Wildlife complexity in four habitat types in oil palm landscape, Daha Barat, South Kalimantan

Abstract

Oil palm concessions generally posses different types habitats, such as riparian or patches of natural vegetation that can be a home for many wildlife species. This study aims to evaluate the complexity of wildlife species inhabiting oil palm concession containing various types habitats in Daha Barat, South Kalimantan. The study was conducted between June 2019 and September 2020. In addition to oil palm, this research also identified Galam (Melaleuca leucadendron), Mahang (Macaranga sp), swamp bushes, and Purun (Lepironia articulata) that were commonly found in the study area. The study has identified 10 species of mammals, 84 species of birds, 6 species of amphibians, and 18 species of reptiles inhabiting the study area. The highest species richness of wildlife was identifi to occur in the swamp bush habitat (91 species), followed by the Galam forest habitat (90 species), macaranga forest habitat (78 species), and oil palm habitat (75 species). However, some species are identified to occur across habitat types, and some others are only in one or two habitat types. Insectivorous and piscivorous birds are commonly found in the study area. The existence of various types of vegetation is expected to support a higher amount of both individuals and species of wildlife inhabiting the study area.