Indra Yustian

Responding to forest degradation: altered habitat use by Dian's tarsier Tarsius dianae in Sulawesi, Indonesia

As most of the pristine forests of South-east Asia have been lost, the ability of its animal species to coexist with humans becomes increasingly important. Dians tarsier Tarsius dianae, one of the smallest primates, lives in forests of central Sulawesi, Indonesia that are experiencing a dramatic increase in degradation by humans. To evaluate the effects of anthropogenic dis- turbance on tarsiers we used a comprehensive approach to estimate habitat suitability for these nocturnal insect- hunters. On four study plots along a gradient of human land-use we determined population densities, home range sizes, nightly path lengths and group sizes of T. dianae. In total we captured 71 individuals and radio-tracked 30 of these. In more undisturbed sites, population densities were high and travel distances small. We found the smallest home ranges in slightly dis- turbed forest. In a heavily disturbed plantation densities were low, and ranges and nightly path lengths were large. These results show that undisturbed and slightly degraded forests are the most suitable tarsier habitats, and that focusing on different population parameters could lead to differing conclusions about the suitability of particular habitats.

Losing Ground but Still Doing Well — Tarsius dianae in Human-Altered Rainforests of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi, one of the largest islands of the Malay Archipelago, provides living space for a unique fauna and flora. The island is characterized by vast numbers of endemic plant and animal species originating from the Australian as well as the Oriental region. The destruction and degradation of rain forest habitats pose serious threats to wildlife around the tropical world. On Sulawesi, recent population growth, resettlements, and social unrest have severely added to this problem, hence many of the island’s endemic species face a highly unknown future.

Habitat use analysis of Dian’s tarsier ( Tarsius dianae ) in a mixed-species plantation in Sulawesi, Indonesia

To investigate the importance of mixed-species plantations as a potential habitat for small arboreal primates, we radio-tracked six Dian’s tarsiers (Tarsius dianae) in such an area in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, and explored their selectivity for certain vegetation types. The animals strongly favored sporadic dense shrubbery over more open structures, yet they also utilized cash-crop cultivations for hunting insects. This paper documents the first habitat use analysis of tarsiers on agricultural land and exemplifies the vital role of mixed-species plantations in conserving wildlife when nearby forest is logged.

Morphological Diversity of Lansium domesticum Corr in South Sumatra

Research on the Morphological Diversity of Lansium domesticum Corr in South Sumatra aims to examine the morphological diversity of L. domesticum in South Sumatra. The research was conducted in April 2017 to June 2017. This research was conducted by means of exploration carried out in seven districts covering, East Ogan Komering Ulu District, South Ogan Komering Ulu District, Ogan Komering Ulu District, Musirawas District, Ogan Komering Ilir District, Muara Enim District and Musi Banyuasin District. Sampling was done using purposive sampling method. Observation of morphological diversity was done by characterization of morphology and analyzed by the descriptive method. The result of this research shows that in South Sumatera, there were two variants of L. domesticum namely L. domesticum variant duku and L. domesticum variant langsat. Morphological characters that distinguish between duku and langsat variants were found under canopy conditions, the presence of hair on top and bottom surfaces of leaves, fruit shape, fruit skin thickness, fruit taste, and the presence of sap on ripe fruit.

New reports of the presence and ecology of the Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri) in South Sumatra

Abstract The Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri Schlegel 1880), endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is one of the rarest and least known lagomorph in the World. On 2 February 2017, N. netscheri was sighted in the forested Gunung Raya Wildlife Reserve, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. An immediate follow up survey of local coffee farmers and hunters provided new data on the occurrence and ecology of N. netscheri.

Short Communication: Dugong dugon Müller, 1776 (Sirenia, Dugongidae) in Bangka Island, Indonesia

Syafutra R, Adi W, Iqbal M, Yustian I. 2018. Short communication: Dugong dugon Muller, 1776 (Sirenia, Dugongidae) in Bangka Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 823-830. Dugong dugon is a marine mammal species classified as Vulnerable. It has distribution in Indonesia, especially in Bangka Island. However, only four records of dugong were reported in Bangka Island in 1976, 2006, and 2007. In addition, there is little published information about local beliefs toward dugong and awareness actions toward dugong conservation in Bangka Island. This research compiled new records of dugong, local beliefs toward dugong, and awareness actions toward dugong conservation in Bangka Island. Sixteen new records of dugong were collected in Bangka Island leading to a total of 18 records for this island. All new records of dugong were obtained entirely from the eastern waters of Bangka Island. The new records also informed that most of the dugongs were found dead and entangled in gill nets. In addition, an interesting local belief caused Kurau Village becomes the most important location for fishermen to sell dead dugongs or dugongs’ meat. Furthermore, three main awareness actions toward dugong had been implemented in Bangka Island in 2017.

Evolution of 2015/2016 El Niño and its impact on Indonesia

A coupled ocean-atmosphere mode, namely the El Nino event, took place in the tropical Pacific during 2015 – 2016. The event developed in spring (April – May 2015), peaked in late fall to early winter (November – December 2015) and terminated in spring (April – May 2016). The intensity of the event, indicated by the Nino3.4 index, is classified as a strong event. Compare to the previous events, the 2015/2016 El Nino event is one of the strongest event during the last two decades. This study examined the evolution of the event and highlighted some of the important aspects of its influence on the Indonesian climate.A coupled ocean-atmosphere mode, namely the El Nino event, took place in the tropical Pacific during 2015 – 2016. The event developed in spring (April – May 2015), peaked in late fall to early winter (November – December 2015) and terminated in spring (April – May 2016). The intensity of the event, indicated by the Nino3.4 index, is classified as a strong event. Compare to the previous events, the 2015/2016 El Nino event is one of the strongest event during the last two decades. This study examined the evolution of the event and highlighted some of the important aspects of its influence on the Indonesian climate.

First record of Lobocheilos ixocheilos Kottelat & Tan, 2008 (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) in South Sumatra province, Indonesia

Lobocheilos ixocheilos is only known from 2 major riverine systems in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia. In Sumatra, it was previously known only from the Batang Hari basin and reported from localities in the provinces of West Sumatra and Jambi. This paper provides the first record of L. ixocheilos from the Musi basin in South Sumatra province, thereby extending the distribution of the species approximately 150 km southwest from the previous record.

Crossocheilus obscurus Tan & Kottelat, 2009 (Teleostei, Cyprinidae): distribution extension and first record for Musi basin, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Crossocheilus obscurus is a little known cyprinid fish which was first described in 2009 in the Batang Hari basin (West Sumatra province, Indonesia), with no additional published information since that time. In April 2016, C. obscurus was observed and photographed in the Musi basin (South Sumatra province). The identification of this species confirms its presence in a new river basin, more than 250 km south from its type locality.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF INVENTORY, MONITORING AND INFORMATION NETWORKS SYSTEM OF FAUNAL DIVERSITY IN SOUTH SUMATRA

Despite high attention and commitment of Indonesia in biodiversity conservation and its habitat, however, loss of biodiversity and habitat deforestation is also still high. Deforestation rate in Indonesia between period of 2000-2012 reach up 6.02 million ha, and approximately onethird of which is in Sumatra Island. As the fulfillment of CBD and Aichi targets, and in line with the mandate of the Law on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems and IBSAP (Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan 2015-2020), we try to support the requires data as well as information on the current state of biodiversity. The aims are to develop an inventory system of biodiversity needed to establish baseline data on biodiversity including its conservation status in South Sumatra, develop a biodiversity monitoring system with qualitative parameters that can be used in the determination and monitoring of degradation rates of biodiversity, and the establishment of data management system and information network of fauna biodiversity in South Sumatera so that it can be utilized in monitoring and reporting of biodiversity at regional, national and international level at the international level. We conduct a comprehensive review of methods and techniques of inventory and monitoring of fauna biodiversity, especially those that have been done in the area of South Sumatra Province. We also analysis of data needs and information network of fauna biodiversity in South Sumatra. The results is shows in the web-application database, called the South Sumatran Biodiversity Information Networks, or SSBIN, and could preview at http://ssbin.unsri.ac.id/ . Keywords: south sumatra, biodiversity, information, networks, SSBIN.