I
NTRODUCTIONThe island of Borneo covers less than 0.2% of the earth’s land surface (743,330km2), yet houses a wealth of biodiversity. Borneo is home to 4% of the world’s plant species and 5% of birds and mammals (MacKinnon et plants (as many as the whole African continent), 3,000
species of tree, 222 species of mammal and 420 species of resident birds (MacKinnon et al., 1996). It is also home to 13 non-human primate species, eight of which are endemic (i.e., are found nowhere else on earth), and the large majority (54,000; 89%) of the world’s remaining Bornean orang-utans (Pongo spp., Wich et al., 2008).
In Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) alone, almost 3 million ha of forest have been lost between 1996 and 2002, and it is estimated that this loss continues at around 2% each year (Fuller et al., 2004; Meittinen et al., 2012;
Report on the large mammals of the Uut Murung Region, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Susan M. Cheyne1,2,3,4, Andrea Höing1,7, Peter R. Houlihan2,5,6, Kursani2, Dominic Rowland2 and Michal Zrust2
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 Department of South-East Asia Studies, University of Passau, Germany Corresponding Author email:
Dengan menggunakan perangkap kamera dan survei transek standar kami mengkaji keberadaan mamalia besar di hutan bagian
termasuk sembilan jenis primata dan dua jenis Kucing dicatat pada daerah ini. Jumlah ini mungkin merupakan taksiran rendah
dan ), macan dahan Neofelis diardii
2
and Neofelis diardii)
). Thus, considering the large size of intact forest and the fact that the species list presented in this report may be incomplete, the forests of the upper Murung River region are likely to be an important area for biodiversity
Keywords:
Received 12th st July, 2015
exploitation, the economic role of the forest industry is declining in the country (Meijaard et al., 2005), but the threat remains, due to the expansion of mining, timber and oil-palm plantations and land clearing for development (Fuller et al., 2004; Meijaard et al., 2005).
Whilst upland forests have been partly protected in of Borneo’s remaining forests (over 100,000km2) are show that forest cover is in fact declining more rapidly in protected areas, than in unprotected areas (Meijaard et al., 2005). High rates of deforestation have led to an unprecedented loss in biodiversity in the humid tropics (Barlow and Peres, 2006) and habitat destruction and fragmentation are the root cause of many conservation resulting from deforestation have also made Indonesia one of the world’s largest CO2 emitters in 2000-012 and the thick smoke released has caused a wide array of health problems within the local populations (Cheyne, 2007; Harrison et al., 2009). The continuing rapid expansion of large-scale agro-industry and resource
large mammals, including primates and cats.
Primates are particularly vulnerable to population declines and extinction, because their slow reproduction rate means that even very low increases in the natural mortality rate due to hunting or other disturbances can have catastrophic effects on populations (Husson et al., 2009). The spectacular primates, including the gibbon (( ) and slow loris () and slow loris () and slow loris ( ), have long been the target of hunters for medicines and the pet trade (Nijman, 2005a, b; Cheyne, 2009). Bornean Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi
Sunda clouded leopard (
Sunda clouded leopard ( ), bay cat (( ), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), marbled cat ( ), Prionailurus planiceps), and leopard cat (
cat (
headed cat are classed as IUCN Red List Endangered and the marbled cat and clouded leopard as Vulnerable and their presumed primary habitat is rapidly being lost and/
or altered throughout Kalimantan (Cheyne et al., 2013).
The behavioural ecology of these cats is not well known, and the impact of forest destruction and management on each of these species is obscure (Cheyne and Macdonald,
Figure 1.
2010, 2011; Cheyne et al., 2010, 2013). The perceived decline of cat populations is predominantly accredited to the usual human disturbances: habitat degradation, fragmentation and hunting (direct and indirect). Cats are widely hunted for their pelts, which are often considered as status symbols (Rabinowitz et al., 1987;
Nowell and Jackson, 1996; Povey et al., 2009). Their teeth are also highly prized and their bones and organs are sometimes used in traditional medicine (Shepherd
& Nijman, 2008). In addition, some restaurants serve clouded leopard, reputedly catering for wealthy Asian tourists (Rabinowitz et al., 1987). Clouded leopards are also killed as by-catch of hunting for pigs, deer and monkeys (Rabinowitz et al., 1987; Wilting et al., 2006;
Cheyne et al., 2013).
Very little is known about the hill forests of Central Borneo (Bodmer et al., 1991) and the few studies that have taken place since 1991 have been concentrated further downstream along the Barito River (e.g.
McConkey and Chivers, 2004). However, the upstream region along the Murung River (Figure 1) has received little attention from conservationists and is increasingly threatened by large-scale resource extraction for coal and timber.
The Barito River Initiative for Conservation and Communities (BRINCC) aims to increase knowledge and conservation in this region by documenting its biodiversity involving a broad range of taxa including birds, primates, invertebrates and small mammals in this remote and unstudied region (Cheyne et al., 2012). The important studies undertaken as part of this expedition, and the results, knowledge and awareness generated, are a fundamental and necessary step towards protecting this biologically-invaluable region.
M
ETHODSSurveys were conducted during the dry season, from July-September 2014. The survey area was a region of the Murung River and surveys were conducted at two sites. Survey elevations varied from 50 – 400m a.s.l. The study sites are located in dipterocarp forest, virtually at the geographical heart of Borneo. Site A (Tumbang Tujang, GPS N0 17.943 E114 25.935) consisted of semi-disturbed community forest, situated close to a village and used by the communities for hunting, drinking water collection and low level extraction of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Site B (Borah
River, GPS N0 15.144 E114 38.981) at an altitude of (~150 meters) and (~300 meters) consisted of primary forest, largely undisturbed but occasionally frequented by local communities for hunting of large mammals.
Both sites lie along the Murung River which joins the area has a rugged, hilly-to-mountainous terrain, with altitude ranging between 200 to 1,600m from valley bottom to mountain top. In most years, drier conditions occur from July to September, with a wet season between October and January (McConkey et al., 2003).
Surveys were conducted using two methods: camera traps covering ~2km2 and 10km of trails were walked at each site. Single Cuddeback Capture IR® (Cuddeback Digital, Non-Typical http:// cuddeback.com/index.
html) cameras were placed on animal trails, ridges and at stream crossings to evaluate the presence of elusive species in both sites located so as to maximise the success rate of photographic ‘detections’ (Wilting et al., 2006; Gordon and Stewart, 2007; Cheyne et al., 2013). Cameras were placed singly with a separation of
±500m. Due to time limitations, a total of 10 cameras were used and placed for 24 days in Site A and for 16 days in Site B. Trails (1km minimum) were also walked along ridges, valleys and along shallow rivers with a minimum of two observers at a speed of no more than 1km/h. Information was obtained through direct and indirect sightings (marks on trees, nests and tracks).
Tracks were photographed for ID later, either at camp or after the expedition. Tracks which could not be The total number of photos taken by all cameras at each site was determined by including all photos of humans (research team), animals and any blank images.
The number of mammal species for each site was determined at the end of the survey period. Total trap nights is calculated by number of cameras x number of nights each camera is active. No cameras broke during the study. The % of animal captures is the % of animal photos based on the total number of photos taken.
Following O’Brien (2011) we used the following equation to calculate detection probability of each species at each grid.
p =
Following (Brodie et al., 2014) we used two covariates
Cheyne et al.
camera traps: number of camera hours per sampling period (i.e., how many hours cameras were operational at each grid) and sampling period (to account for time- varying detection as each grid had a different full sampling period), both of which were standardized.
R
ESULTSnon-camera trap methods (Table 1). All species found using camera traps are listed on the IUCN Red List and two of these species are listed as Enadangered (Table 1). The largest deer, the Sambar deer, was not captured on camera in the primary forest of Site B and no cats were captured on camera.
Despite the cameras being in place for less trapping
higher, % of total photos with an animal was higher and more species were captured (7 v.s. 5: Table 2).
The encounter rate was higher in Site A, perhaps due to the more disturbed nature of the forest making sightings of terrestrial mammals easier (Table 3).
Detection probability was calculated for all species based on camera trap data. Pig-tailed macaques and bearded pigs we the most commonly detected species (Table 4).
D
ISCUSSIONThis study was impacted by the short survey times in each site (24 and 16 days, respectively) and small areas of forest covered (~10km of transects and
~2km2 of camera trap survey area). For most surveys of mammals, a minimum of 100km of trails and/or a
Species IUCN Method Site Site
(suspected)
Bornean muntjac Camera Trap A A and B
Common porcupine Camera Trap B A and B
Greater mouse deer Camera Trap B A and B
Camera Trap B A and B
Camera Trap A A and B
Short-tailed mongoose Camera Trap B A and B
Bearded pig Vu Camera Trap A A and B
Sambar deer Vu Camera Trap A A and B
Red langur Camera Trap, VS A and B A and B
Vu Camera Trap, VS A and B A and B
Sun bear Vu A and B A and B
Aonyx cinerea Vu A A and B
En A and B A and B
Proboscis monkey En A and B A and B
A A and B
A and B A and B
A and B A and B
Banded palm Civet Vu A A and B
Clouded leopard Neofelis diardi Vu A A and B
White-fronted langur Vu A A and B
Table 1.
Cheyne et al.
# cameras # trap nights # photos # species Capture rate % photos with an animal Total number of species
Site A 10 240 465 5 0.33 1.72 5
Site B 10 160 124 7 0.56 7.26 6
Distance walked
# of individual mammals species
sighted
Encounter rate (species/km2)
Site A 10.4 13 1.25
Site B 10.5 8 0.76
Species % of total
photos Site A Probability Site A % of total
photos Site B Probability Site B
0.2 47.65 1 20.35
Bearded pig 0.2 20.14 0 NA
0 NA 3 10.57
0.2 8.47 0 NA
Sambar deer 0.6 5.4 0 NA
0.2 4.47 0 NA
Common porcupine 0 NA 1 2.24
Short-tailed mongoose 0 NA 1 2.24
Red langur 0 NA 1 2.24
Kutai NP Berau PF Murung Raya*
No. trap nights 114 101 195 40
Total area surveyed 140 124 110 2
22 19 15 13
% 67 58 45 39
Table 5
park, PF = protected forest.
Table 4.
Table 3.
Table 2.
Figure 2.
(Ehlers-Smith and Ehlers Smith; Cheyne et al., 2013).
In terms of variety of species detected by both camera traps and direct sightings/signs, the number of species detected by each method was the same (10). In terms of survey effort, we would advise that camera traps will provide more information as they can be active for 24h however, the expense of this equipment often renders them unsuitable for many projects.
Despite the limitations of this survey, the preliminary mammals (including 9 primates and 2 felids), indicating that the area has a high biodiversity of mammals.
All these species were expected to be resident in this area. Without comprehensive data collection of about 6 months and at least 80 cameras, it is hard to obtain accurate density estimates from camera-trap data, particularly for clouded leopards, but for a rapid species of mammal, including the clouded leopard, it is excellent. Due to the short survey period at each site, we suspect these data can only be considered as the tip of the iceberg. Many of the species we encountered are targeted for hunting, so more work is needed to protect this habitat.
Comparing the results of this survey to other similar sites where SMC has carried out camera trapping, despite possible species were detected. The number of 33 mammal species come from these longer studies (Table 5).
Two important conclusions emerged from our research. Firstly, although based on a relatively small survey duration and sample sizes, it would appear that the forests of the upper Murung River region have very high biodiversity conservation potential. It not only supports a large number of species of large mammal, but it also supports populations of a number of globally- threatened, legally-protected and Borneo-endemic species. Under the High Conservation Value (HCV) forests concept, this area could qualify for both HCV1.2 (Threatened and endangered species) and HCV5: Forest areas fundamental to meeting basic needs of local communities (see Hoeing et al. in this edition). One of the most important aspects of biodiversity value is the presence of threatened or endangered species. Forests that contain populations of threatened or endangered species are clearly more important for maintaining biodiversity values than those that do not, simply because these species are more vulnerable to continued
or Vulnerable by the IUCN), 14 species protected under Indonesian law and four species endemic to Borneo. Thus, considering the large size of the forest, we conclude that the upper Murung River region is an important area for biodiversity conservation in Kalimantan. Key species for conservation in the area are discussed below.
While cats were not captured on the cameras, they Secondly, it is also clear that more research is needed to provide a clearer understanding of (i) the value of the forest for biodiversity conservation and to local communities; (ii) the threats the forest and its biodiversity faces; and (iii) the most effective strategies to mitigate these threats and conserve the forest’s biodiversity, while at the same time ensuring continued provision of valued forest-ecosystem services, and economic and social prosperity for the local community.
a longer-term research presence in the area could be to afford extra protection to the forest; raising the supporting local conservation efforts; and providing alternative employment and economic opportunities to local villagers.
The following species are locally or globally threatened and present in the upper Murung River region, which is therefore particularly likely to be important for their conservation. Note that this list of species is not complete, and is likely to be expanded or revised as more research is performed in the area and a more complete understanding of these and other species’ populations emerges.
This species is considered Endangered and is experiencing wide-range population declines. Gibbon density in upper the Murung River region appears high (see Cheyne et al. in review) and, considering the large size of the forest, it is therefore likely that the upper population of this species.
Red langur
Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the red langur is endemic to Borneo and inhabits many of the same forests as orang-utans and gibbons, which are
known to be experiencing severe population declines. It is therefore likely that red langurs are more threatened than is currently realised, and we expect that the IUCN recognition of this (Ehlers-Smith, 2014). Consequently, we consider the presence of this species in the area to be of conservation importance.
Bearded pig
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, owing to hunting and habitat loss throughout its range, the presence of particular, studies of hunting impact on this species are required, in order to determine sustainable hunting rates. The impact of human hunting of bearded pigs on clouded leopards, is also important to study, as bearded pigs are important prey for these cats.
Sunda clouded leopard
As a result of habitat conversion and degradation, and hunting for skin and body parts in home areas, the distribution of cats in Borneo is very patchy, with vast swathes of the island unsuitable for them (Wilting et al., 2006, 2010; Cheyne et al., 2013). As top predators in the forest, cats naturally occur at low density (e.g. Cheyne et al., 2013), but the high abundance of deer, other mammals and birds in the area (based on both detection probability and % of photos of mammalian prey caught on camera traps within the study period) may indicate that this forest supports healthy cat populations.
All species encountered were expected to be present according to IUCN distribution data (IUCN Red List of a wide range of species from short surveys highlights the diversity of the mammal community in this region and warrants further research.
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