THE LAND COVER CHANGE EFFECT FOR JAVAN RHINOCEROS SITE SUITABILITY

Abstract

The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the endemic animals in Java, Indonesia, which is currently threatened with extinction and is included in the 25 species program as the top priority for the Indonesian government. In 2021 the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry said that only 75 Javan rhinos remained in Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten Province. Ujung Kulon National Park is the primary habitat of the Javan rhino, so it requires special attention to protect this habitat. One of the reasons for the reduced population of the Javan rhinoceros is the diminishing availability of habitat. Habitat reduction occurs due to changes in land cover due to human activities. This study aims to identify changes in the habitat suitability of the Javan rhinoceros due to human pressure. Parameters of human pressure will be identified using changes in land cover in 2000 and 2018. Remote sensing and GIS technology will be used to monitor habitat suitability for endemic animals over a large area and a long time. The Javan rhino habitat suitability analysis in 2000 and 2018 will integrate geographical, environmental, and meteorological parameters. The MCDA (Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) method will determine a decision from several suitability parameters. Based on observations of human activities parameters, there have been significant changes to land cover from 2000–2018, especially in residential areas, which negatively impacted the suitability of the Javan Rhino's habitat. The results of this study can identify priority areas that require protective action for the Javan Rhinoceros habitat. This research is expected to be the basis for protecting endangered endemic animals, especially the Javan Rhinoceros, so their habitat is preserved.