BIODIVERSITAS
ISSN: 1412-033X (printed edition)
Volume 12, Number 2, April 2011 ISSN: 2085-4722 (electronic)
Pages: 99-106 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d120207
Population analysis of the javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus muticus
Linnaeus 1758) in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks, East Java
JARWADI BUDI HERNOWO
1,♥
, HADI SUKADI ALIKODRA
2
, ANI MARDIASTUTI
2
,
CECEP KUSMANA
3
1
Forestry Science Program, School of Graduates, Bogor Agricultural University. Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia. Tel. +62-251-8621947 Fax. +62-
251-8621947,
♥
email jblina11@yahoo.com
2
Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680
3
Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680
Manuscript received: 16 January 2011. Revision accepted: 11 March 2011.
ABSTRACT
Hernowo JB, Alikodra HS, Mardiastuti
A,
Kusmana C (2011) Population analysis of the javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus muticus
Linnaeus 1758) in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks, East Java. Biodiversitas 12: 99-106. The javan green peafowl (Pavo
muticus muticus) have high pressure to the population and the habitat. The distribution of the bird at Java Island is clumped randomly at
several types in condition of fragmented and isolated habitat and it has small individual number every unit population. Baluran and Alas
Purwo National Parks are one of distribution javan green peafowl; it was chosen for study on the population analysis. The research was
aimed to gain data and information on demographic population of javan green peafowl. The individual number of the bird was counted
by call count transect method and councentration count. The population demographic parameter (individual number, age structure and
sex ratio) of javan green peafowl was analyzed. The result shown that individual number of the javan green peafowl at Baluran National
Park (BNP) was 69.1 birds (in 2006) and 70.5 birds (in 2007) not much differ, but it compared with the observation in1995
approximately was 117.7 birds had significant different. The green peafowl population at BNP declined around 47.50% during 12 years.
Meanwhile the population at Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) was 80.7 birds (in 2006) and 73.5 birds (in 2007), if compared to
observation in 1998 only 43 birds and in 2006 was 80.0 birds, the population grow up 86.05% during 8 years. The age structure of
population indicated that both population (BNP and APNP) tend to unbalance pyramidal, where adult birds more abundance than sub
adult or juvenile. The birds sex ratio at both (APNP and BNP) indicated that the peafowl life in polygyny system 1 male: 4 female > 1
male: 2.5 female.
Key words: population, javan green peafowl, Baluran, Alas Purwo.
INTRODUCTION
The population of javan green peafowl (Pavo muticus
muticus) have small size (around 30-50 individuals) on
every site of their local distribution. The distributions of the
birds are clumped and the habitat condition was fragmented
(patchly). Van Balen et al. (1995) reported that distribution
of javan green peafowl randomly fragmented and isolated
at several types of habitat. The population is small and
fragmented also isolated; it is called metapopulation
(Gilpin and Hanski 1991).
Baluran National Park (BNP) and Alas Purwo National
Park (APNP) are as one of distribution site of javan green
peafowl at tip of the eastern of Java Island. BNP have
typically savanna and monsoon forest habitat, but APNP
have habitat type more diverse like; low land tropical rain
forest, grazing area, and teak plantation with intercropping.
Hernowo (1997) mentioned that the javan green peafowl
population abundancies at BNP has related with habitat
types. The javan green peafowl population was more
abundance at savanna habitat.
The problems in relation to the peafowl population are
poaching (eggs, chicks, peacock, peahen and their
feathers), disturbed habitat, and habitat conversion. Impact
from poaching activities influenced directly on decreased
and local extinct of the population. Meanwhile knowledge
in relation to the green peafowl population is limited,
because most studies did not themed population dynamics.
Still few studies on javan peafowl demographic population,
because sufficient data. In many cases population data of
green peafowl were not available. Population data is main
parameter for conservation effort of this bird as basic
information like population demographic data.
The paper was aimed to analized demographic
population of javan green peafowl such as: individual
number, sex ratio and age structure. Beside that aspect, the
bird abundances and the population growth in relation to
the habitat types are important to know population health
and strategy for conserving the birds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study sites
Baluran National Park (BNP)
Baluran National Park (BNP) is located at tip of
northeastern of Java Island (7º29`10”-7º55`55” S and
114º29`10”-114º39`10” E), cover an area of about 25,000
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12 (2): 99-106, April 2011
100
ha. The national park is bordered by Madura Strait to the
north and by the Bali Strait to east. At southern west of
park was bordered with Bajulmati and Klokoran Rivers
(BNP 2007).
The geological situation of BNP is described as part of
small volcano with Plio-Pleistocene deposits. Baluran
Mountain is 1247 m high, and near the centre of the
national park. Most of area in the national park is flat (0-
10 m), except near Gunung Baluran, Gunung Priok,
Gunung Montor and Gunung Glengseran are wavy and
hilly. The two major soil types in BNP are of volcanic and
marine origin. Most important are volcanic soils, rich in
minerals but poor in organic materials. They have a high
chemical but a low physical fertility because of them are
very porous and do not keep water well. Black soil covers
about half of the lowland including most of the monsoon
forest and savanna grassland (BNP 2007).
Baluran has a typical monsoon climate with a long dry
season. This climate is heavily influenced by the southeast
wind during the period of April to October, with less
precipitation. The average dry period covers about 7-8
month of the year. The annual precipitation ranges from
900 to 1600 mm per year. Due to the dry period being quite
longer, water is most limiting factor in BNP. The local
distribution of wild animal is influenced by availability of
water. During the dry season, animals can easily be
observed near the water hole, but in rainy season they
spread everywhere (Hernowo 1995).
The vegetation types have developed in BNP, like
savanna grassland, beach forest, mangrove, deciduous
forest or monsoon forest, evergreen forest, swampy area and
sub mountain forest. Mangroves occur at Bilik, Lempuyangan,
Mesigit, Tanjung Sedano and Kelor. Typical vegetation at
mangrove is Avicennia alba, Sonneratia caseolaris,
Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera
gymnorrizha, and Luminitzera racemosa. Beach forest
present between Pandean and Tanjung Candibang and
some places such as Labuan Merak, also east of Gatal.
These types of forest are dominated by Barringtonia
racemosa, Terminalia cattapa, Pandanus tectorius and
Hibiscus tilliaceus. The savanna grassland with fire-climax
is strongly influenced by man. Tree species dominant in
that area are Acacia nilotica (an introduced African exotic
species) a few Acacia leucophloea, Schleichera oleosa,
Zizyphus rotundifolia and Corypha utan. Dominant grass
species are Dichantium coricosum, Brachiaria mutica and
Sorgum nitidus. Monsoon forest is characterized by
dominant tree species of Tamarindus indica, Schoutenia
ovata, Grewia eriocarpa, Flacortia indica, Cordia abligua
Azadirachta indica and Sterculia foetida. Mountain forest
and evergreen forest are signed leave do not fall in the dry
season. Typically trees growth in that forest is Mallotus
Figure 1. Map of Baluran National Park, East Java
HERNOWO et al. – Pavo muticus muticus in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks
101
Figure 2. Map of Alas Purwo National Park, East Java
philippensis, Homalium foetidum, Emblica officinale and
Aleurites moluccana (Partomihardja 1989).
Wild animal which present at BNP have relation with
green peafowl such as leopard (Panthera pardus), civet
(Viverra malacensis, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus),
mongoose (Herpestes javanica), red dog (Cuon alpinus),
piton (Phyton reticulatus), monitor (Varanus salvator) and
crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) (Hernowo 1995).
Alas Purwo National Park (APNP)
Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) is cover an area of
about 43,420 ha. The national park is located at tip of
southeastern of Java Island (8º26`45”-8º47`00” S and
114º20`16”-114º36`00” E). At eastern of the national park
was bordered with Bali Strait and in the south also west
direction were boundaries by India Ocean. Intensive study
was focused at Sadengan grazing area, low land tropical
forest and teak forest plantation Rowobendo. Topography
at the national park is consist of flat area with slope (0-8%)
of about 10,554 ha, undulating area at the slope (8-15%) of
about 19,474 ha, meanwhile rolling part (15-25% slope) at
around 11,901 ha and small portion with hilly area about 2
301 ha. Four type soil groups at study area e.g mediterran
red litosol complex about 2,106 ha, grey regosol 6,238 ha,
grey grumusol 379 ha and alluvial hydromorf at around
34,697 ha. Numerous small streams flow at APNP, with
radial pattern. All of the rivers flow to Indian Ocean.
Several underground rivers occur at karsts complex such as
Pancur River (APNP 2007). According to Smith and
Ferguson the rainfall type at the study area has classified as
B, with annual precipitation ranges from 1079-1554 mm
per year with 79-112 rainfall days. The annual average
temperature is around 27.1ºC and relatively humidity is
about 85%.
Five type vegetation have developed in APNP, e.g.
beach forest, mangrove, low land tropical forest, bamboo
forest and teak plantation. Besides those vegetation types,
man made grazing area occur at Sadengan. Hernowo
(1999), mentioned that abundance of green peafowl was
connected to availability of habitat to fulfill feeding sites,
roosting site, sheltering site and nesting site.
Beach forest occurs at the southern park from Grajagan
to Plengkung about 30 km and Plengkung to Tanjung
Slakah around 50 km. It is present about 40 km at northern
park. The dominant species at the beach forest were keta-
pang (Terminalia catapa), waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus), keben
(Barringtonia asiatica) and nyamplung (Calophyllum
inophyllum). Mangrove is present at Grajagan with species
vegetation such as bakau (Rhizophora spp.), tanjang
(Bruguiera spp.), api-api (Avicenia sp.), pedada
(Sonneratia caseolaris) and nyirih (Xylocarpus granatum).
Tropical low land forest was big portion at the park. The
vegetation occur at those forest such as Ficus spp., bendo
(Artocarpus elastica), rao (Dracontomelon mangiferum),
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102
pule (Alstonia spp.), santen (Lannea grandis), gintungan
(Bischovia javanica), and pohpohan (Buchanania
arborescens). But at more dry condition at the forest is
present kepuh (Sterculia foetida), asam (Tamarindus
indica), and randu alas (Bombax valetoni). Besides these
forest, bamboo formation also consociation of sawo kecik
(Manilkara kauki) occurs at the park (APNP 2007).
Several wild animal which occur at APNP might be
have relation to green peafowl such as leopard (Panthera
pardus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), palm civet (Paradoxurus
hermaphroditus), mongoose (Herpestes javanica), red dog
(Cuon alpinus), phyton (Phyton reticulatus), monitor
(Varanus salvator), crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)
and white bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
(APNP 2007).
The observation
Research was conducted in Baluran and Alas Purwo
National Parks, at least ten month from June to October
2006 and August to December 2007. The study was
focused at the local distribution of javan green peafowl in
BNP at Bekol resort (savanna, beach forest and monsoon
forest) and APNP at Rowobendo resort (Sadengan grazing
area, low land forest, mixed plantation forest with
intercropping area and teak plantation forest with
intercropping area and teak plantation forest).
Counting on individual number of javan green peafowl
at BNP, was done by transect call count method follow
Hernowo (1997). The sample area cover an area around 4
km x 3 km (1200 ha). Four transect was observed at sample
area approximately 3 km length of each transect. Census
was carried out in ten days every observation time and it
was done simultaneously every year (in 2006 and 2007).
The census started every morning at 5:00 am and lasted
until 8:00 am. Four observers went through the transect
route. The walking speed was about one hour per km in
each transect. The individual number was counted based on
the number of javan green peafowl in fixed area (1200 ha)
and direct visual contact with the birds during the census.
Each calling of a javan green peafowl was recorded the
type and number of call, the time and direction from
observers to the bird. After the census, the observers came
together to make correction to avoid double counting.
Besides that census, additional observation was done at
water holes, roosting site and feeding site to know age
structure, and sex ratio of javan green peafowl.
In APNP, census for javan green peafowl was done by
councentration count method follow Yuniar (2007). The
sample area for concentration of the birds was focused at
five places such as Sadengan grazing area, Rowobendo
intercropping area, Guntingan intercropping area, Sumber
Gedang teak plantation forest, and Ngagelan teak
plantation forest. Five observers recorded on number of
green peafowl at concentration area in each observation
time. Census was carried out in ten days every observation
time and it was done simultaneously every year (in 2006
and 2007). The census started every morning at 5:00 am
and lasted until 8.00 am.
Data analysis was done for counting the green peafowl
population with statistical average and their confident limit
in each habitat types in both transect and concentration
methods. Demographic population was analyzed on
parameter of individual number, sex ratio age structure and
health of the population during year 2006 and 2007.
Proportional approach on sex ratio parameter was used
with percentage. Age structure was analyzed by pyramidal
structure approach. Population health analysis used
abundances, sex ratio, age structure parameter.
Compared population study was done at the same area
with other researcher in different time observation was
aimed to get information of trend of green peafowl
population development.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Population abundance at BNP and APNP
The individual number of javan green peafowl was
counted at every habitat type in Baluran National Park
(BNP) showed that the total average number of individual
at sample area in year 2006 and 2007 was 69.8 birds (Table
1). The Chi-square test showed that the peafowl
abundances significant differ by habitat type (χ
2
= 29.05,
P< 0.01). The highest abundance of the birds was found at
Bekol savanna which, representative savanna habitat type
approximately 61.6-73.5% of javan green peafowl
population at sample area.
Table 1. The individual number of javan green peafowl found at
habitat types in year 2006 and 2007 in BNP with observation (n =
20)
Average individual
number (bird)
Habitat type
Cover-
age (ha)
2006 SD 2007 SD
Bekol Savanna 323.99 50.8 ±8.05 43.4 ±1.65
Bama-Manting beach forest 167.46 6.8 ±3.58 8.5 ±1.08
Berkol monsoon forest 645.41 5.3 ±1.42 0.3 ±1.16
Bekol evergreen forest 30.00 6.2 ±1.93 8.3 ± 0.95
Total 1166.86 69.1 ±22.52 70.5 ±17.38
Total average 69.8 ± 19.77
Figure 3. Individual number of javan green peafowl in-relation to
habitat type of BNP. A. Savanna Bekol, B. Beach forest Bama-
Manting, C. Monsoon forest Bekol, D. Evergreen forest Bekol.
Base on Figure 3, the javan green peafowl has abundance
more at savanna habitat, although at other habitat type the
HERNOWO et al. – Pavo muticus muticus in Baluran and Alas Purwo National Parks
103
bird were present such as at monsoon forest, beach forest
and evergreen forest, but the size is small (5.3-10.3 bird).
Savanna habitat type was coverage area approximately
27.80% from total habitat type, but the abundances of the
javan green peafowl more than 60%. There is indication
that the birds have preference to habitat type at BNP.
Meanwhile in Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) the
individual number of javan green peafowl was counted at
every habitat type, showed that the total average number of
individual at sample area in year 2006 and 2007 was 78.6
birds (Table 2). The Chi-square test showed that the
peafowl abundances significant differ by habitat type (χ
2
=
38.92, P< 0.01). The highest abundance of the birds was
found at Gunting intercropping area of teak plantation
habitat type which representative approximately 57.4% the
bird population in year 2006, but in year 2007 the bird
abundance was shifted to grazing area of Sadengan which
representative 39.8% of the population.
Figure 4, showed that the javan green peafowl
abundances more concentred at habitat type of teak
plantation with intercropping area and grazing area
approximately 78.6-85.7% of javan green peafowl
population in APNP. The bird abundances at other habitat
type was relatively small (2.4-11.9 bird). The grazing area
and teak plantation and intercropping area were coverage
reprentative 30.3% of total habitat tipe the javan green
peafowl at sample area of APNP, but reprentative 78%
population. These is fact indicated that the bird prefer on
certaint habitat type at APNP.
Figure 4. Individual number of javan green peafowl in-relation to
habitat type at APNP. A. Teak plantation forest and intercropping
area (Gunting), B. Grazing area and lowland forest (Sadengan), C.
Mix plantation forest and intercropping area (Rowobendo), D.
Beach forest and teak plantation forest (Ngagelan), E. Teak
plantation forest-back mangrove (Sumber Gedang).
Age structure and sex ratio
The age structure and sex ratio of javan green peafowl
at BNP representative base on observation to the birds
visited the water hole. The average individual number of
peafowl can be found at water hole was recorded at Table
3. Base on age classification, population structure of the
birds showed that population dominated by adult bird. The
age structure indicated that unbalance pyramidal
population. Sub adult male bird was 59.43% and adult male
approximately 40.57%, but sub adult female was 31.12%
and adult female 68.88%. The age structure of the javan
green peafowl at BNP will influenced to the future
population.
Table 3. Average individual number of javan green peafowl
visited water hole Bekol resort in BNP
Male Female Total
Water hole
Adult Sub adult Adult Sub adult
Bekol
3.0±0.64 5.7±0.47 26.6±1.00 12.6±0.81 47.9
Bama
0.7±0.53 0.6±0.50 0.6±0.56 0 1.9
Manting
0.6±0.50 0 0.7±0.65 0 1.3
4.3 6.3 27.9 12.6
Total
10.6 40.5
51.1
Figure 3. The pyramidal age structure of javan green peafowl in
BNP
Table 2. The individual number of javan green peafowl found at habitat types in year 2006 and 2007 in APNP with observation (n = 20)
Average individual number (bird)
Consentration area Habitat type
Coverage
area (ha)
2006 SD 2007 SD
Gunting Teak plantation forest and intercropping area 220.41 44.1 ±11.97 29.7 ±5.48
Sadengan Grazing area and lowland forest 147.00 25.1 ± 1.66 30.5 ±5.58
Rowobendo Mix plantation forest and intercropping area 252.54 6.2 ±3.58 11.9 ±3.48
Ngagelan Beach forest and teak plantation forest 296.94 2.9 ±1.10 1.8 ±0.79
Sumber Gedang Teak plantation forest-back mangrove 294.25 2.4 ±1.17 2.6 ±1.07
Total 1211.16 80.7 ±18.44 76.5 ±14.24
Total average 78.6±15.75