Habitat preference of Anoa (Bubalus spp.) in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Abstract

Arini DID, Nugroho A. 2016. Habitat preference of Anoa (Bubalus spp.) in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 103-108. Anoa (Bubalus spp.) is the largest mammal species in Sulawesi and Buton Islands. The anoa population is currently estimated less than 2,500 individuals. Anoa population in Northern Sulawesi has declined faster than another region. Anoa was declared locally extinct in North Sulawesi forests such as in Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve, Manembo-nembo Wildlife Reserve, and Gunung Ambang Nature Reserve. The Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park (BNWNP) is the only hope for natural habitat of anoa which represents the genetic diversity of subpopulation in North Sulawesi. The purpose of this study was to determine the anoa habitat preferences in BNWNP based on types and components of habitat. The research was conducted in 2012. Measurements and observations of habitat components included altitude, slope, the distance from the river, the distance from the settlement, trees density and understories density. Habitat type was determined by overlaying the maps of land cover and altitude. The preferences of types and components of habitat were determined based on the frequency of Anoa present (footprint, feces, bone) which encountered. Data were analyzed by using Chi-square and Neu’s Index. The results showed that BNWNP can be grouped into four habitat types, which are non-forest, lowland forest, mountain forest and moss forest habitats. Lowland forest (300-1000 m asl) dominated BNWNP by 69.85%, followed by mountain forest by 23.08%. The preference of Anoa habitat showed the highest value on moss forest habitat (>1600 m asl). Based on the habitat components, the highest preference was shown on location with an altitude >1000 meters above sea level, slope 9-25%, 800-1000 meters distance from the river, a distance of 6-8 km from the settlement, 201-250 ind./ha in trees density, and 41-50 ind./ha in understories density. Currently, the preference of Anoa habitat in TNBNW was shown at locations which remote from the reach of a human being, i.e., at a safe and undisturbed habitat.