Entang Iskandar

Prevalence of enzootic simian viruses among urban performance monkeys in Indonesia

Animal reservoirs are the most important sources of emerging infectious diseases that threaten human populations. Global travel and tourism bring ever‐increasing numbers of humans into contact with animals, increasing the likelihood of cross species transmission of infectious agents. Non‐human primates come into contact with humans in a variety of contexts and may harbor infectious agents with zoonotic potential. We investigated the prevalence of infection with enzootic simian viruses among 20 urban performance monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in Jakarta, Indonesia. This report documents for the first time evidence of infection with four simian viruses in urban performance monkeys. Simian foamy virus was detected by PCR in 52.9% of the macaques. Antibodies to simian retrovirus were detected in 10.5% of the macaques. Antibodies to Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1, were detected in 5.3% of the macaques. Similarly, antibodies to simian T‐cell lymphotropic virus were detected in 5.3% of the macaques. No evidence of infection with simian immunodeficiency virus was detected in these macaques. These results suggest that urban performance monkeys are a reservoir for enzootic simian viruses known to be capable of infecting humans.

The role of traditional beliefs in conservation of herpetofauna in Banten, Indonesia

Social taboos have been increasingly recognized for their role in determining human behaviour. Such informal institutions may also, in some instances, guide practices that serve as effective conservation measures. Here we present a case in Banten, Indonesia, where a local taboo has discouraged the collection of two herpetofaunal species, the water monitor lizard Varanus salvator and the reticulated python Python reticulatus , on Tinjil Island, an undeveloped island off the coast of Java. The taboo is not observed in the nearby mainland villages of Muara Dua and Cisiih, where the two species may be harvested for skin or meat, and where the water monitor may also be killed as a pest. Water monitors and reticulated pythons figure prominently in the international reptile leather trade, with skins produced from Indonesias wild populations representing the highest percentage of total global exports of both lizard and snake skins. The site-specific taboo documented here provides a strong deterrent to collection of these species in a location where they could be subject to illicit harvest as populations in nearby mainland areas decrease. Preliminary evidence also suggests that belief in forest guardian spirits may extend protection to other wildlife species on Tinjil Island.

Long-term population survey of the Sulawesi black macaques (Macaca nigra) at Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The Sulawesi black macaque (Macaca nigra) population at Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi, Indonesia has been the focus of periodic study for over 30 years. The population has shown considerable decline during much of that time. Here we present the results of a long‐term population survey of the Tangkoko M. nigra, conducted over the past decade, to provide updated information and on‐going assessment of the population. Line‐transect sampling was conducted annually from 1999 to 2002 and 2005 to 2011 along the same transect during a 2‐ to 3‐week survey period. Although further decline in the population was observed at the outset of the survey, over the subsequent 12‐year period we have seen stability in the population parameters with evidence of modest increases in both group and population density. During the 1999–2002 survey periods, there was a mean group density of 3.6 groups/km2 and a mean population density of 39.8 individuals/km2. During 2005–2011, mean group density increased to 3.8 groups/km2 and mean population density was 51.4 individuals/km2. The 2011 survey data indicated an estimated group density of 4.3 groups/km2 and a population density of 61.5 individuals/km2. Given that our transect was located in the core of the Tangkoko reserve, our density estimates should be limited to that area of the reserve. One explanation for the apparent stabilization of the population may be tied to the increasing and sustained number of training and research programs being conducted at the reserve. This collective effort by local and international groups may be helping to reduce illegal activity in the reserve (i.e., hunting and habitat destruction) and generate greater awareness of this critically endangered species. Without the continued vigilance afforded by the existing research and training programs and the support and involvement of the local people, the M. nigra at the Tangkoko Nature Reserve will likely face further decline. Am. J. Primatol. 75:88‐94, 2013.

Sexual Behaviour of the Spectral Tarsier ( Tarsius spectrum ) in Captivity

Tarsius spectrum is a primate species endemic to Sulawesi. Populations of the species have decreased due to habitat destruction and hunting. The sexual behaviour of T. bancanus and T. syrichta are known, but that of T. spectrum has not been reported until recently. The aim of this research was to study the sexual behaviour of T. spectrum in captivity. We observed 3 pairs of T. spectrum at the captive breeding facility of the IPB Primate Research Centre for 9 months using focal animal sampling. We showed that principal courtship behaviours were scent marking (36.7%) and genital marking for females (16.2%) and genital inspection for males (16.0%). Copulations lasted between 3 and 4 min, starting with the male mounting the female and thrusting quickly as many as 168–236 times followed by slow thrusting 9–20 times. When slow thrusting occurred, females vocalized up to 6 times. At the end of the copulation sequence, males remained motionless with their penis inserted within the female’s genitalia for about 31 s. Copulation occurred only once for each pair during the observation period. Our results should be useful to support breeding programmes and conservation actions for tarsiers.

Survey of the Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch) in West and Central Java, Indonesia: Trends in Population Density

The Javan gibbon is endemic to Java with remaining populations restricted to a few protected areas. This species is currently endangered with habitat loss considered the most serious threat to the long-term viability. Current population estimates (e.g. density, abundance) for the Javan gibbon are limited and variable. As such, there is a critical need to provide thorough monitoring of the existing population. This survey was conducted at five protected areas located in the provinces of West and Central Java from April 2008 to August 2009. The survey areas included Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Gunung Simpang Nature Reserve, Gunung Papandayan Protection Forest, Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve, and Gunung Slamet Protection Forest. The goal of the project was to generate population density estimates for the species that can contribute to the assessment of population trends and conservation priorities in these protected areas. All surveys involved the use of line-transect sampling along transects of 1 to 3.5 km in length with repeated multiple times to generate reliable density estimates. Average group and individual densities were highest at Gunung Gede Pangrango NP (2.5 groups/km2 and 5.7 individuals/km2) and lowest at Leuweung Sancang NR (1.1 groups/km2 and 2.4 individuals/km2). A coordinated approach to the conservation of the existing Javan gibbon population is a high priority and should include long-term population monitoring combined with the assessment of habitat suitability.

Assessing female reproductive status of spectral tarsier (Tarsius tarsier) using fecal steroid hormone metabolite analysis

The wild population of spectral tarsier is declining and attempts to breed the species in captivity have been of limited success. One possible reason for this is that information on the reproductive biology of Tarsius tarsier is extremely limited and data on the species reproductive physiology are completely lacking. We validated fecal estrogen (E‐total) and progesterone metabolite (5‐P‐3OH) measurements for monitoring female ovarian activity and pregnancy. We used this approach to provide the first data on cycle and pregnancy length based on endocrine information in this species. We collected regular fecal samples in combination with observations on socio‐sexual behaviors for a maximum of 15 months from three females maintained at Primate Research Center of Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia. Hormonal profiles indicated that behavioral estrus was associated with marked elevations in fecal E‐total concentrations followed by increases in 5‐P‐3OH levels indicating luteal function. Pregnancy was characterized by low levels of E‐total and 5‐P‐3OH during the first month and markedly rising concentrations thereafter. An ovarian cycle length of 21.7 ± 5.7 days was found. Gestation length was 128d (live infant), 131d (stillbirth), and 164d (death of mother and infant due to dystocia). Despite the small sample size, the study demonstrates the overall validity of fecal sex hormone metabolite measurements for reproductive monitoring in female T. tarsier, as such, the methods described here may ultimately help to improve the breeding management of the species in captivity. They may also offer new opportunities for investigating basic questions of tarsier reproductive biology in the wild by using fecal hormone metabolite analysis to diagnose pregnant animals and determine reproductive rates in relation to ecological and other factors influencing tarsier reproduction. Thus, non‐invasive assessment of female reproductive condition as described here may ultimately contribute to facilitate in and ex situ conservation efforts of this endangered primate species.

Group Formation of the Long-Tailed Macaques Introduced onto Tinjil Island, West Java

Research on quantification of ecological values of mangrove forest ecosystem are urgently needed, due to its importance as the basics for utilization and management of resources. From the ecological point of vlew, the main prohlem of mangrove ecosystem is rarity and inconsistency of data and limited accurate methods in quantifying ecological values of that ecosystem. Results show that mangrove has the significant ecological values on coastal ecosystem. However, there must be further research to determine the accurate potentials of ecological benefit? of mangrove forest ecosystem.