Use of faecal pellet count method in estimating population density of mammals in Gunung Ciremai National Park

Abstract

Population data is very necessary in the conservation of a species and area management. However, population estimation often faces obstacles, such as difficulty meeting individual animals directly. The purpose of this study were to identify the types of mammals based on the presence of feces and to analyze the types of mammals whose population estimation can use the pellet count method. Research in the form of experiments was carried out in two blocks by clearing the forest floor measuring 9 m2 with 35 sample plots and the distance between the plots was 100 meters. Observations have also been made on patrol routes and access roads. Data analysis was carried out descriptively. Research has found feces of Felis bengalensis and Paradoxurus hermaphroditus species specifically from sample plots. Apart from these two species, research has recorded the excrement of Sus scrofa, Muntiacus muntjac, and Panthera pardus species on the patrol and access roads. This study shows that it is possible to estimate wildcat and civet populations by using the method of counting the feces in the sample unit in the form of plots. Based on this method, the density of the wildcat was around 0.026 ind/ha and the civet were around 2.8 ind/ha. The combination of sample unit forms (sample plots, paths, patrol lines, and access roads) can accommodate other animal species in population estimation using this method