POPULATION STUDY OF LONG-TAILED MACAQUE (MACACA FASCICULARIS) IN IR. H. DJUANDA GRAND FOREST PARK, WEST JAVA

• Main Author: Thufailah Hakim, Nisrina
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/50613
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The Ir. H. Djuanda Grand Forest Park (Tahura Djuanda) is one of the habitats for long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in West Java. Beside preserving and protecting flora and fauna, this area is also managed for nature-based tourism. This tourism activity has caused several problems, including changes in long-tailed macaque’s eating behavior and long-tailed macaques causing some disturbances to visitors. Another problem that occurred is the activity of long-tailed macaques outside the Tahura Djuanda area which disturbs the local community. Handling of this problem needs to be supported by the availability of adequate information on several aspects related to the long-tailed macaque population. This study aims to estimate the density and abundance of long-tailed macaque populations in Tahura Djuanda and its structure based on sex and age-class. Population data were collected by using the concentration count method. This method is a census method carried out by counting the long-tailed macaque population at the points where long-tailed macaques tend to be easy to find. Observations were made at 8 observation points and were divided into 2 time periods, namely 08.00-11.00 and 12.30-15.30. The data recorded during the observation consist of the coordinates of the observation point, the number of colonies, the number of individuals in the colony, age-class and sex. Furthermore, demographic data analysis includes population size, population density, sex ratio, birth rate, and age class comparison. The results showed that groups of long-tailed macaques were scattered not only in Utility Zone such as around Goa Belanda, along the road, and at Curug Omas, but also found in Protection Zone, particularly in the forest located behind the Tahura Djuanda Management Center. The estimated population of long-tailed macaques is 376 individuals which is divided into 8 groups, with an average group size of 47 individuals per group. The population density of long-tailed macaques in Tahura Djuanda is 9.46 individuals / Ha. The sex ratio between male and female is 1.59: 1, while the crude birth rate is 0.38. The population structure of long-tailed macaques shows a regressive pattern based on four categories of age classes; babies, juveniles, young adults and adults. The results of this study are expected to be used as a reference in the management of long-tailed macaques in Tahura Djuanda and in other areas.