Visual Encounter Survey Method Research Articles

Conservation Status of Reptilia in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India and its Environment

The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is an important biogeographical hot spot and hosts diverse ecosystem in its habitat. The objectives of the present study are to assess conservation status of Reptilia in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and to know the role of habitat in harbouring and conserving/protecting wild fauna. Day time opportunistic visual encounter survey method was employed to study and site different species of Reptiles. There are about 78 species of reptiles inhabited in the reserve, out of which 15 species are threatened as per IUCN, 2023 The reserve harbors three species of turtle and tortoises, 31 species of lizards under five families and 44 species of snakes under six families. There are about 37 species of reptiles which are endemic in the region comprises one species of Geoemydidae, six species of Gekkonidae, eight species of Agamidae, two species of Scincidae, seven species of Uropeltidae, eight species of Colubridae, one species of Pareidae, one species of Elapidae and three species of Viperidae.

Uneven species occurrence and richness of lowland snakes (Serpentes, Squamata) in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, with new locality records.

This study documents information on the composition, diversity, richness, and temporal occurrence of snakes at Sekayu's lowland forest (SLF), Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia for the first time. The snakes recorded within the SLF were sampled opportunistically from 2013 to 2019, employing the Visual Encounter Survey method (VES) and L-shape pitfall traps with drift fences. Forty-six snake species from 37 genera belonging to the nine families were recorded, of which 11 were new records to Terengganu. Individual-based rarefaction and extrapolation curves were not reaching asymptote, indicating that additional species can be recorded at the study area. Non-parametric species richness estimators estimated and produced a range between 51 and 57 species. ACE was the best estimator based on the quantitative evaluation. All species showed some variations of occurrence patterns across months. Fourteen species were only encountered once across the sampling years, and interestingly 11 of them were only detected during the rainy season (late October to January). In general, the number of species richness, abundance, and rare species were high during this season. Species richness of snakes is high at SLF but sampling effort should be intensified, especially during these rainy months, to obtain a robust estimated snake species richness in SLF. Terengganu harbor considerably high species richness of snakes with a total of 71 species to date (excluding marine snakes), but snake diversity is still underestimated as only a few localities were surveyed in the past years, primarily at the northern part. Future surveys should be commenced at the central and southern parts of Terengganu to complement the current investigation.

Comparison of plant identifier application ability as a recommendation for biology learning

This study aims to test the ability of the Plant Identifier application to identify plants as a recommendation for biology learning and practicum on plant identification and classification materials. The applications used in this research are Google Lens, Plant Net, Picture This, and Leaf Snap. Object samples include moss plants, ferns, dicot plants, and monocot plants. This study uses the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method with an exploratory-descriptive approach. Application testing includes the speed of object detection, the accuracy of detecting objects based on shape and color, as well as the completeness of plant taxonomy information which includes division, class, order, family, genus, and species. The results of application testing show that: (1) the Google Lens and Picture This applications are superior in terms of speed in detecting objects, (2) Google Lens and Picture This are also superior in terms of accuracy in detecting objects based on shape and color, (3) the Picture This application is an application superior in completeness of taxonomic information. Based on these findings it can be concluded that the Picture This application is the most superior application and can be a recommendation for biology learning and practicum on plant identification and classification materials

IDENTIFIKASI PERILAKU HARIAN BUNGLON SURAI (Bronchocela jubata Dumeril & Bibron, 1837) PADA SAYURAN ORGANIK KELURAHAN KARANGREJO METRO UTARA SEBAGAI SUMBER BELAJAR BIOLOGI

The surai chameleon (Bronchocela jubata Dumeril & Bibron, 1837) is a carnivorous arboreal reptile. The temperature body is poikiloterm and has a roleas insect biocontrol in organic vegetable farming. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the daily behavior of surai chameleon (Bronchocela jubataDumeril & Bibron, 1837) in organic vegetables in Karangrejo Village, North Metro. 2) to be used as a learning resource in the form of brochures for grade Xsenior high school students on ecosystem material. The brochures that discusses the daily behavior of animals as a biotic component. The research was conducted using the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method. The research was conducted on fourteen-twenty December two thousand twenty. The time of observation was carried out in the morning at 06.00 a.m.-20.00 p.m (with two until three hour time intervals). Data were collected using the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the behavior of the surai chameleon (Bronchocela jubata Dumeril&Bibron, 1837) in a day includes the behavior of eating insects, basking, resting, looking from side to side, jumping, hiding, sleeping and moving. The behavior of the surai chameleon(Bronchocela jubata Dumeril & Bibron, 1837) as a diurnal reptile is mostly done in the morning, afternoon and evening. The dominant behavior is the behavior ofresting and moving, while the behavior that is rarely done is the behavior of eating insects and the behavior of looking left and right. Utilization of researchresults used as a source of learning biology in the form of brochures for senior high school class X semester 2 ecosystem material.

Population and Habitat Characteristics of the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, Schneider 1801) in the Antan River, Jebus-Parittiga District, West Bangka

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest and longest crocodilian species in the world. The increasing human activities along river have been caused habitat degradation in watersheds. On the other hand, the crocodile population may have increased after decades of protection. Rivers that are habitat for crocodiles and have increased human occupancy have led to increase conflicts with crocodiles. This increasing cases requires the management authorities to immediately issue policies based on scientific data. Population data and habitat characteristics of saltwater crocodiles in the Bangka Belitung Islands are not yet available. The research with the aim to know the population condition and habitat characteristics of the saltwater crocodile in the Antan River, Bangka Belitung Islands, was conducted using visual encounter survey method along 5 km. Observations were made in three time periods, namely morning, afternoon, and evening with 8 repetitions per period. Population were analyzed using the encounter rate formula, while the habitat characteristics were described descriptively. During the research, we only found one adult and this individual was sighted in the morning, afternoon and evening. This study also confirms that crocodile surveys should be conducted at night. The encounter rate at the study site was 1.13 individu/km. This value indicates that the population is small. The habitat type in the Antan river is a mangrove ecosystem with a depth of around 2.55 meters, water brightness 38.6%, water temperature 29.18℃, salt content 0.89%, and water pH 6.09. Although only one adult individual is found, it requires attention because in general conflict cases occur in adult individuals.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Amfibi Di Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus Oelsonbai, Kelurahan Fatukoa, Kecamatan Maulafa, Kota Kupang, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

This research was conducted to determine the Diversity of Amphibian Species in Forest Areas with Special Purpose Oelsonbai, Fatukoa Village, Maulafa District, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province. This research was carried out in October 2021. Data collection on the diversity of amphibian species used the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method with transects and identification methods. Analysis of amphibian species diversity data using the formula for calculating the Shannon-Wienner diversity index (H') and species evenness (E). The results of this study found 5 types of amphibians from 4 families with a total of 158 individuals. family Bufonidae (1 species), family Dicroglossidae (2 species), family Rhacophoridae (1 species), and family Microhyladee (1 species). The diversity of amphibian species in KHDTK Oelsonbai line A (H'=1.27) while the diversity value in line B (H'=1.34). The diversity of the two paths is categorized as moderate. Physical characteristics such as air temperature, water temperature, and relative air humidity in KHDTK show values ​​that are suitable for amphibian life in general. Water temperature ranged from 26.5° to 30°C and air temperature ranged from 26° to 28°C while relative humidity ranged from 77% to 80% with a pH of 7.8 to 8.0.

Inventory of Amphibian Species (Order Anura) in Ujung Kulon National Park

Abstract: This research was conducted to provide an amphibian (order Anura) species list in the Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, Indonesia. The study was conducted in June-July 2021. The location of the study was determined using a purposive sampling method, namely based on the type of amphibian habitat located in four areas of Ujung Kulon National Park, namely Handeulum Island, Cigenter, Peucang Island, and Cidaon. Sampling was carried out in the morning at 07:00-11:00 WIB and in the evening at 19:00-22:00 WIB using the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method combined with line transects. The observation station has an average temperature of 25-30˚C, soil moisture 62-69%, air humidity 80-89%, light intensity 832-1443 lux, and soil pH 6.5-6.7. The amphibians obtained were 10 species from 5 families. The Family Dicroglossidae is the most found. The most common species found were at station 3 on Peucang Island and station 4 Cidaon. Differences in the composition of amphibians are caused by different habitats at each station and environmental factors.

Morphometric Variations of Chalcorana chalconota (Schlegel, 1837) in Four Populations in Jatimulyo Kulon Progo

Jatimulyo is an ecotourism area consisting of several areas, each of which has a different height and abiotic factors. This can affect the morphometric character of frogs including Chalcorana chalconota. Research on specific morphometric variations of Chalcorana chalconota in Jatimulyo ecotourism has never been conducted. The purpose of this study was to analyze the distinguishing character of four frog populations as well as analyze the morphometric variation of the Chalcorana chalconota frog in Jatimulyo ecotourism. The research samples were taken using the visual encounter survey method and direct collection in the field in all four populations. Morphometric measurements use 32 characters. The measurement data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test followed by UPGMA to see dissimilarity using the MVSP 3.1 program. The results showed that of the 32 characters observed and analyzed, there were nine characters that had a p<0.05 value which means it is significant to distinguish the four populations. The nine characters are (HW), (TD), (MFE), (MBE), (HAL), (LAL), (FOL), (IN), (MTL). LK, DT, JMMD, JMMB, JIN, PMD, PBR, PTJ4, PTM. The frog Chalcorana chalconota population of Kembang Soka has a high morphometric similarity with the population of Kedung Pedut. The Mudal River Population and the Bull Kedung Population have a considerable morphometric similarity with the Soka Flower and Pedut Flower Populations. This study can be concluded that the morphometric variation of Chalcorana chalconota in Jatimulyo ecotourism is influenced by altitude factors.

Diversity of Amphibians (Order Anura) in Cibodas Resort Tourism Route, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

Cibodas Resort is one of the protected areas in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park which is capable of supporting amphibian life. Amphibians can be used as bioindicators of environmental quality, especially aquatic ones. Amphibian studies are found to be interesting, but publications on amphibian data, especially at Resort Cibodas, are still rare. The publications regarding amphibian data of the Anura order, especially in the Cibodas Resort, have not been found. This Study aimed to determine the diversity of amphibians of the Order Anura in the Cibodas Resort tourist route. This research was an exploratory research conducted from September to October 2021. The research method used the Visual Encounter Survey method combined with the Line Transect method by following a predetermined path. The data was retrieved through the form of primary data (number of species of the Order of Anura in the Cibodas Resort tourist route). Based on the results of research at 3 sites, 12 species from 6 families were found with 192 individuals. The diversity index is classified as moderate with a value of 2.15, the evenness index is classified as high with a value of 0.86, and the dominance index is classified as low with a value of 0.14. The species that dominate in the 3 observation sites are from the family Ranidae namely Odorrana hosii and Huia masonii, the family Rhacophoridae namely Rhacophorus margaritifer and the family Dicroglossidae namely Limnonectes kuhlii and L. microdiscus.

KOMPOSISI JENIS HERPETOFAUNA DI AREAL KONSESI PT. HUTAN KETAPANG INDUSTRI KABUPATEN KETAPANG

PT. Ketapang Industrial Forest is a national private company engaged in the exploitation of industrial forest plantations (HTI) located in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan Province with an area of ± 100,150 Ha. PT. The Ketapang Industrial Forest has several types of ecosystems, one of which is the open wetland forest ecosystem. PT. Ketapang Industrial Forest is an Industrial Plantation Forest Company with the type being cultivated is rubber. The purpose of this study was to examine the composition of herpetofauna species in the open wetland forest ecosystem type and rubber plantations in the open wetland ecosystem. The method used is the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method or a visual encounter survey combined with a 600 m long line system (Transect) in both areas. The width of the observation transects is 5 meters each on the left and right and is carried out by walking in a zikzak manner following the observation path. Observations showed that herpetofauna species consisted of amphibians and reptiles in natural ecosystem types and rubber plantations. Types of herpetofauna in both areas found 17 species from 12 species of amphibian class and 5 species of reptile class, with a total number of 38 individuals consisting of 8 families. The amphibians found consisted of the Ranidae, Dicroglossidae, Bufonidae and Rharcophoridae families. The reptiles found were the Colubridae, Natricidae, Geomydidae and Varanidae families.

Occurrence patterns of herpetofauna in different habitat types of western Terai Arc Landscape, India

The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is an important region of biodiversity in India. Situated in the foothills of the Himalaya, it is spread across India and Nepal. We describe the herpetofauna of the western part of TAL encompassing Ramnagar Forest Division, which falls in Uttarakhand state of India. We primarily used visual encounter survey method for sampling. A total of 47 species of herpetofauna belonging to three orders, 17 families and 36 genera were recorded from 10 habitat types (6 terrestrial and 4 aquatic). Highest species richness (n=32) was recorded from the human settlement and least (n=4) species richness was reported from pond habitat. In this paper, the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in each habitat type is discussed.

PENGEMBANGAN PANGKALAN DATA KERAGAMAN SPESIES ANURA DI CAGAR ALAM TELAGA WARNA

The Telaga Wama Natural Reserve (CATWA) at Bogor Regency, West Java Province is a biodiversity conservation area, however, the changed of some of the area's functions into a Nature Tourism Park can affect the quality of its ecosystem. One approach to evaluate ecosystem quality is through the analysis of Anura species diversity. The continuity of the Anuras eggs and larvae is influenced by the presence of pollutants in the waters. The availability of Anura species diversity database can be an indication of the aquatic ecosystem quality at CATWA. This research was conducted using the Visual Encounter Survey method at five sampling locations in CATWA, namely river, lake, swamp, forest pond, and waterfall. Observations of tadpoles were carried out twice a week, for four weeks, accompanied by physical-chemical measurements of the waters, namely DO, BOD, COD, temperature, pH, depth, and turbidity. The Anura diversity database is made up of a time series, combining of this study result, and previous reports. This study had identified 10 species of tadpoles from six Anura families, namely Dicroglossidae, Megophyridae, Ranidae, Bufonidae, Rhachoporidae and Microhylidae. The level of species diversity is moderate (H'=2.29). Turbidity and water temperature have the highest correlation with species diversity. The water quality in CATWA was relatively good, and able to support the life of Anura. This is also evidenced by the presence of species representatives from all Anura families in Java Island.

Herpetofaunal Assemblages in the Lowland Regions of Sumatera Barat

The habitat destruction and land-use changes caused the decline of animal composition in many tropical regions. Here, we study the diversity of herpetofauna in the lowland areas in Sumatera Barat, a midwestern province in Sumatera island, using a visual encounter survey method. The surveyed habitat included rubber plantations, streams, paddy fields, and peat swamps. We observed 338 individuals representing 44 species from 14 families of herpetofauna with almost 90% individuals were amphibians. Overall, the rubber plantations contained a higher number of species than other types of habitat. For amphibians, Ranidae and Dicroglossidae represented the first and the second highest both in the species and individual number. For reptiles, Agamidae and Colubridae or Gekkonidae accounted for the first and the second highest in the individual number while Colubridae and Scincidae consisted of the highest species number. Our data showed that the diversity index was mostly in moderate level except in paddy field. The species composition in rubber plantations were more similar to those of streams rather than paddy field or peat swamp Sago habitat.

Diversity and Abundance of Dragonfly (Anisoptera) and Damselfly (Zygoptera) at Sabo Dam Complang, Kediri, East Java, Indonesia

This research aimed to identify and analyze the diversity and abundance of dragonflies and damselflies species at Sabo Dam Complang. The samples were taken using the VES (Visual Encounter Survey) method and two transect methods: line transects, and belt transects. The data obtained were analyzed using the Shannon-Wienner species diversity index (H') and the relative abundance of species (RA). The results showed that at Sabo Dam Complang, the researchers found 11 species with a total of 63 individuals dragonfly of Anisoptera suborder and nine species with a total of 160 individuals from 5 families in the Zygoptera suborder. The results of this research show a diversity index value of 2.59.

Utilization of Tree Canopies by Avifauna in Two Types of Habitat in Telaga Warna Nature Tourism Park, Bogor, West Java

Trees have a variety of canopy forms that are used by birds to rest, eat and socialize. Tree canopies are divided into two categories based on their position, namely vertical and horizontal. Telaga Warna Nature Tourism Park (TWA) is a public space that is considered to host a diversity of birds and vegetation. The area has two different types of habitats, namely ecotone, and primary forest. This study aimed to determine diversity of bird species that make use of tree canopy in the two types of habitat. The study was conducted in July, September, and December 2018. Bird data collection in the form of tree canopy utilization (vertically and horizontally) was conducted at the time of 07.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00, using visual encounter survey method. The results showed that there are 48 species of birds from 22 families used the entire canopy horizontally and vertically. The sequence of level of vertical utilization in both ecotone habitat and primary forest in descending order is found as follows: strata 3 with 30 species, strata 4 with 18 species, strata 1 with 17 species, strata 2 with 13 species, and strata 0 with 9 species. The level of horizontal canopy utilization by birds in both ecotone habitats and primary forests is found to be higher for edge canopies when compared to inner canopies, with 31 species recorded for edge canopies and 27 species recorded for inner canopies.

Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles in Various Anthropogenic Disturbance Habitats in Nantu Forest, Sulawesi, Indonesia

The Nantu Forest in Gorontalo Province, Sulawesi, Indonesia holds one of the few remaining pristine habitats in the island. The reserve is surrounded by human habituation which provide opportunity to study the impact of forest lost on biodversity. In addition, data on Nantu mostly focused on big mammals, as there is no previous herpetofauna survey at the area. Sampling of amphibian and reptile was conducted in June 2013 and in May–June 2014 using Visual Encounter Survey method, glue traps and transect sampling in seven different sites at the eastern part of Nantu. We categorized four habitat types based on human disturbances: high disturbed habitat (HDH), moderate disturbed habitat (MDH), low disturbed habitat (LDH) and pristine habitat (PH). A total of 680 individual amphibians (4 families; 17 species) and 119 individual reptiles (9 families; 29 species) were recorded. Species richness and species composition for amphibians and reptiles differs according to the level of human disturbances. Low level disturbances habitat demonstrated the highest diversity of amphibians and reptiles, whereas as expected, high distubed habitat showed the lowest diversity. Anthropogenic pressures in forest will decrease species richness of amphibian and reptiles. Although most amphibian and reptiles will be able to persist in low disturbances habitat, forest-dependent species will be lost when pristine forests are disturbed.

Amphibians and Reptiles Survey at Tasik Pergau, Jeli, Kelantan and Its Updated Checklist

A surveyof amphibians and reptiles at Tasik Pergau, Kelantan was conducted from 30 until 31 October 2019 and 22 until 23 November 2019. Four sampling locations were surveyed, namely Long 1 & 2, Suda, Renyok, and Terang intake. The study was conducted using the Visual Encounter Survey method, an active sampling technique that is efficient for short observations. A total of 164 individuals were recorded which comprised of sixamphibian families and six reptiles families. The amphibian families recorded are Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Megophryidae, Microhylidae, Ranidae and Rhacophoridae. A total of 19 amphibian species of and eight reptile species were recorded during the sampling period. In addition, this study has recorded about 12 new records of amphibians and reptiles in Pergau area. These species are Limnonectes dionodon, L. malesianus, L. plicatellus, Megophrys nasuta, Hylarana erythraea, H. signata, Polypedates discantus, Calotes emma, Cyrtodactylus pulchellus, Eutropis macularia, Ahaetulla prasina and Xenochrophis trianguligerus,adding up to the total number of amphibians and reptiles to 42 species. Further studies need to be conducted intensive and extensively to obtain more information regarding amphibians and reptiles in Pergau area.

Short Communication: A note on the new record of the amphibian fauna in Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia

Abstract. Ng YH, Ngadi E, Md-Zain BM, Md-Zairi Z, Abdul-Latiff MAB. 2020. A note on the new record of the amphibian fauna in Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 21: 2425-2429. A survey of amphibian species in Pulau Tinggi was conducted from February to October 2019. The study was carried out using the Visual Encounter Survey method and the drift-fenced pitfall trap method. Based on previously published literature and the present survey, an updated checklist of amphibians is presented. In total, nine species were recorded that comprise three previously recorded species (Limnonectes blythii, Polypedates leucomystax and Odorrana hosii), and six new recorded species (Limnonectes deinodon, Polypedates dischantus, Microhyla heymonsi, Fejervarya limnocharis, Ingerophrynus parvus, and Kaloula pulchra).

Invasive toads are close to but absent from Komodo National Park

The islands of Komodo National Park in the Wallacea region are the habitats of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Although the Wallacea islands have lower species richness compared to the other large islands in Indonesia, they are rich in endemics, and the occurrence of invasive species would therefore threatened the ecological, economic and social balance of the regions. Several papers have hinted at the possibility of the invasion of Komodo National Parks by Asian toads, a situation which would potentially affect the survival of the Komodo dragon. To detect the presence of the invansive toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus in Komodo National Park and its surroundings areas we carried out an amphibian survey using a Visual Encounter Survey method during February to April 2018. The surveyed location consisted of two main islands within Komodo National Park (Rinca island and Komodo island), Flores island (Labuan Bajo and Cumbi village) and Sumbawa island (Sape). Two species of amphibians were found in Komodo National Park (Rinca island and Komodo island), while seven species of amphibians were found across all four locations. No D. melanostictus toads were found in Flores (including in Komodo National Park), however the toad was found to be abundant in Sape (Sumbawa island).

INVENTARISASI AMFIBI RESORT CISARUA TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO BERDASARKAN MUSIM YANG BERBEDA

This study aims to inventory amphibians in the Cimisblung Resort Cisarua Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP) the rainy season and dry season. Amphibian data collection was carried out in February - August 2019 in and night (19.00 - 23.00 WIB) days using a visual encounter survey method along 500 meters with the river flow aquatic) and terrestrial among others, below the surface of litter, rock, weathered wood, and in the bush. Amphibians were to view and record their morphology, then matched the images with amphibian identification books. After the next step was identified, the amphibian was photographed for documentation. If amphibians are not identified in the field, the amphibians are taken to the Cibinong Zoology LIPI to be identified. The results obtained were 13 species (Leptobrachium haseltii, Megophrys montana, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Leptophyryne cruentata, Rhacoporus javanus, Philautus aurifasciatus, dan Nycxtixalus margaritifer, Rana calconata, Huia masonii, Oddorana hosii, Limnonectes kuhlii, Fejevarya limnocharis, Fejevarya limnocharis, and Limnonectes microdiscus) with a difference in the number of species of 5 species between the rainy and dry seasons such as (Leptobrachium haseltii, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Leptophyryne cruentata, Philautus aurifasciatus, and Nycxtixalus margaritifer).