ANALYSIS OF GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) NESTING HABITAT SUITABILITY AT PANGUMBAHAN BEACH, SOUTH SUKABUMI, WEST JAVA

• Main Author: Santika, Vera
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/66024
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Pangumbahan Beach is one of the nesting habitats for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the southern coast of Java Island. The quality of the nesting habitat plays an important role in the sustainability of the green turtle population. The dynamics of land cover and use at Pangumbahan Beach have an influence on the level of suitability of the area as a green turtle nesting habitat. This study aims to analyze the suitability of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting habitats at six Pangumbahan Beach stations. The habitat suitability analysis involved seven environmental parameters, namely (1) beach slope, (2) beach width, (3) sand temperature, (4) sand composition, (5) sand grain size, (6) beach vegetation cover, and (7 ) man-made structure cover. The nesting habitat suitability analysis was carried out by assigning a score and weight to each parameter and combining them to determine the Habitat Conformity Index (IKH). The results showed that there were 2 green turtle nesting habitat stations, namely station 3 and station 4 which were included in the appropriate class (S1) with an IKH of 80% - 100%, while station 5 and station 6 were included in the quite appropriate class (S2) with an IKH of 70. % - < 80%. Station 1 and station 2 are included in the class not in accordance with IKH 0% - <70%. The results of the study can be used as an important input in the management of green turtle nesting habitats on Pangumbahan Beach, including in the planning of habitat rehabilitation.