Minimum viable population estimation of Timor Deer (Rusa timorensis) base on demographic parameters

Abstract

Timor Deer (Rusa Timorensis) population in Pananjung Pangandaran Natural Park and Nature Reserve is decreasing. Conservation is needed to reduce the rate of population decline. Minimum viable population (MVP) is the basic information that need to know as management tool for conservation. MVP is the minimum population size that will ensure the viability of a species in a given period of time. MVP of more than a thousand species was determine generally, whereas specific MVP for every age class is necessary for efficient conservation strategy. On this study we estimate MVP of Timor Deer base on demographic parameters using Algebra linear equation system from matrix Leslie model to get specific MVP size for every age class. MVP size for Timor deer in Pananjung Pangandaran Natural Park and Nature Reserve is 97 individuals, with the composition of 32 juveniles, 47 sub-adults, and 18 adults. The actual Timor Deer population is 68 individuals with the composition of 16 juveniles, 21 sub-adults, and 31 adults. Base on this study, we have to increase juvenile and sub-adult population to ensure the viability of Timor Deer in Pananjung Pangandaran nature park and nature reserve.