DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT SUSTAINABILITY OF JAVAN LEOPARD (PANTHERA PARDUS MELAS CUVIER 1809) IN GUNUNG TILU NATURAL RESERVE

• Main Author: Syifa Maliki, Munifah
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/68733
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is one of the endemic carnivores of the Java Island and is a keystone species due to its presence as a top predator that becomes a role in controlling prey populations. Gunung Tilu Nature Reserve (CAGT) is one of the natural habitats of the Javan leopard, so it is important to study the habitat of these animals as a basis for supervision. This study aims to determine the distribution, the factors that most influence the distribution, and the suitability of the Javan leopard habitat in CAGT. The study was conducted using the transect method and observing the encounters and signs of the Javan leopard's presence as well as modeling the habitat suitability of the Javan leopard with principal component analysis (PCA) based on habitat variables such as elevation, slope, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation) value, distance from the river, distance from the river of prey, and distance from the road, which are then extrapolated into a map. The distribution of the Javan leopard in CAGT is found at an altitude of 1000–2175 mdpl, slopes of 1%–34%, and dense vegetation canopy density. The most influential factors on the distribution of the Javan leopard were altitude, feed availability, and distance from the road. CAGT has a high habitat suitability of 3402.66 ha, a medium suitability of 3744.98 ha, and a low suitability of 66.70 ha. The Java leopard habitat suitability model can be accepted with a validation level of 100% in the high and medium habitat suitability classes. Therefore, it can be concluded that the area can support the life of the Javan leopard.