based on habitat patch dynamics that occurred from 2002 to 2015.