Javan Leopard Research Articles

Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia.

Dholes (Cuon alpinus) are endangered large carnivores found in scattered populations in Asia. One of the main threats to dholes is the decreasing prey availability throughout their distribution range. In the present study, we used camera trap data collected over 6 years to investigate the temporal activity patterns of dholes and their putative prey species in Baluran National Park in Java, Indonesia. We also explored the overlap in activity between dholes and the park's other remaining large carnivore the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), as well as humans. Furthermore, we investigated potential differences in activity patterns between dholes in packs and dholes roaming in pairs or alone. We found a high temporal overlap between dholes and their wild ungulate prey species (ranging from Δ = 0.66-0.90), with the lowest overlap observed between dholes and bantengs (Bos javanicus) (Δ = 0.66), and the highest between dholes and muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjak) (Δ = 0.90). A very low overlap was found between dholes and domestic cattle (Bos indicus) (Δ = 0.27) whereas a moderately high overlap was found between dholes and leopards (Δ = 0.70) and dholes and humans (Δ = 0.62). We found a significant difference in activity patterns between dholes in packs and dholes roaming alone or in pairs (Δ = 0.78, p = .01). Single/pairs of dholes were more active both during the day and at night, whereas packs were predominantly active around sunrise and sunset. The high overlap with humans potentially has a negative effect on dhole activity, particularly for dispersing individuals, and the low overlap with domestic species questions the extent to which dholes are considered to predate on them.

A Preliminary Study of The Javan Leopard Behaviour in Meru Betiri National Park

Meru Betiri National Park (MBNP, 526km2), is one of only three protected areas in east Java that can support a viable Javan leopard population. The Javan leopard has become a priority for management following the extinction of the Javan tiger. Therefore, it is important to know how the Javan Leopard behaves to improve species management. We conducted a field study using camera traps to determine the daily behavior of the Javan leopard in MBNP. A monitoring site was established with 73 stations, with a density of one station per 0.5 x 0.5 km grid cell, providing different but comparable densities and spatial coverage. The results indicate that the Javan leopard displays 9 daily behaviors including walking, observing, standing, cheek rubbing, scraping, urine spraying, claw marking, parenting, vocalizing, and others. Each behavior was observed with a relative frequency of walking (63.25%), observing (14.53%), standing (7.69%), cheek rubbing (5.98%), scraping (4.27%), urine spraying (1.71%), claw marking (0.85%), parenting (0.85%) and vocalizing (0.85%). An analysis of the time spent on each behavior revealed their proportion as follows: walking (382 s, 49.29%), watching (208 s, 26.84%), standing (66 s, 8.52%), cheek rubbing (27 s, 3.48%), scraping (57 s, 7.35%), urine spraying (17 s, 2.19%), vocalizing (9 s, 1.16%), claw marking (4 s, 0.52%) and parenting (5 s, 0.65%).

Range-wide camera traps reveal potential prey species for Javan leopards

Prey depletion poses a threat to large carnivores worldwide. The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), the last remaining apex predator on the Indonesian island of Java, is facing numerous threats from human activities including poaching, habitat loss and prey depletion. Despite the fact that the Javan leopard is an adaptable and opportunistic predator capable of surviving in various environments, our understanding of its prey and predator-prey interactions is still limited, which is crucial for their conservation. Using camera trap data collected from four national parks (i.e., Ujung Kulon, Gunung Gede Pangrango, Meru Betiri, Alas Purwo) that represent four distinct terrestrial ecoregions across the island of Java, we investigated the species richness, relative abundance, and spatial-temporal overlap in activity patterns between the Javan leopard and other animals that coexist in the same location. Our analysis of 7461 independent photos, covering 12,983 camera trap days, revealed that areas with the presence of Javan leopards exhibited higher species richness and abundance compared to those without the presence of Javan leopards. In addition, we found that the activities of banteng (Bos javanicus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Javan mousedeer (Tragulus javanicus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), junglefowl (Gallus spp.), spangled ebony langur (Trachypithecus auratus), Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and dhole (Cuon alpinus) were highly overlapping with those of Javan leopards in space and time, suggesting that these species are potential candidate prey for Javan leopards. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive investigation of potential prey for the Javan leopard that utilizes camera traps from all four types of terrestrial ecoregions on Java Island. The findings of this study may serve as essential information for the conservation of this critically endangered species.

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.

Is the Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica extant? DNA analysis of a recent hair sample

Abstract The Javan tiger Panthera tigris sondaica and the Bali tiger P. tigris balica were categorized as Extinct on the IUCN Red List in both 2003 and 2008, leaving only the Sumatran subspecies P. tigris sumatrae extant in Indonesia. There have, however, been occasional, more recent reports of the Javan tiger but without conclusive evidence. Here, a potential observation in 2019 of a Javan tiger in a community plantation near the village of Cipendeuy in the forest of South Sukabumi, West Java, and a single hair found on a fence nearby, are assessed. The cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene sequence of the putative Javan tiger hair were compared with that of a Javan tiger specimen in Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, collected in 1930; hair samples of several tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas were used as controls. The results showed that the genetic distances (d) of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Sumatran, Bengal P. tigris tigris and Amur P. tigris altaica tigers and the Javan leopard are 0.074 ± SE 0.009, 0.071 ± SE 0.009, 0.072 ± SE 0.009 and 0.088 ± SE 0.010, respectively, whereas the genetic distance of the putative Javan tiger hair with the Javan tiger museum specimen is 0.040 ± SE 0.006. In addition, phylogenetic trees showed that the putative Javan tiger hair sample belongs to the same group as the museum specimen of the Javan tiger, but is differentiated from other tiger subspecies and the Javan leopard. Whether the Javan tiger still occurs in the wild needs to be confirmed with further genetic and field studies.

Analysis of Changes in Habitat Suitability of the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas, Cuvier 1809) on Java Island, 2000–2020

The Javan leopard is an apex predator whose distribution is limited to the island of Java and Nusakambangan Island, and it is classified as an endangered species. The forest habitat of the Javan leopard is subject to annual damage, which causes a decrease in its quality and suitability as a habitat for this species. This study aimed to determine the changes in the suitability of the Javan leopard habitat from 2000 to 2020 and the variables affecting it. A habitat suitability analysis was performed using the MaxEnt application. The data included coordinate points and environment variables. The variables included the distance from rivers, undisturbed tropical forests, degraded forests, permanent water, shrubs, farms, plantations, and settlements. The model produced an AUC value of 0.812, indicating the model was good. In the 2000 model year, the highly suitable habitat area of the Javan leopard was 2481.38 km2, the suitable habitat area was 2630.763 km2, and the unsuitable area was 7790.155 km2. In the 2020 model, the area of highly suitable habitat was 1429.647 km2, the area of suitable habitat was 2379.344 km2, and the area that was not suitable was 9093.081 km2. Primary forest was the variable that contributed most to the model.

EKSPLORASI POTENSI FAUNA DI KAWASAN SUNGAI CIPUNAGARA KABUPATEN SUBANG SEBAGAI REKOMENDASI PENGEMBANGAN KAWASAN KONSERVASI

The variety of fauna is one of the certain natural wealth of Indonesia. Yet human characterisic to destroy forest has inflicted a loss. Therefore the fauna in its real habitat needs more attention so it may become a media in conserving the fauna and the habitat in order to save it for the future generation. The object of research is help to preserve the existing fauna and conservation area. The method of research by transect path and interviewing people around Wildlife Reserve of Cipunagar River, the observation on the location was done by following direction and position of transect diameter slowly and at the same time making note of any fauna species found. The result of the research that was done in wildlife resrve of Cipunagara River showed that there were 12 species of 8 families, are Panthera tigris sondaicus, Panthera pardus melas, Nisaetus bartelsi, Pteropus vampyrus, Trachypithecus auratus, Presbytis comate, Hystrix javanica, Sus verrucosus, Macaca fascicularis, Gallus gallus, and Colluricincla sp. The recommendation of fauna potential and conservation area is Taman Hutan Raya.

Population Monitoring of Javan Leopard and Javan Gibbon in Potential Areas in Mount Halimun Salak National Park

Mount Halimun Salak National Park (MHSNP) is one of tropical forest area in West Java which has the potential for a high diversity of flora and fauna species. One of them is an important habitat for the Javan leopard and Javan gibbon. This study aims to analyze the population density of the Javan leopard and Javan gibbon. Based on the result of this study information on the population condition of the Javan leopard and Javan gibbon in MHSNP. The data collection was conducted in February – April 2021 in Cikaniki area, Citalahab, corridor, and MHSNP Star Energy by installing camera traps and line transect method. The results of the camera trap installation could detected 12 types of mammals and 5 species of birds. There are four Javan leopard identified in this study with a sex ratio of 3 males and 1 famale (3:1) and only had one age class (adult). The estimated density of the Javan leopard by SECR is 11,19 ind/100km2. There were at least 11 javan leopards in an area 100 km2. The population density of javan gibbon in Cikaniki is 26,67 ind/km2, Citalahab is 16,67 ind/km2, and Star Energy is 8,33 ind/km2.

First record of rare mating behavior of Javan leopard <i>Panthera pardus melas</i> in Indonesia

We report the first observation of the mating behavior of the endangered Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) from Gunung Malabar Protected Forest in West Java and Alas Purwo National Park in East Java. We recorded the mating process of the Javan leopard using a camera trap on 20 November 2014 and 22 September 2020. We consider this to be the first record in the wild in Indonesia.

Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809).

Background and Aim:The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to developelectroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen.Materials and Methods:The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl®(Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation.Results:The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL−1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%.Conclusion:This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.

SEBARAN JEJAK MACAN TUTUL DI KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG TIKUKUR KPH BANDUNG SELATAN

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) is an endemic species to Java and currently classified as critically endangered species on IUCN Red List, since there possibly even less than 100 left in the wild. One of habitat of Javan leopard is Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The object of research is to find out the existence signs, map the distribution, and describe the findings of leopard’s prey and any disturbances that occur to the java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The method of research are preliminary research and intensive research. Preliminary research was by interview, while intensive research by transect and album camera trap method. Based on the research, the number of leopard presence signs are one voice heard and two feces found. The existence of java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Moutain KPH Bandung Selatan is horizontally spread in 2 types of land use, namely forests and plantations. It vertically spreads at altitude of 1445-1617 masl with a sloping and sloping slope. The prey found are java langurs, partridge, and pigs. The disturbances occurred to the java leopard in the protected forest area of Tikukur mountain are in the form of PHBM, military training, hunting, and other activities namely, climbing activities.

Integrating Javan leopard conservation into a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in East Java, Indonesia

Integrating Javan leopard conservation into a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in East Java, Indonesia

Perception Analysis on the Conflict Between Javan Leopard and Community Around Mount Sawal Wildlife Reserve

Mount Sawal Wildlife Reserve is known as one of the places that has the highest number of conflict cases between Javan leopard and human in Indonesia. There were 38 conflict cases recorded in the period of 2001-2016 with the highest number of cases occurring in Kertamandala and Cikupa Villages, Ciamis District, West Java. This study assessed the community perception of those two villages towards the conflict by using Q-method in combination with the R-Studio statistics to analyze the data. There were 19 participants who were tested with 16 consent statements called Q-sorting were ranked based on approval scale. The results showed that the community perceptions of conflict can be grouped into three, namely: 1) the importance to preserve the existence of javan leopards, 2) wildlife conflict management is a shared responsibility between communities and authorities, and 3) in the future, wildlife conflicts must not take place again. In addition, all participants shared consensus that the community do not accept the existence of javan leopard in their village area and they also agreed that conservation authorities have taken actions to deal with the conflict.

Does the Presence of Shade Trees and Distance to the Forest Affect Detection Rates of Terrestrial Vertebrates in Coffee Home Gardens?

Complex agroforestry systems can host similar biodiversity levels to adjacent continuous forests and can offer important ecosystem services for wildlife. Species inhabiting adjacent forests, as well as species that prefer agroforestry systems, can benefit from this habitat matrix. It is necessary, however, to understand the species-specific adaptability to such a complex matrix. Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts many endemic species that are threatened with extinction. Its human population relies heavily on agriculture, meaning that finding a balance between crop productivity and biodiversity is key for the long-term sustainability of local communities and wildlife. We aim to determine the influence of the presence of shade trees and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife in coffee home gardens. In West Java, Indonesia, we monitored 23 gardens between April 2018 and March 2021 via camera traps, totalling 3856 days of monitoring in shade-grown and 3338 days in sun-exposed gardens. We also collected data in the nearby montane rainforest, totalling 1183 days of monitoring. We used Generalized Additive Models to estimate the influence of shade cover and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife. The Sunda leopard cat Prionailurus javanensis was found more frequently in shade-grown gardens and used both the forest and agroforest matrix. Wild boars Sus scrofa mostly occurred in gardens adjacent to the forest, while barred buttonquails Turnix suscitator were associated with gardens far (>1 km) from the forest. Several species (civets Viverricula indica and Paradoxus musangus javanicus, Horsfield’s treeshrew Tupaia javanica, Javan ferret badger Melogale orientalis, Javan mongoose Herpestes javanicus) were not influenced by shade cover and distance to the forest, suggesting they are well adapted to the agroforestry system. Still, species of high conservation importance, such as Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas, Sunda porcupine Hystrix javanica, and grizzled langur Presbytis comata, were present in the forest but not in the agroforest, suggesting that the replacement of the forest by the agroforestry matrix is still detrimental. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain the complexity of the agroforestry system and connectivity with the neighbouring continuous forest to favour the long-term sustainability of this environment and the conservation of endemic species.

Biological richness of Gunung Slamet, Central Java, and the need for its protection

AbstractDesignating protected areas remains a core strategy in biodiversity conservation. Despite high endemism, montane forests across the island of Java are under-represented in Indonesia's protected area network. Here, we document the montane biodiversity of Gunung Slamet, an isolated volcano in Central Java, and provide evidence to support its increased protection. During September–December 2018, we surveyed multiple sites for birds, primates, terrestrial mammals, reptiles, amphibians and vegetation. Survey methods included transects, camera traps and targeted searches at six sites, at altitudes of 970–2,512 m. We used species distribution models for birds and mammals of conservation concern to identify priority areas for protection. We recorded 99 bird species (13 globally threatened), 15 mammals (five globally threatened) and 17 reptiles and amphibians (two endemic). Our species distribution models showed considerable cross-taxon congruence between important areas on Slamet's upper slopes, generally above 1,800 m. Particularly important were records of the endemic subspecies of the Endangered Javan laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons slamatensis, not recorded in the wild since 1925, the Endangered Javan gibbon Hylobates moloch and Javan surili Presbytis comata, and the Vulnerable Javan lutung Trachypithecus auratus and Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas. Recent forest loss has been modest, at least 280 km2 of continuous forest remain above 800 m, and our surveys show that forest habitats are in good condition. However, the mountain is widely used by trappers and hunters. Given its importance for biodiversity conservation, we discuss different options for improving the protection status of Gunung Slamet, including designation as a National Park or Essential Ecosystem.

Monitoring Macan Tutul Jawa (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) dengan Kamera Trap di Cagar Alam Nusakambangan Timur Kabupaten Cilacap, Provinsi Jawa Tengah

Monitoring of the existence of the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) in the Nusakambangan Timur Nature Reserve, Cilacap Regency, has been carried out in July-November 2020. Monitoring is carried out using the method of collecting signs of animal presence and installing camera traps. Photos / videos caught on camera traps are counted on the encounter rate. The monitoring results obtained 97 videos which were divided into 6 videos of P.p. melas, 15 videos of wild boar (Sus scrofa), 1 video of mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus), 2 videos of mountain squirrels (Tupaia montana), 1 video of mice (Apodemus sp.) 20 videos of human activities, and 47 videos of non detection. The result of the Encounter Rate calculation shows the result of P.p. melas 4.44 / 100 days; wild boar 11.85 / 100 days; Squirrels 1.48 / 100 days; rats and mouse deer 0.74 / 100 days, respectively. Meanwhile, for the trail of P.p. melas found 2 impurities.

Cloprostenol, a synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2α induces functional regression in cultured luteal cells of felids†.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of the synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-cloprostenol-on cultured steroidogenic luteal cells of selected felid species over a 2-day culture period. The changes induced by cloprostenol were measured based on progesterone concentration and mRNA expression analysis of selected genes. Cloprostenol significantly reduced concentration of progesterone in cell culture medium of small luteal cells isolated from domestic cat corpora lutea (CL) at the development/maintenance stage (P<0.05), but did not influence progesterone production in cultured cells from the regression stage. A decrease or complete silencing of progesterone production was also measured in cultured luteal cells of African lion (formation stage) and Javan leopard (development/maintenance stage). Gene-expression analysis by real-time PCR revealed that treatment with cloprostenol did not have an influence on expression of selected genes coding for enzymes of steroidogenesis (StAR, HSD3B, CYP11A1) or prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2, PGES), nor did it effect hormone receptors (AR, ESR1, PGR, PTGER2), an anti-oxidative enzyme (SOD1) or factors of cell apoptosis (FAS, CASP3, TNFRSF1B, BCL2) over the studied period. Significant changes were measured only for expressions of luteinizing hormone (P<0.05), prolactin (P<0.05) and PGF2α receptors (P<0.005) (LHCGR, PRLR, and PTGFR). The obtained results confirm that PGF2α/cloprostenol is a luteolytic agent in CL of felids and its impact on progesterone production depends on the developmental stage of the CL. Cloprostenol short-term treatment on luteal cells was associated only with functional but not structural changes related to luteal regression.

The illegal exploitation of the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) and Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi), both of which are threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict issues and the illegal wildlife trade. Leopards and clouded leopards are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade across their range, however, very little is known of the illegal trade in these two species in Indonesia, or of the efforts made to tackle this crime. Both the Javan Leopard and Sunda Clouded Leopard are protected species in Indonesia and both species are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning commercial international trade is generally prohibited. To better understand the trade, and efforts to end this trade, we collected records of seizures and prosecutions relating to Javan Leopards and Sunda Clouded Leopards in Indonesia for the period 2011–2019. Despite both species being protected by law, this study reveals the prevalence of extensive poaching, illegal domestic trade and international trafficking of both species. A total of 41 seizure records were obtained from 2011 to 2019, which was estimated to amount to approximately 83 animals, which likely represents only a fraction of the total number of cases and therefore the risk may be substantially greater. Approximately half of the cases resulted in successful prosecution and of these, the highest sentence given was 2 years in jail and a fine of IDR50mil (~USD3300). The majority of the penalties handed down for these crimes were far below the maximum potential penalties and are unlikely to be effective deterrents.

Luteinizing Hormone Effect on Luteal Cells Is Dependent on the Corpus Luteum Stage in Felids.

Simple SummaryThe corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland on the mammalian ovary, and its main function is to produce progesterone. Knowledge about the corpus luteum in felids is very limited and luteolytic and luteotrophic factors which regulate its maintenance and regression are not extensively studied. Information about corpus luteum function is needed to understand breeding strategies and to successfully implement assisted reproductive techniques for felids, of which most of the species are threatened. The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of luteinizing hormone on cultured luteal cells from corpora lutea obtained from selected felids and to investigate the protein expression of steroidogenic enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by immunohistology.The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) on steroidogenic luteal cells obtained from corpora lutea (CL) of the domestic cat and selected wild felids. Luteal cells were isolated enzymatically from CL at different developmental stages and cultured for two days in the presence and absence of 100 ng/mL LH, respectively. Functionality was assessed by progesterone (P4) accumulation in cell culture media determined by ELISA. In addition, steroidogenic function was confirmed using immunohistochemistry for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B). The enzymatic method allowed for the isolation of mostly small luteal cells in all investigated felids. Treatment with LH resulted in an increase in P4 secretion of cultured luteal cells obtained from CL in the formation stage (African lion) and development/maintenance stage (domestic cat (p < 0.05), Javan leopard), whereas luteal cells from more advanced stages of luteal development (regression) responded moderately or not at all to LH stimulation (domestic cat, Asiatic golden cat, Asiatic lion). The protein signal for HSD3B on CL was visible until development/maintenance. In conclusion, this study shows that LH promotes P4 production in luteal cells only until the onset of regression, when morphological signs are visible on the CL of felids and HSD3B is no longer detectable.

DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND HABITAT OF MAMMALS IN MANDALAWANGI RESORT OF MOUNT GEDE PANGRANGO NATIONAL PARK

Distribution pattern and habitat quality of mammals is essential to keep the existing of mammals which depends on interactions between its intrinsic evolutionary and ecological system. Mandalawangi Resort aside from being a conservation area, it is also a tourist area. Tourism activities carried out in the region, will directly and indirectly affect the sustainability of mammal diversity. The benefits of mammals are to stabilize the food chain, the spread of plant seeds, as an object of research and education. The study aims to determine the distribution patterns and habitat of mammals in Mandalawangi Resort . Research on mammal diversity was carried out using 4 methods: rapid assessment, line transect, animal footprint. Habitat data obtained using vegetation analysis and field observation methods. The diversity of mammals in the Mandawalangi Resort consists of 7 types of mammals from 6 families, namely kekes squirrel (Tupaia javanica), langur (Trachypithecus auratus), wild cats (Felis domesticus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), leopard (Panthera pardus melas) , civet mongoose (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and house gutters (Suncus murinus). Species wealth index is low (0.50). The diversity index of mammals is included in the low diversity category (0.25). The highest level of mammal species meeting is kekes squirrel (Tupaia javanica) with a value of 29.4%. Evenness index is included in the unstable community category (0.15). Mammalian habitat is divided into tropical rain forests and open land with dominating trees namely Damar (Agathis damara) and Rasamala (Altingia excelsa).