Habitat characteristics of the Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) in Alas Purwo National Park

Abstract

Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi), JHE is an endemic raptor in Java Island which is endangered and has been protected by law. Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) which is JHE's habitat in the lowlands. Limited information about JHE habitat preferences in APNP makes it difficult to develop a management plan for JHE habitat in accordance with its habitat preferences in nature. Purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the landscape and vegetation that affect the activity of JHE, so that it can be used for recommendations for the management of JHE habitat in APNP. The data collected consisted of landscape characteristics and vegetation characteristics obtained from manager interviews and observations. Characteristics of the nesting habitat landscape are distinguished by slope and elevation conditions. The nesting habitat has a slope of < 8% and an elevation of 36 - 74 masl and river flows are found. Meanwhile, hunting habitats are on a slope of < 8 % - 40 % and an elevation of 0 - 167 masl. The type of land cover in the form of natural forest is preferred by the JHE for nesting or hunting, and the habitat used is not far from human activities. Characteristics of vegetation in nesting and hunting habitats are distinguished by the presence of tall trees which are the preference of JHE nest trees. The architecture of rauh and stratum A models is preferred as nesting trees, while hunting trees mostly use A and B stratum trees with tree architecture dominated by the rauh model. The habitat used is also dominated by fruit trees which are favored by JHE prey. Recommendations for the management of the JHE habitat in APNP can be restoration by planting tree species that have A and B strata characters, rauh model tree architecture, and vegetation which is the food of JHE prey.