BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X

Volume 18, Number 3, July 2017 E-ISSN: 2085-4722

Pages: 1190-1195 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d180342

Species diversity and population distribution of arboreal mammals in

Kemuning Forest, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia

AGNES AUDINA KRISANTI1,♥, TETRI WIDIYANI1, MUHAMMAD ALI IMRON2

1
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Jebres, Surakarta 57126, Central
Java, Indonesia. Tel./fax.: +62-271-663375. ♥email: agnesa003@gmail.com
2
Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Jl. Agro No. 1, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Manuscript received: 12 January 2017. Revision accepted: 20 July 2017.

Abstract. Krisanti AA, Widiyani T, Imron MA. 2017. Species diversity and population distribution of arboreal mammals in Kemuning
Forest, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 1190-1195. Arboreal mammals which spent their life on the trees have
significant roles for ecosystem balance and sustainability of forest ecosystem. This research aimed to reveal the diversity, population
distribution, and the habitat used by arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest of Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia. We
conducted observation on the presence of arboreal mammals during four weeks started from April to July 2016. The observation was
done within various times a day depends on the weather. 30 strips transect (ST) with 200m in length were established following the
existing walking path for species identification. Point-quarter samplings (PQS) were used at every 50m of the track length for measuring
diversity, density, and determining the dominant vegetation. There were 137 individuals of arboreal mammals detected and classified in
6 species, i.e., Callosciurus notatus, Ratufa bicolor, Galeopterus variegatus, Macaca fascicularis, Trachypithecus auratus, and Nycteris
javanica. The largest population was M. fascicularis while the smallest was G. variegatus. There were 28 species of identified trees.
Animals were observed in 22 tracks while the other six tracks were out of detected animals, so the relative frequency of animal was
80%. Diversity indices (H’) of the animal were 1.342, whereas the vegetation diversity indices were 2.795. Dominant vegetation species
were Ficus macrophylla (36%). The arboreal mammals were distributed in a clumped pattern. We concluded that Kemuning Forest had
the potential to be the suitable habitat for arboreal mammals with better managements.

Keywords: Arboreal mammals, distribution, diversity, Java

INTRODUCTION Carnivores, Hyracoideas, Pholidotes, Chiropters, and

Rodents are arboreal mammals which are living in this
Mammals have the amounts of improved adaptation upper stratum. Compared to another habitat type such as
models among the other classes so they could endure more agroforestry area (Caudil et al. 2014), the forest has the
changeable environmental condition. Mammals have at highest percentage of the number of mammal species
least 5400 species dispersed in the entire earth surface with including the arboreals (Reed 1998). A habitat without
various body size, shape, appearance, and different massive disturbance supports inhabitant animal necessities
function on the ecosystem (Hickman et al. 2011). Arboreal like food, water, breeding sites, and shelters (Santosa et al.
mammals spend almost their time doing various activities 2008).
such as eating, socialization, and breeding, on the trees Kemuning Forest is a productive land owned by its
(Reed,1998). Mammals, both arboreal and terrestrial, are surrounding villages including Kemuning Village,
more often influenced by human activities than another Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia. It has approximately
animal classes. Human interferences mammals by hunting 600 ha of a mixed forest. Center part of the forest is being
and domesticating for food sources, clothes, experimental kept natural by local people, while the border areas are
objects, and so on (Hickman et al. 2011). used for residence area and coffee plantation area. In this
Forest is a natural habitat for various animal species, small lowland forest, there are many flora and fauna
including arboreal mammals, and plants. Habitat is species species, some of them like Trachypithecus auratus and
specific concept which might be not fit the others. Forest Rhyticeros undulatus are endemics in Java Island (IUCN
habitat could be divided vertically into strata. Each stratum 2016). From the issues of unawareness of the locals to
has its abilities to support the animals’ life (Alikodra 2002), biodiversity richness around them, we tried to collect as
and it could be used to describe the habitat condition. For many information as possible, even from a single
example, the percentage of arboreal mammals living on the adaptation type of animal in small patch area, to renew the
upper stratum (forest canopy) could describe the condition record, reveal some matters are going on, and also figure
of canopy and rainfall intensity on the a certain habitat out solutions to those matters.
(Reed 1998). The upper stratum composed such a complex This study aimed to reveal the diversity and population
habitat due to its supporting characteristics including distribution of arboreal mammal presence. Also, we tried to
elevation in which the vegetation is planted (Samaras and uncover the habitat used by arboreal mammals in
Youlatos 2010). Some species from the ordo of Primates, Kemuning Forest, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia.
 KRISANTI et al. – Arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest, Temanggung, Indonesia 1191

MATERIALS AND METHODS samplings were applied to confirm the habitat use by
arboreal mammals, the density of the trees, and diversity of
This study was conducted in small patch area (± 230 the trees to find tree species dominance. On transect, we
ha) of Kemuning Forest, Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, determined three stable points at every 50 m from the
Indonesia (Figure 1). This area is located on the west side starting point, whether there is animal found or not.
of Kemuning Village. It is under the authority of
Indonesian State Forest Company (PERUM PERHUTANI) Data analysis
of Kedu Utara Unit Management. The survey was Both animals and vegetations data were identified and
conducted for 28 days effectively, started from April to analyzed statistically. From the animal data, we calculated
July 2016. diversity index, population estimation, distribution pattern,
and frequency (Ludwig and Reynolds 1988; Bismark
Survey method 2011). Tree density and dominance were calculated from
The animal census was conducted in the tracks of 30 the vegetation data (Zhu and Zhang 2009; Bismark 2011).
strip transects. Each track has a length of approximately Data normality was analyzed automatically by using
200 m, and 20 m length of belt to the right and left of the Distance software (Thomas et al. 2010).
track. We assumed that every arboreal mammal on the
tracks was observed. Although it was less of efficiency due
to the discountable animals outside the track, we kept using RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
a narrower belt (Williams et al. 2002) which was suitable
to the area topography. The accuracy of visual estimation There were 137 individuals of arboreal mammals
of the observation area is very important to prevent data observed during four months in Kemuning Forest. Those
bias. Transect pattern was determined randomly through a arboreal mammals are of 6 species, i.e. Callosciurus
purposive sampling. The survey took time at the morning notatus (Plantain squirrel), Macaca fascicularis (Crab-
(06:00-10:00 a.m.), afternoon (11:00-16:00 p.m.), and in eating macaque), Ratufa bicolor (Black giant squirrel),
the evening (17:00-20:00 p.m.) (GMT +7). Point quarter Trachypithecus auratus (Javan langur), Nycteris javanica

Figure 1. Observation sites of arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest of Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia
1192 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 18 (3): 1190-1195, July 2017

(Javan slit-faced bat), and Galeopterus variegatus (Javan by a biggest and strongest (alpha) male. They were found
colugo). C. notatus, M. fascicularis, R. bicolor, and T. on three different tracks at noon in the first, second, and
auratus which are the diurnal type, while N. javanica and third observation weeks. They were resting, socializing,
G. variegatus are both nocturnal types (IUCN 2016). There and grooming in the tree branches when we found them.
were variation species in time, location, and population size The similar order to M. fascicularis is T. auratus.
(Figure 2). Huge populations were found on M. fascicularis They live in a smaller group with 3 to 7 members. T.
with a total of 60 individuals observed. They lived in a auratus were found after two weeks of observation. There
group with around 15 to 35 members. Macaca group is led were 12 individuals in 2 groups. They were resting in the
by a biggest and strongest (alpha) male. They were found tree branches. Because of their habitat is an open canopy as
on three different tracks at noon in the first, second, and well as M. facicularis, they were noticed by aerial
third observation weeks. They were resting, socializing, predators easily. A predator we found was Spilornis cheela.
and grooming in the tree branches when we found them. Open canopy habitat is a big threat to the population
The similar order to M. fascicularis is T. auratus. longevity, although they are agile and have a high
They live in a smaller group with 3 to 7 members. T. capability in detecting other animal movements.
auratus were found after two weeks of observation. There Callosciurus notatus and N. javanica are known to live
were 12 individuals in 2 groups. They were resting in the in a smaller group than M. fascicularis and T. auratus. One
tree branches. Because of their habitat is an open canopy as to three individuals of C. notatus were usually observed
well as M. facicularis, they were noticed by aerial along four weeks of observation on the tree branch or stem.
predators easily. A predator we found was Spilornis cheela. C. notatus (34 ind.) were usually found in duration 6:00
Open canopy habitat is a big threat to the population a.m to 13:00 p.m. when they were gathering seeds or fruits
longevity, although they are agile and have a high and drinking water on the ground. Some of them could be
capability in detecting other animal movements. seen in the afternoon (13:00-15:00 p.m.). The species were
Callosciurus notatus and N. javanica are known to live found on 22 different tracks. They are more easily found on
in a smaller group than M. fascicularis and T. auratus. One different tracks than the other 5 species. Generally, C.
to three individuals of C. notatus were usually observed notatus stays in the upper tree hollows near water source
along four weeks of observation on the tree branch or stem. rather than in the bottom or fallen tree hollows.
C. notatus (34 ind.) were usually found in duration 6:00 Nycteris javanica acts more similar to the C. notatus. It
a.m to 13:00 p.m. when they were gathering seeds or fruits stays in the upper tree hollows near the water source. 28
and drinking water on the ground. Some of them could be individuals of them were found at the second and fourth
seen in the afternoon (13:00-15:00 p.m.). The species were week of observation. This species is known to live in a
found on 22 different tracks. They are more easily found on small group with less than five members. They are
different tracks than the other 5 species. Generally, C. probably nocturnal species; they become active after
notatus stays in the upper tree hollows near water source sundown until sunrise. Comparing to C. notatus, N.
rather than in the bottom or fallen tree hollows. javanica is less tolerant to habitat disturbance due to its low
Nycteris javanica acts more similar to the C. notatus. It adaptability (Duckworth et al. 2008). N. javanica liked a
stays in the upper tree hollows near the water source. 28 quiet forest (Hutson et al. 2008).
individuals of them were found at the second and fourth Solitary life was shown by G. variegatus and R. bicolor
week of observation. This species is known to live in a (Beatson 2011; Hayssen 2008). Both species were
small group with less than five members. They are susceptible and intolerant to habitat disturbances,
probably nocturnal species; they become active after especially caused by humans. We found only a single
sundown until sunrise. Comparing to C. notatus, N. individual of G. variegatus and 2 individuals of R. bicolor.
javanica is less tolerant to habitat disturbance due to its low G. variegatus was observed in the evening when it was
adaptability (Duckworth et al. 2008). N. javanica liked a sticking on the tree stem in the middle of a wind storm.
quiet forest (Hutson et al. 2008). Two individuals of R. bicolor were found only in a short
Solitary life was shown by G. variegatus and R. bicolor time. According to the villagers, both species were
(Beatson 2011; Hayssen 2008). Both species were undergone severe population decreasing in the past 16
susceptible and intolerant to habitat disturbances, years because of overhunting and trading were done by
especially caused by humans. We found only a single local people.
individual of G. variegatus and 2 individuals of R. bicolor. The meeting points were different to each species due
G. variegatus was observed in the evening when it was to internal and external factors. The internal factors are
sticking on the tree stem in the middle of a wind storm. species’ active time, species’ daily habits, or population
Two individuals of R. bicolor were found only in a short size, whereas external factors are weather condition and
time. According to the villagers, both species were predator presence. C. notatus and N. javanica were
undergone severe population decreasing in the past 16 widespread in many transect tracks, while M. fascicularis,
years because of overhunting and trading were done by T. auratus, G. variegatus, and R. bicolor were only found
local people. in one to three different tracks. Arboreal mammals were
were variation species in time, location, and population size not identified on 6 of 30 tracks. These tracks were
(Figure 2). Huge populations were found on M. fascicularis production forest area of Pinus sp, Swietenia mahagoni,
with a total of 60 individuals observed. They lived in a and Syzygium polyanthum. These areas are regularly
group with around 15 to 35 members. Macaca group is led checked by the stakeholders, and their locations are closer
 KRISANTI et al. – Arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest, Temanggung, Indonesia 1193

to the main road. These tracks are uncomfortable habitat Through PQS we found 253 trees from 28 different
because they have a very high intensity of disturbance due species. Diversity index of vegetation was calculated as
to the loud noises from vehicles or agricultural machinery 2.795. Average vegetation density of the location was
and higher hunting risk. Relative frequency of arboreal 0.0714 individuals/m2 for trees with a diameter more than
mammals in the observation area of Kemuning Forest was 10cm. Their canopies got full sunlight during the day. The
80%. big five species in common were Pinus merkusii, Swietenia
The diversity of arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest mahagoni, Sterculia sp., Ficus macrophylla, and
was very low. Shanon-Weiner diversity index was 1.342. Artocarpus elasticus respectively. The dominant species
We indicated that some disturbance factors were causing was Ficus macrophylla with important value index of 36%.
less of arboreal mammals diversity on Kemuning Forest, The diameter at breast height of F. macrophylla could
such as the high intensity of anthropogenic activities and reach more than 2m, and it was the biggest diameter in the
the low forest covering. In order to understand more about observation area. This tree had big branches which
habitat condition on Kemuning Forest, we determined diameter was more than 5 cm. Therefore, it was suitable for
dispersion pattern horizontally. Arboreal mammals lived in arboreal rodents like C. notatus. Ficus macrophylla
clumped pattern. It means that they only lived in certain produces sweet and sour small fruits with a diameter of
plots. There were some factors inhibited the distribution of about 1 cm and green to reddish orange in color. They are
the animals. The inhibitor factors should be studied more. usually eaten by arboreal mammals even some birds. Some
However, we assumed briefly that the distribution of food parts of Schinus sp., A. elasticus, and other tree species
and water resources are uneven, as well as the resting sites, were also known as food sources or nest materials for
heterogeneity of the habitat, natural behavior of the species, arboreal mammals (see Table 1).
or any competition symbiosis. Data normality was tested by using Distance Software.
Our observation area was a mixture of shade-coffee It showed that between survey model and observation
field and production forest. Tree canopies in such area were result was well matched (AICmin= 145.80 and ΔAIC= 0).
not as dense as the primary or secondary forest. There were Calculation result (Table 2) was expected to be useful for
more open areas which have high sunlight intensity on the the next study, such as habitat or species comparison and
day (Caudill et al. 2014). Vegetation density was 36.22% forest management.
which was less than vegetation density of natural forest Arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest had many
(Rahayu and Karyanto, 2015). Low forest coverage important natural roles in the ecosystem. For example, the
influenced arboreal mammals’ life because tree vegetations arboreal rodent was as an indicator of the vegetation
are their substrate and their way of life. Agriculture system, condition on a certain ecosystem. They are also useful for
which involved the human activities such as the use of habitat regeneration through their ‘catching habits’ that is
agriculture machines, vehicles, and other engines, disturbs their way of bringing seeds or fruits to their nest or
arboreal mammals’ life as well as infrastructure anywhere else make some of them to be left behind or
development. Certain species could have a different dropped to the ground (Kumawat 2013). Microchiroptera
response to habitat change or anthropogenic development. bats could control the insect pest population effectively
Species and population abundance were absolutely (Prakarsa 2011). Based on our discussion with local people,
influenced either positively or negatively (Benitez-Lopez et we knew that arboreal mammals became one of the
al. 2010). hunters’ favorite hunting objects, -as well as birds and

A B C

D E F

Figure 2. Arboreal mammals distribution in Kemuning forest of Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia. Black dots indicate
animal location found. A. Callosciurus notatus, B. Macaca fascicularis, C. Trachypithecus auratus, D. Nycteris javanica, E.
Galeopterus variegatus, F. Ratufa bicolor
1194 B I O D I V E R S I T A S 18 (3): 1190-1195, July 2017

Tabel 1. The use of parts of trees by arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest of Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia

Use Animal species Tree species Parts of tree

Food source Callosciurus notatus Artocarpus elasticus Fruits

Ficus macrophylla Fruits
Ficus racemosa Fruits
Mallotus japonicus Fruits
Pinus merkusii Fruits
Syzygium aqueum Fruits
Macaca fascicularis Artocarpus elasticus Fruits, flowers
Ficus racemosa Fruits
Musa paradisiaca Fruits
Syzygium aqueum Fruits
Trachypithecus auratus Ficus macrophylla Fruits, leaves
Ficus racemosa Fruits, leaves
Musa paradisiaca Fruits
Syzygium aqueum Fruits, leaves
Schinus sp. Leaves
Nycteris javanica Mallotus japonicus Fruits
Syzygium aqueum Fruits
Galeopterus variegatus Syzygium polyanthum Young leaves

Resting site Callosciurus notatus Albizia chinensis Stem, branches

Ficus macrophylla Stem, branches
Swietenia mahagoni Stem
Schleichera oleosa Stem, branches
Ganophyllum falcatum Stem, branches
Afzelia javanica Stem, branches
Schinus sp. Stem, branches
Macaca fascicularis Ficus macrophylla Stem, branches
Sterculia sp. Stem, branches
Trachypithecus auratus Ficus macrophylla Stem, branches
Nycteris javanica Bambusa sp. Branches
Bombax ceiba Branches
Hibiscus macrophyllus Branches
Sterculia sp. Branches
Galeopterus variegatus Syzygium polyanthum Stem
Ratufa bicolor Swietenia mahagoni Stem
Sterculia sp. Stem

Table 2. Calculation result of arboreal mammals study in Kemuning Forest of Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java, Indonesia

Analysis
Obj. Σ tracks
Parameter Result
Arboreal Mammals 22 Index of diversity (H’) 1,34287 (low)
Biggest population estimation (P) M. fascicularis (575 ind.)
Distribution pattern Clumped
Animal Frequency (FR) 80%

Vegetation (Trees) 90 points Index of diversity (H’) 2,79506 (moderate)

(3 points/ track) Index of Important Value (INP) 36% (F. macrophylla)
Density (D) 0,071411 ind/m2

terrestrial animals. It was because arboreal mammals like natural forest ecosystem changes too. Some arboreal
R. bicolor, G. variegatus, and unseen species of Nycticebus mammals such as C. notatus and M. fascicularis are
javanica had exotic appearances. Nowadays, developments tolerant to the habitat changes due to their fast and limitless
of infrastructures for civilization and agriculture industry reproduction over the years. The others are intolerant to the
are decreasing the forest area, and it also means that the habitat change even though in the less destruction habitat.
 KRISANTI et al. – Arboreal mammals in Kemuning Forest, Temanggung, Indonesia 1195

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