Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Research Articles

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DECLINE OF SANINTEN (CASTANOPSIS ARGENTEA (BLUME) A.DC.) AND TUNGURUT (CASTANOPSIS TUNGURRUT (BLUME) A.DC.) IN THE BUFFER VILLAGES OF THE GUNUNG HALIMUN-SALAK NATIONAL PARK

Saninten (Castanopsis argentea) and tungurut (Castanopsis tungurrut) are plant species belonging to the family Fagaceae, native to the mountainous forest ecosystem within the Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park (GHSNP). These species are currently classified as endangered according to the IUCN Red List due to their significance in providing seeds for consumption and wood for construction materials. This research aims to examine the local community’s knowledge concerning the presence, scarcity, and underlying causes of the decline of both species in the buffer villages of GHSNP. In this study, we employed survey methods and semi-structured interviews conducted with various informants. The data collected were meticulously described and analyzed descriptively. The findings revealed that the local community, in general, holds knowledge about the scarcity of species primarily based on field observations rather than legal or conservation status. Currently, both species are challenging to locate in the buffer villages of the GHSNP. According to the local community’s knowledge, the causes of species scarcity can be categorized into internal and external factors. Internal factors include both species having a slow natural regeneration pattern, difficulties in germination, and vulnerability of seedlings to environmental conditions. Meanwhile, external factors encompass seed and timber exploitation, habitat loss, climate changes, limited knowledge, skills, and understanding of forest plants, and the current perception among locals that C. argentea and C. tungurrut offer limited economic benefits, leading to the gradual neglect of these species’ existence.

Endoparasites of Wild Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch) At Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

Infections of endoparasites in primates in natural habitats are highly prevalent and can cause disease, reduce health quality, and disrupt their life. This study investigated endoparasites prevalence value in the endangered Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) in Citalahab Forest, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia, from June to August 2022 by collected fecal samples (N = 10) and analyzed it using floatation methods. As a result, we found five genera of nematodes Trichuris trichiura (10% egg worm prevalence, Oesophagostomum spp. (50%), Trichostrongylus spp. (60%), Ancylostoma spp. (80%), and Strongyloides spp. (100%). The prevalence value of the worms in the larvae stage of Trichostrongylus spp. 20% and Strongyloides spp. 70%. Nematode infection status successively is Strongyloides spp., which is, frequently; Trichostrongylus spp. and Ancylostoma spp., which is, often; Oesophagostomum spp. and Trichuris trichiura which is, occasionally. Four species of nematode were found in both ages, and only Trichuris trichiura was found in one adolescent individual. The threat posed by this parasite deserves attention; further research is needed to fill the gap in our knowledge of their pathogenicity and transmission in Javan gibbon.

Identifying Important Areas for the Release of Five Endemic Species in a Mountainous Landscape: Inference from Spatial Modeling Techniques

Efforts to release animals resulting from evacuation and rehabilitation into their natural habitats are important practices in wildlife conservation. Before releasing the animals, it is important to assess the habitat suitability of the areas to support the existence of the animals in the long run. Yet, there is limited study of habitat suitability assessment on national parks as release locations for wild animals. This study aimed to assess the suitable habitat of five charismatic animal species, i.e., Panthera pardus melas, Hylobates moloch, Prinonailurus bengalensis, Nycticebus javanicus, and Nisaetus bartelsi, in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park using Maxent, and to determine potential locations for releasing animal’s species. Models for the P. p. melas show 47,619 ha and 21,391 ha, respectively, suitable as habitat and potential release location, for H. moloch, each is 57,537 ha and 33,471 ha, for P. bengalensis, each is 25,460 ha and 17.189 ha, for N. javanicus, each is 29,848 ha and 15,578 ha, and for N. bartelsi, each is 44,426 ha and 25,660 ha. Our study shows that a suitable habitat can be critical in choosing a wildlife release site. Further consideration of conflict mitigation and practicalities is required to achieve the long-term existence of released species.

The abundance of soil fauna in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park at altitude: 1100 – 1300 masl

As a bioindicator of soil quality and controller of soil dynamic (fertility), soil fauna is influenced by various environmental factors like climate and edaphic elements. This research aimed to examine the abundance of soil fauna in a lower montane forest ecosystem at different elevations and analysed how the environment affects their abudance. The study used purposive sampling in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, specifically at altitude of 1,100 masl; 1,200 masl; 1,300 masl; and an open area (1,230 masl) as a control. LSD test revealed a significant difference on soil fauna abundance between the 1,100 masl elevation and the control group. However, there was no significant difference of soil fauna abundance between altitude of 1,200 masl and 1,300 masl. The highest abundance of soil fauna was found at 1,100 masl, with 156 individual/m2. Conversely, the lowest abundance of soil fauna was recorded in the open area at 1,230 masl, with 3 individual/m2. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil fauna had positive correlation with light intensity and air temperature, and negative correlation with air humidity. Furthermore, Soil fauna abundance had also positive correlation with edaphic parameters (CEC, C-org., litter weight, soil respiration, porosity, and soil temperature, except soil pH and bulk density.

Estimation of vegetation density using NDVI and carbon stock in the Utilization Zone of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park

Forestry and Other Land Uses (FOLU) is one of the critical sectors in low carbon and climate resilience development. Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) can potentially mitigate climate change by increasing carbon stocks. This study aimed to estimate vegetation density using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), estimate biomass and aboveground carbon stocks, and analyze the relationships of NDVI with vegetation diversity and carbon stocks in the utilization zone of GHSNP. The method used was vegetation analysis and carbon estimation using allometric and destructive testing for seedling and understory levels. The total plots were 15 (a plot size of 50 × 50 m). NDVI was categorized into three classes, specifically class 1 (0,147 - 0,276), class 2 (0,276 - 0,321), and class 3 (0,321 - 0,493). The utilization zone of GHSNP consists of 56 plant species from 40 families. The research location was dominated by Pinus merkusii. The average biomass and carbon concentrations were 131,14 Mg/ha and 61,64 Mg C/ha, respectively. Carbon concentration strongly correlated with the basal area (r = 95,2%). The NDVI value strongly correlated with the number of individual trees per hectare. NDVI can be used as an approach to estimating forest cover.

The Modelling Studies of Ecological Corridor Management of The Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia

This research aims to study the design of the ecological corridor management pattern of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) through the identification of population and distribution of conservation species, edge effect of road access within the corridor, preservation mitigation, status of non-conservation species, and assessment of land-use-based ecotourism. The methods used include Belt transect, hypothetical transect, Intensive Point Account (IPA), and descriptive survey techniques. The research was conducted from September to December 2023. The results showed that the population density of Javan Gibbon was 0.114 indv/ha, Surili was 0.024 indv/ha, which is very low compared to the population density of TNGHS, 26 non-conservation bird species, and 1 endemic species, the Javan Gibbon. The edge effect is caused by the frequency of vehicles passing through the corridor. The hypothetical transect shows that the land use allocation for tea plantations is the target of ecotourism, and agricultural land use supports the product. The model design emphasizes the creation of protection zones for primates and Javan Eagles in terms of mobilization and migration, mitigation of vehicle crossings during the day, as well as the initiation of ecotourism based on non-conservation species and landscape characteristics. In conclusion, the ecological corridor management modeling includes accommodating the protection of endemic and rare animals, monitoring non-conservation bird species, conservation mitigation through vehicle frequency control, limited ecotourism development with a natural orientation, and agricultural products. Scientifically the contribution of this research is to explain the implications of island geography theory in the sustainability of endemic species in metapopulations to avoid genetic flow deviations.

The Growth Response of Rendeu (<i>Staurogyne elongata</i> (Neese) Kuntze) to Shoot Pruning and Its Propagation by Shoot Cutting

Rendeu (Staurogyne elongata (Neese) Kuntze) is a native Indonesian plant used as food and traditional medicine in the daily life of the people residing around Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park. Due to the potential source of herbal-based medicines and traditional food in the long-run purposes, the proper method of its propagation is required, so that Rendeu can be conserved and utilised sustainably. This study employed two research designs. First, a completely randomized design with pruning and IAA (indole-3 acetic acid) treatment was used for seedling growths. Second, plant propagation applied a factorial randomized block design: planting media types and plant growth regulator (PGR) (rootone F) treatment. Observation included the number of buds, number of leaves, number of flowers, plant biomass, root length, and relative chlorophyll content using the SPAD tool. The data were analysed using ANOVA (SPSS ver. 17.0), followed by Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that applying IAA and leaf pruning could increase the number of buds, the number of leaves and the fresh weight of S. elongata plants compared to the control plant. The addition of rootone increased the growth of Rendeu shoot cuttings, shown in all growth parameters and chlorophyll content. Humus was the best media for Rendeu’s growth among all planting medium. Planting media affected the increase in the number of leaves and the number of buds of S. elongata significantly. The interaction of planting media and PGR somewhat influenced root length and total leaf chlorophyll. The growth and production of S. elongata increased with the time of planting.

Studi Populasi dan Distribusi Palahlar (Dipterocarpus hasseltii Blume) di Resort Gunung Salak I, Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun Salak

Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is a conservation area that a habitat for rare and protected flora and fauna. Palahlar (Dipterocarpus hasseltii Blume) is a rare plant species found in the GHSNP area with an endangered species and had declining population trend. This study aimed to analyze habitat conditions, population and distribution patterns of D. hasseltii at Gunung Salak I Resort of GHSNP. Data were collected by purposive sampling method based on the presence of D. hasseltii. Vegetation analysis used the grid-lined method of 5 lanes measuring @ 100 m × 20 m, so that the total area of the observation plots was 1 ha. The observation plots were dominated by puspa (Schima wallichii), which had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) at the seedlings (26,80%), saplings (24,04%), and trees (53,86%). The regeneration rate of D. hasseltii, showed an abnormal condition, because the number of seedlings was less than the number of saplings. A total of 28 individuals of D. hasseltii were found at the observation plots consisted of 4 individual seedlings, 15 individual saplings, 3 individual poles, and 6 individual trees. The results showed that the distribution pattern of D. hasseltii was clustered.
 Keywords: Dipterocarpus hasseltii, endangered species, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, palahlar

Analysis of Tourism Village Management in Wewengkon Kasepuhan Customary Citorek, Lebak Regency, Banten Province-Indonesia

Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek is a traditional rural area which is one of the priorities for tourism development in Lebak Regency. As a traditional village that has unique cultural potential, this area also has a variety of natural potential because of its position as an enclave area of the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS), so it is not surprising that this area is directed to be developed as a tourist village thanks to the potential it has. This research aims to identify and analyze tourist village management based on tourist village components in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek. The research method used is a descriptive analysis method by comparing conditions in the field with the theory of tourist village components. The results of this research are that the management of tourist villages in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek is still natural and there is no special tourism village management so that each village runs independently. Therefore, it is necessary to have a tourist village management institution with a cluster model so that each village complements and integrates each ODTW as a form of shared enthusiasm in managing tourist villages in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek.
 Keywords: Tourism Village, Tourism Village Components, Institutions, Management

Habitat Suitability Modeling of Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) in the Forest Cluster of Gunung Halimun Salak

Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is one of the endemic wildlife on Java Island. This species owns particular characteristics, including arboreal, solitary, and nocturnal natures. The species is threatened due to habitat loss and illegal trafficking. Nevertheless, their current geographic distribution remains unclear and environmental factors impact on these species is mostly unknown. This study aims to predict the habitat suitability of javan slow loris in the Conservation Management Forest Unit area of Mount Halimun Salak Forest Group. The study employs a species distribution modeling approach using Maximum Entropy. The presence data of javan slow loris was collected from the radio-telemetry devices used in post-release monitoring. The modeling utilizes elevations, distance from the settlements, slopes, and land covered as its environment variables. The result shows that 52% of the study areas, or 54,669 ha are suitable as the habitat of N. javanicus. Since as the largest protected area on Java Island, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park is one of the natural habitats that are pivotal for this species. This study provides essential documentation for developing management strategies within protected areas. Hence, the result of the study could serve as one of the factors in the determination of animal release location in the future.

Predicting suitable habitat for the endangered Javan Gibbon in a submontane forest in Indonesia

Species distribution modeling is an essential tool for understanding the ecology of species and has many applications in conservation. Using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling, we identify the key factors shaping the potential distribution of the endangered Javan Gibbons Hylobates moloch in one of the main remnant habitats, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP), Indonesia, using presence-only data collected between October and November 2015, and in April and May 2016. Maxent results showed that forest canopy density and annual temperature were the principal variables predicting the distribution of Javan Gibbons, with contribution scores of 53.9% and 35.6%, respectively. The predictive distribution map indicated that suitable habitat for Javan Gibbons is not uniformly distributed within GHSNP, i.e., suitable habitat is not located evenly throughout the region, with some areas more suitable than others. Highly suitable habitat comprises the largest proportion of habitat, with 42.1% of GHSNP classified as highly suitable habitat, whereas 24.7% was moderately suitable, and 33.2% of habitat was of low suitability for Javan Gibbons. Priority should be given to increasing habitat quality in degraded areas and law enforcement patrols to reduce degradation in peripheral regions of the park as part of the conservation management strategy.

Intra-group competition and social dynamics regarding dispersal and maturation in wild Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch)

Natal dispersal is an important life-history trait in all animal taxa. In pair-living species, parent–offspring competition derived from the offspring’s maturity can motivate the natal dispersal of offspring. However, not much has been known about the dispersal mechanisms of pair-living gibbons. To test food and mate competition as potential reasons for dispersal, we investigated the effect of the offspring age and sex on relationships between parents and offspring in wild Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) in Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park, Indonesia. We collected behavioral data for two years between 2016 and 2019. We found that aggression from parents toward offspring increased in both feeding and non-feeding context as the offspring got older. Offspring received more aggression from the parent of the same sex in the general context. While offspring decreased co-feeding and grooming time with parents as they got older, there was no change in the proximity and approach to parents. The results imply the presence of both intra-group food and mate competition which increase with the offspring’s age. We highlight that increased competition between maturing offspring and parents changes their social relationships and peripheralizes offspring from the natal group which will eventually motivate offspring to disperse in Javan gibbons.

Vegetation cover changes and species composition: preliminary results from agroforestry system in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

As a mitigation target for Indonesia’s Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) has a high potential. However, there is a lack of data on tree species composition and vegetation cover, particularly in the traditional zone (TZ). This study aims to estimate the vegetation cover of GHSNP in 2016, 2019, and 2022, as well as tree species composition in the TZ compared to the wilderness zone (WZ). This study used Sentinel-2 imagery and plot establishment for vegetation analysis in both zones. The most dominant class of vegetation cover in GHSNP from 2016 to 2022 is in class 5 which has highly dense vegetation. The large area class 5 increased by around 2.17% from 2016 to 2022. There were 17 species found in TZ and 24 species in WZ. Local communities are applying the traditional agroforestry of Poh-pohan (Pilea trinervia) as the main commodity and Pinus merkusii for the shade trees. P. merkusii and Maesopsis eminii are the most frequently found in TZ and WZ due to the former status of GHSNP as a production forest. Agroforestry systems can enhance biodiversity as a conservation effort and Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 actions.

Ethnobotany of food, medicinal, construction and household utilities producing plants in Cikaniki, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

Ethnobotany of food, medicinal, construction and household utilities producing plants in Cikaniki, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

The Agricultural Expansion in Conservation Areas: The Case of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java

The Indonesian government has expanded the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) to reduce the impact of global climate change and conserve ecosystem biodiversity. This policy has been resisted by local communities who need access to GHNSP area to support their livelihoods. Qualitative and quantitative approaches have been applied in this study to explain the occurrence of agricultural expansion and its impact on the household economy in the GHSNP area. This study is supported by an analysis of secondary data regarding land cover changes in the GHSNP corridor area. This study found that farmers have been able to take reflexive and rational actions by utilizing power relations and social networks to regain their access in the GHSNP area. It was shown by the formation of concentrated agriculture expansion in areas that were previously stated as the forestry corporation concessions. Agricultural expansion has increased due to the economic needs of the resident, migration, and the resident's need for land. Massive agricultural expansion in the GHSNP corridor has changed land use and corridor landscapes and disrupted conservation goals. This study concludes that agricultural expansion occurred as a response of farmers to government decisions to expand the national park into areas the local communities considered part of their living space. The complexity of changes due to agricultural expansion in conservation areas challenges conservation experts and the forestry profession to develop adaptive management that is more sensitive to change and community needs.

Sustainable utilizations of Pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides (Poir.) Wedd) in Tamansari Village, West Java-Indonesia

Forest plays an important role in producing timber and non-timber product to fulfill human beings’ prerequisites and live hood, a source of income for many communities and becomes the solutions to any other challenges. The community in Taman Sari Village cooperates with Gunung Halimun Salak National Park through a conservation partnership program to cultivate and commercialize pohpohan (Pilea melastomoides (Poir.) Wedd) in the traditional zone. This species is known as indigenous fresh aromatic vegetable and contain valuable potential phytochemical such as antibacterial and anti-cancer. Pohpohan is traditionally cultivated by the community since the 1980s in Tamansari village, this culture is still practiced by the community who join as member of the Kelompok Tani Mandiri (KTM). This study aims to document and analyze the sustainable traditional cultivation of pohpohan in Tamansari village by collaborating with all members (56) of the KTM. The study applied mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, to gain more understanding of the community dynamic. Generally, the cultivation and utilization of pohpohan are managed traditionally using manual tools such as hoes and sickles. Yet this approach is considered as environmentally friendly and resourceful for their limited land. A total 34% of pohpohan farmers are in the age class 55-65, indicates the importance of regeneration to verify its sustainability.

Transient co-singing of offspring and mothers in non-duetting Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch)

While the vocalizations of non-human primates were thought to be innate, recent studies have revealed highly flexible vocalizations in immatures. This behavior suggests that social influences have an important role in developing vocalizations. Yet not much is known about how non-human primate vocalization develop and how the vocalizations of immature animals differ between sexes. Here, we analyzed 95 cases of co-singing between mothers and offspring out of 240 female songs from three groups of wild Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) in Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park, Indonesia, between 2009 and 2021. Hylobates moloch is one of only two gibbon species with pairs that do not duet. Instead, they produce sex-specific solo songs. We found that both offspring female and male H. moloch follow their mothers’ female-specific songs, similar to other duetting gibbon species. Immatures started co-singing with their mothers from 7 months old, but with an average starting age of about 24 months. As female offspring grew older, they co-sung with mothers more often while male offspring did not. After 7 years of age, both sexes stopped co-singing with their mothers and started singing alone, following their own sex-specific vocalizations. We did not find any relation between male offspring co-singing and territorial functions (e.g., co-singing more during intergroup encounters or closer to home range borders). Our results suggest that mothers’ songs may trigger male offspring and females to practice singing, but not specifically for males to defend territories. We highlight that despite the absence of duets, H. moloch develop their vocalizations from early infancy and throughout their maturation while co-singing with mothers. However, the level of co-singing varies depending on the sexes. Our study is the first to elucidate the sex-specific trajectories of vocal development in H. moloch across years, indicating that offspring in non-duetting gibbons co-sing with mothers like in duetting species.

Polarization among Stakeholders Perception on the Interpretation of Ecotourism Resources in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park

The study of polarization of stakeholder perceptions is important to consider the policies that must be taken by area managers related to the development of interpretation programs in national park areas. This study was aimed to analyze and evaluate the characteristics of the subject of interpretation that are considered important by stakeholders, to analyze the differences in perceptions among stakeholders of the attractiveness of the subject of interpretation and to determine the polarization of perceptions of the subject of interpretation among stakeholders in relation to the management of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS). Stakeholder perception data was obtained by distributing a closed pattern questionnaire. Cluster analysis was used to determine the variety of stakeholder perception in interpretation subjects within the TNGHS area. As for knowing the direction and scale of the polarization of stakeholder perceptions, it was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney test. The results showed that the largest polarization among stakeholders occurred in the cultural subjects, and the direction of polarization was negative. This indicates the weak attractiveness of the subject of cultural interpretation to stakeholders. The greater commonality of perception between the community and managers forms the basis for the development of cultural interpretations. This development is expected to bridge the community's needs for the TNGHS area as well as provide stronger support for the management of the national park area.

Cases of fatal electrocution of the endangered Javan Gibbons (Mammalia: Primates: Hylobatidae) by power lines

Human-made structures are often deadly to wildlife. Power lines from electric poles can cause serious injury and even death of wildlife via electrocution, especially of arboreal primate species that can easily access power lines. Here, we reported three cases of wild ‘Endangered’ Javan Gibbons Hylobates moloch electrocuted by power lines along a road between a tea plantation and a village adjacent to Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park area, West Java, Indonesia. In all cases, the adult male Javan Gibbons jumped and grabbed a power line hanging at the edge of the forests and immediately died. Our case reports highlight that power lines can have a critically adverse effect on the survival of wild animals, particularly on highly arboreal species such as Javan Gibbons. We argue the need for mitigation plans (e.g., cable insulation) for power lines in areas at risk. Such areas should be determined based on wildlife habitat monitoring and the study of ranging behaviors, focusing on areas with high risks of electrocution.

Development of community empowerment based on zonation in the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia

Local communities surrounding Gunung Halimun Salak National Park are highly dependent on the national park area. Economic development is crucial to improving the livelihood of the local communities around the park area. Additionally, to ensure that the preservation of the national park will be supported by the surrounding communities, activities within the local communities can also align with the management of the national park. In Indonesia, national parks are managed through a zonation system, in which potential areas that satisfy the biophysical conditions will be considered for development activities that support the local communities. We analyze the biophysical condition of the area, zonation of area, and socio-economic conditions of communities to identify the types of potential community development activities. We conducted a survey of biophysical conditions, as well as interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. The results of the study reveal five types of community development activities with the most potential, namely 1) development of tourism; 2) conservation partnership schemes; 3) cooperation on ecosystem restoration; 4) development of forest plant cultivation to provide seeds for economic benefits; 5) utilization of ecosystem services, such as water and hydroelectric power plants.