Javan Leopard Research Articles

Architectural design assessment of Javan leopard rehabilitation facility regarding the occurrence of stereotypical pacing

The Javan leopard is an apex predator with a key role in maintaining the stability of the ecosystem, in which it’s population are declining due to habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and human-animal conflict. Although efforts in rescuing Javan leopards are actively made, not all rescued Javan leopards can be released back to the wild. Some must go through rehabilitation process in captivity, due to physical injuries. One issue regarding leopards in captivity is the risk of them developing stereotypical pacing, a repetitive stereotypic behaviour due to stress in confinement as one of the sign of zoochosis. Zoochosis itself is a mental illness in animals. Zoochosis will definitely interfere with the success of rehabilitation process. Therefore, cases of zoochosis such as in zoos must not occur in rehabilitation facilities. A further understanding of animal’s needs and behaviour is needed and must be implemented in the design of the enclosure. Not only to prevent zoochosis, but also to improve and promote the natural behaviour of the Javan leopard. This study aims to analyse how the design of an enclosure correlates to Javan leopard’s behaviour. Through methods of observation and evaluation of rescued Javan leopards at a rescue center in Sukabumi, by studying the overall facility design and the behaviour of the leopards. Results shows that the rescue center enclosure provide more natural environment with live foliage, sunlight, minimal noise disturbance, hiding spots, and able to simulate hunting behaviour during feeding time. The leopards housed shows no significant sign of zoochosis.

INVENTARISASI KEBERADAAN DAN PENYEBARAN JEJAK MACAN TUTUL (Panthera pardus melas Curvier, 1809) DI HUTAN LINDUNG CIJAMBU KABUPATEN SUMEDANG)

Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Curvier, 1809) is an endangered species that have been protected because of the population decreased and some population extinct locally. One of them is leopard in Protected Forest Cijambu that no has data about leopard of existence. The objective of this research was to inventory leopard existence and to know distribution of leopard in Cijambu Protected Forest. The method of research is Local community interview and identify of leopard footprint by observation and spatial analysis. The research showed that leopard existence by footprint, feces, scratches, and sound. So, estimate individu of leopard in Cijambu Protected Forest is 3 individual, with a footprint the size of front and rear at 1 individual is 7.5 cm and 7 – 7.1 cm, 1 individu is 11 cm and 10.2 – 10.3 cm, and 1 individual is 6.5 cm and 5.0 cm. Distribution of footprints leopards in Protected Forests Cijambu is exist in Block Legok honje, Pasir panjang, Gunung putri, Gunung sanggara, Bewak and Pangauban.

Mammals diversity of mount sawal wildlife reserve, Ciamis, West Jawa

We conducted research on mammals diversity in the Mount Sawal Wildlife Reserve on March 2012. Data collection was obtained by direct observation and interviews. They are includes direct encounters, traces/signs of the mammals presence (ex: faeces, traces/footprints, odors, scratch marks, food scraps, etc.) as well as information from the community around the forest. Observations were carried out in seven observation path/forest block in Mount Sawal namely Belandongan, Cibaruyan Jero, Gintung, Gunung Luhur, Kigugula, Jamikuwu, and Sawah Gunung. We documented at least 10 species of mammals have been recorded, including Panthera pardus melas, Presbytis comata, Trachypithecus auratus, Macaca fascicularis, Muntiacus muntjak, Hystrix javanica, Aonyx cinereus, Prionailurus bengalensis, Mydaus javanensis, and Sus Scrofa. The existence of mammals is relatively evenly distributed in all observation path/forest block in The Sawal Mountain. Six species are protected by Indonesian Law, including Panthera pardus melas, Presbytis comata, Trachypithecus auratus, Muntiacus muntjak, Hystrix javanica, and Prionailurus bengalensis. Information on the diversity of mammals is expected to be a scientific consideration in the management area of the Mount Sawal Wildlife Reserve.

Mammalian diversity in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Husodo T, Shanida SS, Febrianto P, Pujianto MP, Megantara EN. 2019. Mammalian diversity in West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1846-1858. Protected forests in West Java are wider than conservation forests, whereas mammalian diversity in protected forests is as high as mammalian diversity in conservation forests. Mammals in protected forests are not protected by regional protection regulations, while anthropogenic factors in Java are quite high. This is possible that mammals who have high conservation status will experience local extinction. This study aims to determine (i) the composition of mammalian species and (ii) the species that are always found in studies of mammalian diversity in West Java. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach by combining several methods such as interview, camera trapping, sign survey, observation and transect, and collapsible traps. Mammalia in West Java found 54 species, 21 families, and nine orders with details of three species of Artiodactyla, 12 species of Carnivores, seven species of Chiroptera, one species of Dermoptera, one species of Euphotyphla, one species of Pholidota, five species of Primates, 21 species of Rodentia, and three species of Scandentia. The species that are always found in all study locations are nine species, including wild boar, Javan leopard, leopard cat, Javan mongoose, oriental small-clawed otter, Asian palm civet, grizzled leaf monkey, Javan langur, and Javan tree shrew. The results presented here may facilitate improvements in the mammalian diversity database, especially in the non-conservation area.

Diversity of mammals in forest patches of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Husodo T, Febrianto P, Megantara EN, Shanida SS, Pujianto MP. 2019. Diversity of mammals in forest patches of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1281-1288. Most species on Java, Indonesia are ecologically associated with or dependent on forests, the island’s high deforestation rates are a major threat to its species. Until now, various efforts to conserve mammals are still focused on natural ecosystems, such as forests. There has not been much research on mammals carried out specifically in non-conservation forest areas, whereas many regions in Indonesia have extensive community lands in the landscape and are directed to be areas that have a conservation function, besides still functioning as a production system. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the diversity of mammals that are still found in Cisokan especially those that have high conservation status and their habitat. Combination of several research methods applied, such as semi-structured interview, sign survey, direct observation, camera trapping, and collapsible trap. Mammalian diversity in the Cisokan forest patched is found in 26 species and among them are endangered species, such as Javan Leopard, Pangolin, and Slow Loris. These three species occupy diverse land cover from natural forest to human lands, such as production forests, settlements, rice fields, and agroforestry or mixed gardens. The existence of these species on human land has the potential for human-wildlife conflict, so it needs to be studied further in wildlife management in Cisokan.

Density and spatial partitioning of endangered sympatric Javan leopard (Felidae) and dholes (Canidae) in a tropical forest landscape

This study explores two large carnivores, Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) and dhole (Cuon alpinus) that are known to have an overlapping diet and are sympatric in the south-western part of West Java. We characterised their spatiotemporal habitat together with four medium-sized prey species. We used photographs collected along 39.420 night-traps from 108 camera-traps installed on the peninsula of Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). We are using maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt) to investigate seasonal environmental factors. Concerning the dominant prey species, our results showed that distances to secondary forest edge were highly significant for both Javan leopard and dhole in wet and dry seasons. Javan leopard is mostly active at dawn and dusk, whereas spatially correlated with Javan mousedeer and red muntjac. Dhole exhibited diurnal activity and were avoiding Javan leopard to a certain extent. Its spatial use is overlapping with red muntjac, wild boar, and banteng. Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) methods, the density estimation for Javan leopard were 10.91 and 11.54 individuals/100 km2 in wet and dry seasons, respectively. We confirmed UKNP as one of Indonesia's biodiversity hotspots and a critical area to preserve Javan leopard and dholes.

Historical biogeography of the leopard (Panthera pardus) and its extinct Eurasian populations

BackgroundResolving the historical biogeography of the leopard (Panthera pardus) is a complex issue, because patterns inferred from fossils and from molecular data lack congruence. Fossil evidence supports an African origin, and suggests that leopards were already present in Eurasia during the Early Pleistocene. Analysis of DNA sequences however, suggests a more recent, Middle Pleistocene shared ancestry of Asian and African leopards. These contrasting patterns led researchers to propose a two-stage hypothesis of leopard dispersal out of Africa: an initial Early Pleistocene colonisation of Asia and a subsequent replacement by a second colonisation wave during the Middle Pleistocene. The status of Late Pleistocene European leopards within this scenario is unclear: were these populations remnants of the first dispersal, or do the last surviving European leopards share more recent ancestry with their African counterparts?ResultsIn this study, we generate and analyse mitogenome sequences from historical samples that span the entire modern leopard distribution, as well as from Late Pleistocene remains. We find a deep bifurcation between African and Eurasian mitochondrial lineages (~ 710 Ka), with the European ancient samples as sister to all Asian lineages (~ 483 Ka). The modern and historical mainland Asian lineages share a relatively recent common ancestor (~ 122 Ka), and we find one Javan sample nested within these.ConclusionsThe phylogenetic placement of the ancient European leopard as sister group to Asian leopards suggests that these populations originate from the same out-of-Africa dispersal which founded the Asian lineages. The coalescence time found for the mitochondrial lineages aligns well with the earliest undisputed fossils in Eurasia, and thus encourages a re-evaluation of the identification of the much older putative leopard fossils from the region. The relatively recent ancestry of all mainland Asian leopard lineages suggests that these populations underwent a severe population bottleneck during the Pleistocene. Finally, although only based on a single sample, the unexpected phylogenetic placement of the Javan leopard could be interpreted as evidence for exchange of mitochondrial lineages between Java and mainland Asia, calling for further investigation into the evolutionary history of this subspecies.

Identifying priority conservation landscapes and actions for the Critically Endangered Javan leopard in Indonesia: Conserving the last large carnivore in Java Island.

With the extirpation of tigers from the Indonesian island of Java in the 1980s, the endemic and Critically Endangered Javan leopard is the island’s last remaining large carnivore. Yet despite this, it has received little conservation attention and its population status and distribution remains poorly known. Using Maxent modeling, we predicted the locations of suitable leopard landscapes throughout the island of Java based on 228 verified Javan leopard samples and as a function of seven environmental variables. The identified landscapes covered over 1 million hectares, representing less than 9% of the island. Direct evidence of Javan leopard was confirmed from 22 of the 29 identified landscapes and included all national parks, which our analysis revealed as the single most important land type. Our study also emphasized the importance of maintaining connectivity between protected areas and human-modified landscapes because adjacent production forests and secondary forests were found to provide vital extensions for several Javan leopard subpopulations. Our predictive map greatly improves those previously produced by the Government of Indonesia’s Javan Leopard Action Plan and the IUCN global leopard distribution assessment. It shares only a 32% overlap with the IUCN range predictions, adds six new priority landscapes, all with confirmed presence of Javan leopard, and reveals an island-wide leopard population that occurs in several highly fragmented landscapes, which are far more isolated than previously thought. Our study provides reliable information on where conservation efforts must be prioritized both inside and outside of the protected area network to safeguard Java’s last remaining large carnivore.

The existence of High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) in Perum Perhutani KPH Kendal to support Implementation of FSC Certification

High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) is the identification of High Conservation Values that are important and need to be protected. Under FSC certification mechanism, HCVF becomes one of Principles and Criteria to attain certification. In this study, we identify the existence of HCVF in Perum Perhutani KPH Kendal to support implementation process of FSC certification. Qualitative method was conducted through observation and secondary data from Perum Perhutani KPH Kendal. Data analysis showed through ecolabel certification, Perum Perhutani KPH Kendal has been identified HCVF area covering 2,715.5 hectares consists of HCV 1 until 6. Secondary Natural Forest (HAS) Subah and Kaliwungu for Ulolanang and Pagerwunung Nature Reserve buffer zone include as HCV 1.1, conservation area of leopard (Panthera pardus melas) and Pangolin (Manis javanica).for HCV 1.2, conservation area of lutung (Trachypiyhecus auratus) as endemic species for CITES App I and Critically Endangered species include as HCV 1.3, Goa kiskendo for bats species habitat include as HCV 1.4, regions of interest species for Deer (Cervus timorensis) and Kepodang (Oriolus chinensis) as HCV 2.3, Germplasm Protection Region/ KPPN area with high biodiversity include as HCV 3, river border area and water springs for HCV 4. While, utilization of firewood, grass for cattle fodder include as HCV 5 and 14 cultural sites include as HCV 6. From monitoring and evaluation of HCVF data, showed that in 2011-2015 the level of diversity for flora and fauna were increased.

Short Communication: The existence of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in the non-conservation forest areas of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia

Shanidah SS, Partasasmita P, Hudoso T. Parikesit, Febriato P, Meganatara EN. 2018. Short Communication: The existence of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in the non-conservation forest areas of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 42-46. There is no accurate data about the number of individual leopards in Java Island in both conservation and non-conservation areas. In West Java, deforestation for plantations and agriculture is widespread, although it is unknown if leopard uses these human-altered habitats. Therefore, it is important to research the existence of leopards in Non-Conservation Forest Area (NCFA) in western Java, Indonesia. The aim of this research is to investigate: (i) evidence of leopard’s existence (ii) encounter rate of leopard’s existence; and (iii) estimation of individual leopards in NCFA, Cisokan, Cianjur, and West Java. Indirect data were obtained from sign surveys for feces, scrapes, footprints, and residual prey. We also obtained direct data with camera traps. We found 13 footprints, 2 feces, 4 scrapes, and 2 direct encounters by observers. The camera trap data recorded 12 independent leopard events and 8 leopard photos/100 trap days. Estimated number of leopards in Cisokan ranged 1-3 individuals.

Short Communication: Javan Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis Desmarest, 1816) in the Cisokan non-conservation forest areas, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia

Shanidah SS, Partasasmita R, Hudoso T. Parikesit, Meganatara EN. 2018. Short Communication: Javan Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis Desmarest, 1816) in the Cisokan non-conservation forest areas, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 37-41. Javan Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis Desmarest, 1816) in the Cisokan non-conservation forest areas, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: xx, xxx.There is no accurate data about the number of leopard individuals in Java Island in both conservation and non-conservation areas. Besides, human continue to deforestation for the necessities of life, such as agriculture, plantation, etc. Therefore, it is important to research about the existence of leopard cat in Cisokan of Cianjur Regency. The aim of this research is to investigate evidence of the leopard cat’s existence, encounter rate of leopard cat and estimation of leopard cat individual in the non-conservation forest areas, Cisokan, Cianjur. Indirect observation sign survey and direct observation with camera trap were carried out to find evidence of the existence of leopard cat (feces and footprint). The results of the study showed that the evidence of leopard cat’s existence are 6 footprints, 27 feces, and 1 individual which was able to observe. The encounter with camera traps was 29.16 independent detections /100 camera days, resulting in 7-12 estimated individuals.

Conflict between humans and leopards (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in Western Java, Indonesia

Gunawan H, Iskandar S, Sihombing VS, Wienanto R. 2017. Conflict between humans and leopards (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in Western Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 652-658. Conflict between the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) and humans occupying the same region have tended to increase in the last decade in proportion to increase in deforestation followed by fragmentation and habitat loss. The objectives of this research were to study the leopard-human conflict and to analyze the causes in order to formulate recommendations for mitigation. Literature study, structured interviews, and field surveys were carried out to collect data on leopard-human conflict. Spatial modeling using weighted overlays generated a map of conflict potential in Western Java. The results showed that in the last 15 years 71 cases of leopard-human conflict had been recorded, with a tendency to increase over time. There have been 75 records of occurrence of the Javan leopard population in Western Java, of which 30% are assessed to have had a high potential for conflict; 25% had moderate potential, and 46% had low potential. There are indications that leopard-human conflict has occurred in villages around degraded forest areas due to human encroachment and cultivation. Consequently, a special forest management strategy must be implemented on a landscape scale, crossing the boundaries of conservation forest, productive forest, protected forest and other land uses.

Evolutionary history and conservation significance of the Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas

AbstractThe leopard Panthera pardus is widely distributed across Africa and Asia; however, there is a gap in its natural distribution in Southeast Asia, where it occurs on the mainland and on Java but not on the interjacent island of Sumatra. Several scenarios have been proposed to explain this distribution gap. Here, we complemented an existing dataset of 68 leopard mtDNA sequences from Africa and Asia with mtDNA sequences (NADH5 + ctrl, 724 bp) from 19 Javan leopards, and hindcasted leopard distribution to the Pleistocene to gain further insights into the evolutionary history of the Javan leopard. Our data confirmed that Javan leopards are evolutionarily distinct from other Asian leopards, and that they have been present on Java since the Middle Pleistocene. Species distribution projections suggest that Java was likely colonized via a Malaya‐Java land bridge that by‐passed Sumatra, as suitable conditions for leopards during Pleistocene glacial periods were restricted to northern and western Sumatra. As fossil evidence supports the presence of leopards on Sumatra at the beginning of the Late Pleistocene, our projections are consistent with a scenario involving the extinction of leopards on Sumatra as a consequence of the Toba super volcanic eruption (~74 kya). The impact of this eruption was minor on Java, suggesting that leopards managed to survive here. Currently, only a few hundred leopards still live in the wild and only about 50 are managed in captivity. Therefore, this unique and distinctive subspecies requires urgent, concerted conservation efforts, integrating in situ and ex situ conservation management activities in a One Plan Approach to species conservation management.

LEOPARD (Panthera pardus L.) IN PURWODADI, TEPUS, GUNUNGKIDUL, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA

<p>Indonesia is a beautiful archipelago country. It has many habitat type and ecosystem. The most interesting area is karst. By its special characteristics like high concentration of calcium (Ca), makes karst area has a specific and uniquely ecosystem. Gunungsewu is the largest karst area in Indonesia. The surface ecosystem of karst (eksokarst) in Indonesia is very dry, however we can find Leopard (Panthera pardus L), especially in Southern part of Karst Gunungsewu. That is why we are interested to study about it. In this study, we use observation and interview method. From the temporally result (research still on progress), we know that in Purwodadi, Tepus area live two sub-species of Leopards, those are Spotted Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) and Javanese Black Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) with porcupine (Hystrix javanica), squirrel (Caloscurus notatus), Mongoose (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), and other small mammals and some birds as their prey. In some cases, we find Leopard eats the dead human body but they rarely eat cattle although it takes in the middle of the farms. The habitat of Leopard was fragmented. Now they only life in five fragmented part of karst Gunungsewu and their habitat degrade slowly from year to year. From the results, we can conclude that conservation in Karst of Gunungsewu especially in Purwodadi, Tepus, Gunungkidul is badly needed. It must be done soon because Leopard becomes extinct. We can use local wisdom to conserve it because it has proven can make a good interaction between human and Leopards in their habitat. </p><p><strong>Keyword</strong>: predator, tropical, karst, Gunungsewu</p><p> </p>

Characterization of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from captive wild felids with bacteremia

Diseases caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in wild felids are rarely reported. Although urinary tract infections are infrequently reported in domestic cats, such infections when present are commonly caused by ExPEC. The present work characterized ExPEC strains isolated from 2 adult felines, a snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and a black leopard (Panthera pardus melas), that died from secondary bacteremia associated with urinary tract infections. Isolates from both animals were classified into the B2 phylogenetic group and expressed virulence genotypes that allowed them to cause severe disease. In addition, strains from the black leopard showed multidrug resistance.

Taxonomic uniqueness of the Javan Leopard; an opportunity for zoos to save it

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a distinct subspecies, basal to the phylogenetic tree of Asian leopards. At present this taxon is not specifically managed in captive breeding programs in America and Europe. As it is endangered in the wild, and represents a genetically and morphologically unique and distinct taxon we recommend a more concerted effort to target this species for captive breeding.

BIOGEOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE JAVAN LEOPARD PANTHERA PARDUS BASED ON A CRANIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The leopard, Panthera pardus, occurs on Java, Indonesia, but is absent from Sumatra and Borneo, the islands that lie between Java and the rest of the leopard’s geographic range. Recent molecular research has suggested that Javan leopards are a distinct taxon that split off from other Asian leopards hundreds of thousands of years ago, which raises the question of how the species arrived on Java but apparently bypassed Borneo and Sumatra. I have further investigated this issue by linking the results of a morphometric analysis of 121 leopard skulls to my palaeoenvironmental reconstructions for the region. The results suggest that the Javan leopard is craniometrically distinct from leopards from the rest of Asia. I hypothesize that in the Middle Pleistocene (about 800 � 10 3 years ago) leopards migrated to Java from South Asia across a land bridge that bypassed Sumatra and Borneo. During the last glacial maximum, when Java, Borneo, and Sumatra were connected, leopards could not survive on either Borneo or Sumatra because of the islands’ relatively low ungulate biomass and competition from other large carnivores that were better adapted to tropical evergreen forest habitat.