| dc.description.abstract | This study is meant to acquire the information about presence of selected group of fauna species in order to establish time sequence in understanding habitat development within rehabilitation sites. The occurrence of selected species is actually their response to vegetative growth (in other words, better land coverage) which provides such complex niches and habitat components required by the species. Information about selected species in this area could be functioned as a base line for biodiversity data which could be periodically monitored. The study also emphasized the high ecological value of retaining natural land cover patches and existence of natural forests next to rehabilitation areas. Wildlife observation in forested areas would give information about species presence in the area which then could be linked to occupancy possibility in rehabilitation areas based
on theory of connectivity and colonization.
Site comparison to plantation forests was considered to be seen. Stand maintaining for rehabilitation purposes is not intensive as in plantation forests which are developed mainly for biomass production. Continuous maintenance of stand which is generally done in plantation forests would limit growth of wild vegetation. Therefore, it would influence presence of fauna due to low diversity of vegetation as main component of habitat. In fact, plantation forests could still provide habitat complex for life of some animal species. In the context of biodiversity, appreciation needs to be addressed in explaining their response to that ‘artificial’ habitat.
There is no substantial difference in the existence of fauna found in rehabilitation area and plantation. It can be said here that they mostly are omnivore and generalist with wide range ecological amplitude. These characteristics seem to be the factors that make them could occupy the rehabilitation sites and the plantation. However, when they start to occupy the areas is critical point that indicates their response to habitat change. Most of birds found are quite common in open habitats, plantations, secondary forests and forest edges. The presence of hornbills gives sign that mature secondary growth is still dispersed throughout the Sebulu Site. The observation on species group of Longicorn Beetles (Cerambycidae) and Butterflies (Lepidoptera) has also shown the fact that they are mostly found in degraded lands which have changed from their original condition in both the coverage and landscape.
Closeness to humans and existence of illegal activity (logging and hunting) influence presence of particular species. That could be the reason the difference of species presence in the Sebulu Site and the plantation. Some carnivore species, such as Malayan Sun Bear Helarctos malayanus, Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata and Bornean Bay Cat Pardofelia badia represent sensitivity to humans and disturbances. Since there is still ongoing illegal logging activity in the Sebulu Site and its surroundings, they are likely
avoiding the area and looking for safer habitat. In addition, the higher photo capture frequencies of Bornean Crested Fireback Lophura ignita nobilis in the plantation compared to the Sebulu Site may also be related to local hunting pressure which is quite
higher in the Sebulu Site.
The presence of large mammal species in Bromo Site is limited. The good thing is almost all species that are expected to occur in the high altitude of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park were encountered. The Javan Leopard Panthera padus melas is likely to be the first capture of the Park. It is understood that the species encountered are known having wide range of habitat preference in high altitude. More species were found in the natural forest than those in the grassland. It is easy to explain since natural forests provide more spectrums of habitat and resources. The use of grassland as habitat for particular species is influenced by its closeness to natural forests.
There were only three species of Cerambycidae (Longicorn Beetles) and four species of Lepidoptera (Butterflies) found in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Despite lack of catching effort, two factors that could be addressed for this situation are; (a) low diversity of vegetation as food resources and houseplant; (b) high altitude. The research attempt has found Rucentra ochrlorunctatata, an endemic species to Java island at altitude of 2,300 m asl, and Sybra sp. that has confirmed as a new record of the Park.
Serious attempts are needed to deal with some problems and illegal activities around the rehabilitation sites, both in Sebulu and Bromo. Those are among non technical factor which could hamper rehabilitation efforts, moreover, to value its success. | en_US |
