KEPADATAN POPULASI DAN KARAKTERISTIK HABITAT TARSIUS (Tarsius spectrum Pallas 1779) DI KAWASAN PATUNUANG, TAMAN NASIONAL BANTIMURUNG-BULUSARAUNG, SULAWESI SELATAN

Abstract

Tarsier is one of endemic protected animals that lives at primary or secondary forests of Sulawesi. Aim of this study was to know about population density and habitat characteristic of tarsier (Tarsius spectrum Pallas 1779) at Patunuang area, Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi. Population density was counted by line transect and concentration count method. Result showed that tarsius live in groups with 2-8 individuals per group, and population density at Patunuang area was 70.15 individu/km2. Tarsius habitat was met on mixed forest with dense bamboo grove (Bambusa multiflex) around and karst cliff. The highest Important Value Index (IVI) of trees, poles, saplings, and seedlings in habitat respectively were: kayu nona (Metrosideros sp.,IVI=75.01), lambere (Melochia umbellate, IVI=37.08), puca (Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng, IVI=19.31), and bu’rung (Ailanthus sp., IVI=25.64).