Spatial Analysis of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus ssp. melas G. Cuiver, 1809) Habitat Modeling Using Landscape Structure Approach

Rizka Iwanda; Lilik Budi Prasetyo; Pairah Pairah; E. A. Lintang Wardyani; Tinnara Ginzania Cavana; Ardi Ismanto; Iwan Ridwan

doi:10.22146/jtbb.20781

Rizka Iwanda Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science, Postgraduate School, IPB University, Jl. Raya Darmaga, Sekolah Pascasarjana IPB, Kampus IPB Darmaga Bogor, Bogor Barat, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia 16680; Yayasan Lembaga Penelitian Kaleka Indonesia, Jalan Padang Galak No. 17, Kesiman Petilan, East Denpasar 80237, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7968-6670
Lilik Budi Prasetyo Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science, Postgraduate School, IPB University, Jl. Raya Darmaga, Sekolah Pascasarjana IPB, Kampus IPB Darmaga Bogor, Bogor Barat, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia 16680 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5320-3221
Pairah Pairah Gunung Merapi National Park Office, Jl. Kaliurang KM. 22,6, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Area Hutan, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman Regency, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia 55582 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1935-0476
E. A. Lintang Wardyani Yayasan Lembaga Penelitian Kaleka Indonesia, Jalan Padang Galak No. 17, Kesiman Petilan, East Denpasar 80237, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0972-5899
Tinnara Ginzania Cavana Yayasan Lembaga Penelitian Kaleka Indonesia, Jalan Padang Galak No. 17, Kesiman Petilan, East Denpasar 80237, Indonesia
Ardi Ismanto Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Office, Jl. Raya Cipanas, Malasari, Kabandungan, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, Indonesia 43368
Iwan Ridwan Gunung Halimun Salak National Park Office, Jl. Raya Cipanas, Malasari, Kabandungan, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, Indonesia 43368

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.20781

Keywords: Boosted Regression Trees, Fragmentation index, Maximum Entropy, Maximum Likelihood, Random Forest, Spatial Modeling, Support Vector Machine

Abstract

Population growth, agricultural activities, and infrastructure development on Java Island have significantly contributed to the reduction and fragmentation of forest cover, resulting in habitat loss and the decline of wildlife populations. Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is the largest forest complex in West Java. GHSNP is also home to one of Java's key endemic species, the Javan leopard, whose habitat is currently threatened. This study aims to analyse forest fragmentation in GHSNP by evaluating landscape structure that supports the habitat of Javan leopard. Additionally, it is crucial to obtain the suitable model habitat for the Javan leopard using Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) with environmental and landscape structure variables. The analysis revealed that forest fragmentation has occurred in several areas of GHSNP, as indicated by various landscape structure indices. Furthermore, one of the ENM Ensemble models demonstrated superior performance compared to Maximum Likelihood, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and Boosted Regression Trees. Variables that influence habitat model development primarily encompass environmental factors such as elevation, prey distribution, and forest cover, with landscape structures exhibiting a comparatively minor yet notable effect. By integrating species occurrence data with detailed landscape metrics, habitat models can assess and rank areas based on their ecological value and contribution to long-term population viability. These models also enable the simulation of future habitat dynamics under scenarios such as forest fragmentation, allowing conservationists to anticipate range contractions or expansions and to implement forward-looking strategies to Javan leopard conservation.

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