The Characteristics of Maleo Bird ( Macrocephalon Maleo ) Eggs in the Wildlife Conservation Area, North Buton, Indonesia

Abstract

Maleo bird (Macrocephalon Maleo) is a protected endemic animal species of Sulawesi Island due to being in an endangered condition. This bird is included in megapodes with blackish fur and small head shape. This animal is unique due to its monogamous characteristic and relatively giant egg size. Maleo does not brood its egg like any poultries in general, but relies on the geothermal heat as an egg incubator until hatching. Maleo exists not only around Sulawesi, but also several small islands around Sulawesi. Buton Island is one of the Maleo bird habitats distributed mostly on the wildlife conservation area of North Buton. Decreased Maleo bird population continues to occur annually due to high egg hunting activity and habitat movement as the result of the increased land use by the community. This condition causes a declined food source for Maleo that impact on the decreased egg quality. This study aimed to observe the egg quality of Maleo bird in The Wildlife Conservation Area of North Buton based on the physical characteristics and social activity influences. The observation was performed on 18 eggs obtained from the egg collector during the egg-laying season. The results show that the eggs have 222.13 g weight with the average length and width of 10.15 and 6.14 cm, respectively. The observation results indicate that the Maleo birds in the wildlife conservation of North Buton are lately distributed in seven burrow locations in two Sub-districts of North Buton Regency.