BANGGAI CARDINALFISH (Pterapogon kauderni) AND THE ATTEMPT FOR THE INCLUSION OF CITES APPENDIX II

Ikan capungan Banggai (Pterapogon kauderni) adalah salah satu spesies ikan hias endemik dari Kepulauan Banggai. Tujuan makalah ini adalah (a) memberikan informasi tentang urutan kejadian dan alasan mengapa ikan capungan Banggai ingin dimasukkan dalam Apendiks II CITES oleh Amerika Serikat dan oleh Uni Eropa, (b) menjelaskan tentang tindakan (kebijakan dan kegiatan) yang dilakukan oleh Pemerintah Indonesia, dan (c) menganalisis dampak keputusan dan kebijakan internasional terkait keputusan CITES. Pada prinsipnya, Amerika Serikat dan Uni Eropa menganggap bahwa pemanenan ikan capungan Banggai untuk kepentingan ekspor dilakukan secara berlebihan dan tidak lestari, sehingga kedua negara (kelompok negara) tersebut mengusulkan untuk memasukkan ikan capungan Banggai dalam Apendiks II CITES. Pemerintah Indonesia meyakini bahwa ikan capungan Banggai telah dikelola dengan baik sesuai dengan prinsip kelestarian, sehingga ikan ini tidak perlu dimasukkan ke CITES Appendiks II. Untuk memastikan kelestarian ikan ini, Pemerintah telah melakukan berbagai kebijakan dan tindakan, termasuk membatasi daerah yang diperbolehkan untuk dipanen, mengembangkan upaya budidaya, melakukan penelitian tentang estimasi populasi di alam, serta merumuskan rencana aksi nasional. Setelah melalui proses panjang yang melibatkan berbagai institusi, ikan capungan Banggai diputuskan untuk tidak dimasukkan dalam Apendiks II CITES.  Namun demikian, upaya konservasi tetap perlu dilanjutkan oleh Pemerintah Indonesia untuk memastikan bahwa populasi dan perdagangan ikan capungan Banggai ini akan tetap lestari pada masa mendatang. Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is a commercial ornamental fish originated and endemic to Banggai Islands of Indonesia. The objective of this paper was (a) to examine the sequence and the reasons to include Banggai cardinalfish into CITES Appendix II by USA and again by European Union, (b) to explain the responds (policy and actions) by Indonesian Government, and (c) to analyse the impact of the international and national policies related to CITES decisions. Basically, USA and EU claimed that the exploitation of Banggai cardinalfish for export was over-harvested and unsustainable, and thus they proposed to include the species into CITES Appendix II. The Government of Indonesia considered that the species has been appropriately managed in accordance to sustainable yield, and thus this species no need to include in the CITES Appendix II.  To ensure its sustainability, the Government has issued a number of activities and interventions, among other, imposing limited access to harvest area, establishment of breeding operations, study of its natural population as well as development of a national action plan. After a long process involving various institutions, Bangai cardinalfish was decided not to be included in CITES Appendix II.  Conservation measures, however, need to be continued by Indonesian Government to make sure that the population and the trade of Banggai cardinalfish will be sustainable in the future

Guild Composition and Niche Overlap of Insectivorous Birds in Evergreen Rainforest

A guild is a group of species that have similar requirements of resource and foraging behavior. The knowledge of insectivorous guild could explain foraging patterns, niche exploitation, and competition in a tropical forest. This information could help to monitor the forest by understanding the guild composition and their response to the habitat condition. In order to describe the guild composition and niche overlap of insectivorous birds, we observed all of the individual birds found foraging in the evergreen forest, Baluran National Park. Bray-Curtis similarity index and Pianka niche overlap index were used to analyze the data and grouping the birds into a guild. The cluster analysis consists of 27 bird species revealed 4 guilds: ground gleaner, foliage gleaner, aerial sallier, and bark prober. Based on species richness, foliage gleaner dominates the other groups while bark prober had the least species richness in the evergreen forest. The scarcities of feeding substrate affect guild existence and proved that the diversity of habitat substrate could affect the diversity of guild in an area. Ten congeneric species were found in this habitat and most of them are grouped into foliage gleaner. The junglefowl has the highest niche overlap than any other congeneric species. It seemed that the more specific the foraging substrate niche, the higher the competition among sympatric species. The level of congeneric/sympatric species competition could become the indicator to monitor a specific habitat or forest by understanding their niche partitioning, especially if the species is protected by the law.&nbsp

Response of Dung Beetle Communities (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Across Gradient of Disturbance in the Tropical Lowland Forest of Buton, Sulawesi

Little is known about how antropogenic disturbance triggered the biodiversity loss of functionally important insect groups in an island, including dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). This study focused on the responses of dung beetle across gradient of disturbance in a secondary tropical lowland rainforest (Lambusango forest, Sulawesi, Indonesia). From June to August 2013, dung beetles were collected in the forest with low, intermediate, and high level of disturbances. Each disturbance level had three transects which were separated at least 500 m each other (n=9). Ten pitfall traps per transect baited with cattle dung were set, along 100 m transect for 48 hours. A total of 1.710 dung beetles, representing 29 species, were collected. Total 79% trapped specimens and 55% of species richness was found in the intermediate dis-turbance, which it was significantly differed compare to two other disturbances. Shannon-Wienner index was signifi-cantly higher in low disturbance than in intermediate and high disturbance, while dominance speciesindex mostly occured in intermediate disturbance. A two-dimensional scalling plot based on Bray-Curtis index indicated the different species composition of the beetles between disturbance levels. We concluded that dung beetle assemblages of secondary lowland rainforests appeared a robust respond to the disturbance levels

Bycatch of Amboina Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) by Fishermen in Rawa Aopa, Southeast Sulawesi

Rawa Aopa is a permanent swamp ecosystem that serves as one of the suitable habitats for amboina box turtles (Cuora amboinensis). Some of the area is part of a national park (Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park) and is designated as a traditional zone for fishing activities, where local fishermen sometimes reported accidental catch C. amboinensis in their fishing gear. The aims of this study were to record the existence of C. amboinensis bycatch, size and age structure of bycatch, characteristic of fishing activity, and to discuss the conservation implication of bycatch.  The number of bycatch was recorded by direct observation of 7 selected fishermen in 14 days. The C. amboinensis caught accidentally were measured and weighed. A total of 38 individuals of C. amboinensis were accidentally caught by fishermen during the study, having a size ranged of 7.4 to 18.5 cm (juveniles, young adults, and old adults; no hatchling), and weighed 248 to 996 g. Based on sex, there was no significant difference between morphological size of male and female, although bycatch for females (59%) tend to be slightly higher than males (41%). Most of fishermen lives in Pewutaa Village and used bubu traps to catch fishes. C. amboinensis are the most common bycatch compared to other species. In order to minimize the impact of bycatch of the C. amboinensis by fishermen, we need to ensure that the turtle that accidentally trapped in the fishermen’s fishing gear would be released unharmedly to their habitat.

Response of Bird Community to Various Plantation Forests in Gunung Walat, West Java, Indonesia

Different plantation forests possibly harbor different bird communities. This study was aimed to reveal responses of bird community to the different plantation (Schima wallichii, Agathis loranthifolia, Pinus merkusii, and mixed plantation), identify species shared in all plantation, and species confined to a particular plantation. The study site was plantation forests, using the point count method for 64 effective hours. There were 40 bird species (maximum prediction 52) in all forest plantations and each type had 26–31 species. Number of individuals, species density, and diversity index in Schima plantation were higher, followed by Agathis, Pinus, and mixed plantations. Mixed plantation could have harbored more species based on the prediction by Chao. Although there were some differences in tree species, tree sizes, and tree heights, the response of bird composition in all plantations was not differed (93–81% similarity) probably because of the short distances among the forests, the abundance of food insects, and the same late-successional stages. There were 15 (37.5%) widely distributed species in all forest types. Eight species were confined only to a specific forest type. Four species were considered true confined species, namely Javan sunbird (Schima forest), Grey-cheeked bulbul (in Pinus), Crescent-chested babbler (Agathis), and Mountain white-eye (Agathis)

RATTAN DIVERSITY AND BROAD EDAPHIC NICHES IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF BUTON, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

PRITCHETT, R., PHILLIPS, A., MARDIASTUTI, A. & POWLING, A. 2016. Rattan diversity and broad edaphic niches in a tropical rainforest of Buton, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 99 – 110. — This paper attempts to answer the question: how can at least 20 species of rattan palms in the genus Calamus (family Palmae (Arecaceae)) co -exist in a rainforest? A survey of rattans was made in Lambusango Forest on Buton, an island close to south east Sulawesi, in Indonesia. Rattan species and numbers were recorded in 87 quadrats of 30 × 10 m, laid out along linear transects in habitats with a variety of soils. Evidence for edaphic (soil) niches was sought. Different rattan species were found to be adapted to soils with different conductivity and pH values. Standardised mean difference (d) scores were calculated for pairs of species based on their response to soil pH. Of the 66 pairs tested, 61 were found to be significantly different statistically. Such differences suggest, but do not prove, that many species occupy different edaphic niches. It was found that species which show a preference for soils with intermediate pH values (5.0 to 6.5) can grow in soils with a wide range of pH values, implying broad edaphic niches and that competition between these species is weak. Correspondence analysis shows that many species do not distinguish greatly between many soils with intermediate pH values. It is concluded that rattan species show evidence for having different edaphic niches, although the niches for many species are broad. It is speculated that many rattan species may be ecologically equivalent and that a weak version of ecological neutrality theory may apply

CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPERIENCES OF BIRDWATCHER IN INDONESIA

Birdwatching is one of nature recreations focusing on enjoying the wild birds. This activity is a hobby that continuously develops and has high economical value, besides beneficial related to conservation.  A study of birdwatching in Indonesia is only focused on a bird potential supply concept in various locations without any demand study. A demand study is expected to become the basic of birdwatching management following the birdwatcher desire. This study aimed to analyze the birdwatcher characteristics in Indonesia on demographical, experience, motivation, and preference aspects. The study was performed on February to April, 2020 using online questionnaire distributed to Indonesian birdwatchers. The respondents who completely filled or nearly filled the questionnaire were 1257 birdwatchers. The respondent demographic is dominated by male, adolescent and early adult, living in the city, high educational background, and conservation organization member. The birdwatching experience is dominated by less than 3 hours activity. The protected area becomes the most-visited location by birdwatchers followed by the urban landscape. Bird identification is mostly carried out through visuals rather than through sounds. The most commonly used equipment is the bird fieldguide and binoculars

Behavior and Group Movement of Proboscis Monkey\u27s (Nasalis Larvatus Wurmb.) in Samboja, East Kalimantan

Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus Wurmb.) are endemic primates to the island of Borneo that are subjected to serious problems like habitat loss, fragmentation and forest degradation. Studies of movement behavior of monkeys have been done in the isolated and fragmented habitat in Samboja, East Kalimantan. Behaviour data of feeding, moving, social, resting, and sleeping were collected using instantaneous sampling method. The plots of trees survey were established 20 m x 200 m on each habitat. The movement behavior consists of daily ranging and utilization of height of the canopy. Daily ranging was recorded by GPS and height of canopy utilization divided to 0-3 m, 3.1-6 m, 6.1-9 m, 9.1-12 m, and > 12 m. The results showed that the daily ranging of the monkeys were varied, ranging from 25.7 m– 749.9 m (average 333 m), which home ranges between 4.52 ha – 6.92 ha. Daily movement distance between groups on the three habitat was different. Generally, the monkeys used canopy strata depending on habitat conditions, height, diameter and density of trees

The Display Behavior of Sub-Adult Greater Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea apoda): A Learning Process from an Adult?

The Greater Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) is a bird that performs a courtship display (lekking) to attract females during the mating season. The objective of this study was to examine the display behavior of adult and sub-adult males on lek trees as a learning process by a sub-adult and identify the lek trees. The research was conducted in the Tunas Timber Lestari Ltd. Production Forest in central mainland Papua, in a non-breeding season. After a lek tree was found, a video recording was conducted. Analysis was performed from the video. The lek tree was an emergent species with a dense canopy. An adult male was observed to perform a dance display in front of sub-adult males, even in the absence of females. When adult males performed display, the sub-adult were observed the adult males in an upside-down position. The sub-adult also danced, but not as complete as the adult, suggesting that there was a learning process by the sub-adult. This study revealed that the sub-adult/young males of the bird-of-paradise has the ability to dance inherit from their fathers, and then perfect the dance through practice and watching adults. The lek tree surely need to be protected for the survival for this species.Burung cenderawasih kuning-besar (Paradisaea apoda) adalah burung yang melakukan tarian (lekking) untuk menarik perhatian betina selama musim kawin. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengamati perilaku menari burung jantan dewasa dan jantan remaja di pohon lek sebagai proses pembelajaran oleh cendrawasih remaja, dan mengidentifikasi pohon lek tersebut. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Hutan Produksi PT Tunas Timber Lestari di daratan tengah Papua, diluar musim kawin. Setelah ditemukan pohon lek dan aktivitas lek, perekaman video dilakukan. Analisis dilakukan dari video tersebut. Pohon lek yang teramati adalah merupakan pohon emergen dengan kanopi rapat. Cendrawasih jantan dewasa terlihat melakukan tarian di depan jantan remaja, bahkan tidak ada betina. Ketika burung jantan dewasa melakukan tampilan, burung jantan remaja terlihat mengamati burung jantan dewasa dalam posisi terbalik. Burung jantan remaja juga menari, tetapi gerakannya tidak selengkap burung jantan dewasa, hal tersebut menunjukkan adanya proses pembelajaran oleh burung jantan remaja. Studi ini mengungkapkan bahwa burung jantan remaja dan anakan memiliki kemampuan menari yang diwarisi dari ayah mereka, dan kemudian menyempurnakan tarian melalui latihan dan mengamati dari burung dewasa. Pohon lek ini tentu perlu dilindungi untuk kelangsungan hidup spesies ini

TINGKAT KESEJAHTERAAN DAN STATUS KESIAPAN OWA JAWA DI PUSAT PENYELAMATAN DAN REHABILITASI SATWA UNTUK DILEPASLIARKAN

Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch Audebert 1798) is an endemic non-human primate in Java Island. Its population decreased because of  destroyed habitat and illegal hunting. One of the ex-situ conservation effort is by building Javan Gibbon Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (JGC). One of the JGC’s purpose is releasing javan gibbon which is ready. Javan gibbons management in JGC should pay attention to animal welfare of javan gibbons. The purposes of this research are knowing the level of animal welfare and preparedness status of javan gibbons for released. The used methods are direct observation to the enclosure, health and javan gibbon its self, focal animal sampling for behaviour observation and interviewing the animal keeper and veterinary. The level of animal welfare of All of the javan gibbons in JGC were in very well category. The sequence of animal welfare level of javan gibbons from the highest to the lowest based on enclosure type were made-introduction enclosure, pair enclosure, and semi-natural-introduction enclosure. The readiness status for release were known that four pairs of  javan javan gibbon   were categories very ready  (Willie-Sasa, Mel-Pooh, Moli-Nency, dan Asep-Dompu), one pair was ready (Robin-Moni) and one pair was not ready yet (Labuan-Kasy).Keywords: Animal welfare, Javan gibbon, Javan gibbon center, Released