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Home , Common spotted cuscus, Phalanger, Spilocuscus

International Journal of Tropical Natural Science (IJTNS). Vol. 1, No. (1); September, 2014 ISSN printed: 977-2354901 Population and Carrying Capacity of In Tourist Island of Ahe, District of Nabire, Province of Papua Anton Silas Sinery#1, Jacob Manusawai1 and Wartika Rosa Farida2 1#Faculty of Forestry, University of Papua, Manokwari 2Zoology Division, Reserach Center for Biology–Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong-Bogor

Received: 12 March 2014 Accepted: 30 September 2014

Abstract - Cuscus is a pouched of the family that are arboreal, nocturnal, and herbivores. The are protected by law because in addition to having a low reproduction and distribution of a limited area, also faces a very high level of hunting. Hunting in the wild by people not only in production forest areas but also in areas such as recreational forest of Table Mountain, Arfak Mountains Nature Reserve, and other places. Directly or indirectly, it affects the quality of the ecosystem in these areas, especially the cuscus population. Required better management efforts in these areas to ensure the survival of many components in it, especially the cuscus. This study aims to determine the cuscus population in Ahe Island, and the method applied is descriptive method using direct observation. The study was conducted during one month. The results demonstrate that cuscus is in Ahe Island consists of ( maculatus) and eastern cuscus ( orientalis). Number of individual S. maculatus is 24, which consists of 14 females and 10 males. Whereas P. orientalis there are 2 individuals and both are male. Number of adult cuscus was 16 individuals, while adolescents and children, respectively 8 and 2 individuals. At least 10 plant identified as a source of feed for cuscus in Ahe Island recreation area. Plant parts consumed by cuscus are fruit and young leaves, but based on level of need, most of the cuscus consume fresh fruit because of its sweet taste and high water content that helps the digestive process. Keywords — cuscus populations, plant species, feed resources, Ahe Island

I. INTRODUCTION existence of cuscus, which can affect the cuscus population (Ariantiningsih, 2000). Cuscus, a pouched (), is Habits of local people consuming cuscus meat herbivore animals which is both arboreal and nocturnal. showed an increasing trend. It can be seen from the Menzies (1991), Flannery (1994), and Petocz (1994) number of hunting results which reaches 2-5 heads every mention that the spread of cuscus includes the islands of hunting activitiy done at least once every month. Indonesia (Papua, , Maluku and Timor Islands), Although it is generally done in areas with a high density Papua , New Brittain, Solomon Islands, Cape of cuscus populations, hunting is still a serious threat to York, and Queensland . In New Guinea (PNG the existence of these animals. The condition was and Papua) there are 11 species of the Spilocuscus influenced by various factors, including lack of public (spotted cuscus) and genus Phalanger (unspotted cuscus). awareness about the existence of cuscus as protected In Papua, there are 7 species of cuscus, namely according to both the rule of formal law and local common spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus), spotted customs. This has implications for the pattern of black cuscus (S. rufoniger), Waigeo cuscus (S. papuensis), utilization, which in turn affects the existence of wildlife cuscus Timor (Phalanger orientalis), ground cuscus (P. such as cuscus. People in the islands of Numfor, Biak, gymnotis), hair silk cuscus (P. vestitus) and hill forest Arui, Moor, Auki, Yoop, Napan, and Yapen tend to use cuscus (P. permixtio). cuscus for consumption. Similarly, residents of mainland All seven species of cuscus in Papua are Papua in areas such as Arfak Mountains, Meja Mountain, protected based on the decree of the Minister of Jayapura, Sarmi, Sorong, and a few other areas. Agriculture No. 247/KPTS/UM/4/1979 and Government Ahe Island with an area of approximately 2.5 ha Regulation No. 7 Year 1999 on the Preservation of Plants is one of the smallest islands in the island-chain of and Animals. Globally, are listed in the Mambor around Cenderawasih National Park. As one of Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in the isolated areas which are not inhabited, Ahe Island has Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). forest which is still very good. Forest on the island is Although there have been government rules issued to lowland forest formation dominated by Ficus sp., Intsia protect the cuscus, its implementation is still considered sp., Syzygium sp., Linociera macrophylla, Morinda less effective and needs to be improved (Sinery, 2002; citrifollia, and Glochidion sp., and the types of coastal Sinery, 2010). vegetation such as Terminalia sp. and Baringtonia sp. Cuscus utilization for consumption and for other Forests in the region spreading from the middle of the purposes in Papua nowadays is more and more done. In island to the beach, and the white sand beaches bounded addition, the cuscus fur is also used in the manufacture of around. The types of wildlife found on the island is green various ornaments like bags, hats, and for decoration in lizard (Maboaya multifaciata), Lizard (Varanus sp.), Bird the customary fashion. Such utilization can affect the

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Mambruk (Goura sp.), Bird maleo (Megapodius collection, the study site was designed in several transects freycinet), and Cuscus (Spilocuscus and Phalanger). or observation points. Other potential tourist attraction is the remains of Allied Results of preliminary observations indicate Forces aircraft relics in World War II largely been that the distribution of cuscus in the research area is transferred to the mainland. Expanse of waters adorned evenly so the design area of research is done using Ahe with coral reefs and a wealth of other biotas add to the Island Beach as a baseline (parallel to the shoreline / beauty of this island. contour cut). Furthermore, baseline divided into 5 At this time, Island of Ahe is managed by transects perpendicular to north-south baseline. All society with coordination of the Agent of Tourism of transects are set proportionally, and the distances between Nabire District and the Government of Papua Province. the transects are 50m. The length of the transects are Legally, management of the tourist area of Ahe Island is 100m, 335M, 320m, 150m, and 120m, so that the total done by CV Ahe based on the decree of the Governor of length of all transects was 1.025m while transect width Papua Province in 2007, and the operation began in 2009. adjustable with minimal visibility (40m or 20m either Since its establishment, the management has successfully side of the transect). According to Sinery (2010), the developed a variety of this island’s potential with the effective width of observation transect for dense forest main goal of improving the potential of tourism, types such as forest types in Arfak Mountains is 50m education, and research through the provision of various (25m either side of the transect) and should use a facilities, such as accommodation, lighting, and facilities narrower measure which is more effective in the of recreation. To add value to the potential of this island, observation of the population (Sinery, 2009). the management has introduced four species of wildlife: Monitoring of cuscus was performed bird maleo, bird mambruk, lizards, and cuscus. simultaneously by 5 groups of 2 people (1 registrar / In 2007, a total of 7 cuscuses were introduced in identifier types and 1 measurer distance from objects to Ahe Island, consisting of the species that are transects). Cuscus population monitoring is not distinguished based on plumage characters, namely accompanied by the capture (sampling), but if possible, eastern cuscus (Phalanger orientalis) and common capturing will be limited for each species using Cuscus spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus). The current Identification Keys New Guinea. population is estimated to have increased, it can be seen Data collected consisted of (1) primary data, ie from the number of individuals aged young (juvenile). data from field observations, and (2) secondary data, ie This condition is a positive thing in terms of the data obtained from the relevant agencies. Primary data protection and conservation of cuscus. However it is collected consists of: type description cuscus, cuscus necessary to consider the possibility of an increase in populations, type of feed and the general condition of population will affect the carrying capacity of the island's cuscus habitat. Secondary data collected includes data on cuscus habitat. Taking into account the very small size of climate and the general state of research locations the forest, it is necessary to carry out well-planned obtained from the relevant authorities. management to control cuscus populations and develop The data of cuscus morphological were analyzed their habitats in this island. For this purpose it is using the tabulation and used to identify the type of necessary to study the cuscus population and its habitat cuscus. The calculating cuscus populationas the result of conditions in Ahe Island. observation was carried out using the equation from This study aimed to determine the condition of Lewis (1994) as follows. cuscus population and habitat carrying capacity based on n (2n – 1) A the availability of cuscus feed. The results are expected N = ------to be sources of information and consideration for all 2L Σ r parties in the wildlife management efforts, both in situ Description: and ex situ, particularly for CV Ahe in managing and N = population density, developing Island Ahe’s cuscus in the future. n = number of individuals encountered, A = area of region (plot observations), II. MATERIAL AND METHODS L = length of line / transect, The research was conducted on the island of Σr = distance from the point where cuscus found to the Ahe, Nabire District, Papua Province, and lasted for 1 line of transect month, ie in November 2012. The method used in this Furthermore, the result analysis of population research is descriptive method based on observations. density are tabulated according to the structure and Equipment used in the study is a GPS (Global species composition. Structure and species composition Positioning System), binoculars, thermohigrometer, include stratification by type of cuscus species, sex, and clinometer, haga meter, compass, scales, meter, phi band, age. cutting scissors, flashlight, timer, stop watch, machetes, cage / plastic bags, plastic bracelets , tally sheet, cuscus III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS species identification key, and a map of the location Monitoring results indicate that number of (scale 1: 2,500). Materials used consisted of chloroform / cuscus in the tourist region of Ahe Island is large enough, diethylether, cotton, alcohol 70%, and raffia. ie 26 individuals that include two species of cuscus: (1) Taking into account the location of the study Spilocuscus maculatus (common spotted cuscus) and (2) area of 2.5 ha and the solitary nature of the cuscus, data Phalanger orientalis (eastern cuscus). Detailed collection was done using census method by monitoring description of the number of individuals, sex, and age cuscus populations. To facilitate the process of data class of cuscus by type is shown in the following table.

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International Journal of Tropical Natural Science (IJTNS). Vol. 1, No. (1); September, 2014 ISSN printed: 977-2354901 Monitoring results of cuscus population as Data resulted from monitoring showed that shown in Table 1 above shows that of the 26 individuals Spilocuscus maculatus have equitable distribution of age cuscus encountered, 24 individuals are the type of classes, and dominance by adult age class was followed Spilocuscus maculatus (common spotted cuscus) with a by adolescents’ age class and children age class, while population density of 9.6 / ha while 2 others are of Phalanger orientalis consist of two individuals both at Phalanger orientalis (eastern cuscus) with a population adult age class. Based on this condition it can be density of 0.8 / ha. In quality, evenness individual cuscus expected that ecologically Spilocuscus maculatus has a by type in this area is low because the percentage of better existence in the future than Phalanger orientalis. Spilocuscus maculatus is vastly different (92.3%) It is based on the existence of male and female adults compared to that of Phalanger orientalis (7.7%). who will play a role in the regeneration of the species, Differences in the composition of both types are affected and age class adolescents as candidates for adults’ age by the low number of individuals introduced, especially class, and then age class of children who will be the next Phalanger orientalis, in the early management of this adolescents’ age class. area. To find out the adaptation process of cuscus to the conditions of Ahe Island as its new habitat, then the Table 1. Individuals density of cuscus by type tabulation analyzes carried out on the population

population dynamics of cuscus. The results of analysis on the density Sex Class age (months) dynamics of cuscus populations in Ahe Island can be seen Number of (individuals individual / ha) in Table 2 below: Type of Cuscus (ni) Adult Adolescent Child Table 2. Population dynamics of cuscus in Ahe Island Male Female (>8) (3–8) (< 3) Last Monitoring Spilocuscus First Introduction 24 10 14 14 8 2 9,6 Introduction Result maculatus Type of Cuccus (2007) (2008) (2012) Phalanger 2 2 - 0,8 orientalis 2 - - Spilocuscus 5 9 22 Total 26 12 14 16 8 2 10,4 maculatus Phalanger Source: Primary Data, 2012 2 - 2 orientalis The results showed the highest average density is in transect 2 with average density of 3.56 individuals Total 26 9 24 per square meter, followed by transect 3 with average Source: Primary Data, 2012 density of 3.24 individuals per square meter, and Results of monitoring on cuscus populations as transects 4 with average density of 2.4 individuals per shown in Table 2 indicate that the dynamics of cuscus square meter. There are 26 heads cuscus in Ahe Island population is not too big in the tourist area of Ahe Island. consisting of 24 common spots cuscus (Spilocuscus Such changes are regressive or increasing, particularly in maculatus) and 2 eastern cuscus (Phalanger orientalis). Spilocuscus maculatus. An increasing number of There are 10 species of vegetation which are sources of individuals of this type can be seen from the existence of feed for cuscus in Ahe Island, namely Ficus benjamina, new individuals in children class age which showed the Ficus microstoma wall, Ficus pisocarpa BI, paka Ficus, birth rate (birthrate). In contrast, no increase occurred in Ficus inferctoria Roxb, Merremia peltata, Pongamia Phalanger orientalis individuals because it does not have pinata, Intsia bijuga, Syzygium sp, and Cocos nucifera. the type of female individual as discussed previously. In general, the active time of cuscus in Ahe Island, which Naturally, cuscus has a fairly low rate of is the period cuscus starting out of the nest / hideout to reproduction, namely one child in each reproductive return to rest or hide, is from 18:00 to 05:00 EIT (Eastern period with an average frequency of reproduction once a Indonesian Time). Cuscus tend to be found in the year. According to Sinery (2002, 2010), the average conditions after rain and under the moonlight with an number of offspring generated in each time of average air temperature of 23 º C and the average reproductive period is one. Petocz (1994) mentions that humidity is 82%, and in a region with the level of 2-12 m cuscus has a low rate of reproduction, so it is estimated asl. that its population in the wild is quite low. When Monitoring of cuscus in Ahe Island produced connected to the existing number of reproductive couples data showing that Spilocuscus maculatus have gender of cuscus (7 pairs), then cuscus in the region, particularly equity higher than that of Phalanger orientalis. This type Spilocuscus maculatus, is quite productive, ie 7-8 of cuscus at least has 7-10 pairs with the number of children in the 3-year period (2007-2012). This suggests reproductive couples is approximately 7 pairs. It is quite that this type of cuscus habitat can adapt to the habitat good in terms of the existence of species and individuals, conditions in Ahe Island although not yet reached the as more and more reproductive couples, mating is likely level of normal reproduction rate. to occur that will produce offspring. However, this The conditions certainly caused by many factors, should not necessarily be a major benchmark in the both internal factors and external factors. Internal factors forecast of cuscus species existence, due to the polygamy are factors derived from these animals which includes nature of cuscus that can change partners. hormones and genes. Both of these factors can not be

Internat. J. of Trop. Nat. sci. Vol. 1,(1); 19-23 | 21 predicted quantitatively affecting cuscus in relation to its conditions after the rain, cuscus does its foraging by reproduction, but in general each cuscus has the ability to utilizing part of the new vegetation growth / shoots and reproduce more than once in a year with the number of other activities. In addition, when moon shines bright, offspring can reach four heads. The number of children cuscus uses moonlight to look for sources of feed and to resulted is greatly affected by reproductive condition of find and determine partner. Cuscus active at night and the parent, the availability of food, and other conditions. rest during the day in the grove of trees, holes in the Adult female cuscus will generally produce more than ground, or in a rock crevice. Sometimes this animal was one child and even can reach four children with resting (sleeping) bend over and hugging sprout branches pregnancy period of 20 to 42 days. Not all children born or tree trunks which are not dense or open (Flannery, can be maintained by the parent, only one can be 1994). maintained up to be able to feed itself. The results showed that cuscus is generally External factors or contributing factors are the found in locations with altitude of 2-12 m asl. Ahe Island physical and biotic factors which directly influence the conditions are in accordance with the opinion of Flannery reproduction of cuscus such as vegetation (food, shelter, (1994) that the cuscus spread in the area with altitude of 0 and activity), the availability of space (home range and to 2,900 m asl, especially in wooded areas. territory area) and human activity. According to Alikodra According to Warmetan (2004), vegetation (1990), habitat is an area consisting of both physical and species such as Intsia sp., Lithocarpus sp., Ficus sp., biotic components that are used as a place to live as well Pterocarpus indica and Macaranga sp. Are used by as breeding ground for wildlife. cuscus as nesting places (sleeping places). The species of In general, the condition of Ahe Island such as feed consumed by cuscus in Ahe Island include forest landscape, weather conditions, and vegetation is not vegetation and plantation crops such as Ficus benjamina, varied, so it is expected to affect the cuscus breeding in Ficus microstoma wall, Ficus pisocarpa BI, Ficus paka, the island. The measurement results showed that the Ficus inferctoria Roxb, Merremia peltata, Pongamia topography of the island ranges from 1 to 12 m asl with pinata, Intsia bijuga, Syzygium sp, Cocos nucifera. Parts average air temperature of 27 ºC and average humidity of of the plant that is widely consumed by cuscus are fruit 82%. The weather factors do not significantly affect the (mature) and young leaves (shoots or buds). As stated by cuscus while the topography was considered giving quite Kocu (2006), parts of the feed consumed by cuscus are an effect on the distribution of vegetation that directly flowers, young fruit, ripe fruit, young shoots and young affect the variation of cuscus’ feed species. These species leaves. The comparison between the parts of plants that of feed that are generally the vegetations of coastal are consumed shows that cuscus eating more fruit ripens. forests and lowland forests are listed in Table 3. This is because the ripe fruit physiologically has a sweet flavor with a higher water content so easy to digest. Table 3. List of plants as feed sources for cuscus in Ahe Island IV. CONCLUSIONS Parts Quality of Scientific Name Local Name Consumed Density Ficus benjamina Beringin daun lebar fruit Many 1. There are 26 cuscuses in Ahe Island consisting of 24 Ficus microstoma wall Beringin pantai shoots, fruit Moderate common spotted cuscuses (Spilocuscus maculatus) Ficus pisocarpa BI Beringin daun halus fruit Little Ficus paka Makuku buah halus fruit Little and 2 Timor cuscuses (Phalanger orientalis), Ficus inferctoria Roxb Makuku buah halus fruit Little includes 12 individual males and 14 females, while di daun Merremia peltata Tali Wuraram shoots Little by age: 14 individuals are in the age structure of Pongamia pinata Kayu besi pantai shoots Little adult, 8 individuals adolescent, and 2 individuals Intsia bijuga Kayu besi hutan shoots Little children. Syzygium sp. Jambu pantai merah fruit Little Cocos nucifera Kelapa fruit Little 2. There is a regressive population dynamics in cuscus (young) of Ahe Island, although it is limited only to the type Source: Primary data, November 2012 of common spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) Table 3 above shows that cuscus lives on the type of leafy because of the balance of reproductive couples, while forest vegetation such as Pometia sp., Myristica sp., the type of Phalanger orientalis was not Ficus sp., Intsia sp., and liana species commonly experiencing dynamics. encountered in primary forest and secondary forest. 3. There are 10 species of vegetation as sources of feed Habitat components consist of the physical and for cuscus in Ahe Island including forest vegetation biotic components forming a system that controls wildlife. and plantation crops such as Ficus benjamina, Ficus Physical factors include water, climate, soil, and microstoma wall, Ficus pisocarpa BI, Ficus paka, topography, whereas biotic factors include vegetation and Ficus inferctoria Roxb, Merremia peltata, Pongamia other wildlife. Feed, water, shelter, human activities, pinata, Intsia bijuga, Syzygium sp, Cocos nucifera. nature activities and other wildlife greatly affect the 4. In general, active time of cuscus in Ahe Island is existence of wildlife (Alikodra, 1989). Cuscus is a from 18:00 to 05:00 EIT (Eastern Indonesian Time), nocturnal mammal that is active (foraging, mating and the period since these animals begin to move until he playing) at night. In general, active time cuscus in Ahe returned to rest or hide. Cuscus tend to be found in Island, starting from the cuscus out of the nest to return to the conditions after rain and when the moon shines the nest to rest or hide, is from 18:00 to 05:00 EIT bright, with average air temperature of 23 º C and (Eastern Indonesian Time). average humidity of 82%, and with altitude of 2-12 Cuscus tend to be found in the conditions after m asl. rain and when the moon shines bright with average air temperature of 23º C and average humidity of 82%. On

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International Journal of Tropical Natural Science (IJTNS). Vol. 1, No. (1); September, 2014 ISSN printed: 977-2354901 V. REFERENCES Menzies JI. 1991. A handbook of New Guinea marsupials and monotremes. Kristen Press inc., Madang, Anon. 2000. IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. International Union for the Conservation Nature Odum P. 1993. Fundamentals of ecology. 3rd ed. Gajah and Natural Resources (IUCN), Cambridge. Mada Univ. Press, Yogyakarta [in bahasa]. Anon. 2003. Recognize of the Arfak Mountains Nature Petocz, R.G. 1987. Nature conservation and development Reserve. Balai Penelitian dan Pengembangan in Irian Jaya. Pustaka Grafitipers. Jakarta [in Kehutanan Manokwari Irian Jaya, Manokwari [in bahasa] bahasa] Petocz RG. 1994. Terrestrial mammals of Irian Jaya. PT Farida W. 2001. Cuscus (Phalanger sp.) utilization by Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta. [in bahasa]. West Timorese community, East Nusa Tenggara. J Santosa Y. 1995. Wildlife diversity measurement Biota 6 (2): 84-85 [in bahasa]. techniques. Department of Forest Resources Farida W, Semiadi G, Dahruddin H. 1999. The selection Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor of plant species as nesting sites and feed resources Agricultural University, Bogor. [in bahasa] of cuscus (Family Phalangeridae) in Irian Jaya. J Sinery A. 2002. Exploration cuscus species in Numfor Biologi Indonesia 2 (5): 235-243. [in bahasa] island, Biak Numfor District. [Honorary Thesis]. Farida W, Nurjaeni, Mutia R, Diapari D. 2004. Faculty of Forestry, Papua State University, Digestibility capacity of captive Manokwari. [in bahasa] (Ailurops ursinus) fed on alternative feed. Sinery A. 2006. Species of cuscus in Taman Wisata Biosmart 6 (1): 65-70 [in bahasa] Gunung Meja Manokwari Regency, West Irian Flannery T. 1994. Cuscus of the world. A monograph of Jaya. Biodiversitas 7 (2):1 75-180. [in bahasa] the . Geo Production Pty Ltd, Sinery, A. 2010. Cuscus species of Arfak Mountains Australia. Nature Reserve, Manokwari District, West Papua Laksono PM, Rianti A, Hendrijani AB, Gunawan, Province. Journal of Agrifor 9 (2):78-88. [in Mandacan A, Mansoara N 2001. Igya Ser Hanjop; bahasa] Arfak community and the concept of conservation, Sugianto. 1994. Quantitative ecology: Analysis methods ecological-anthropology studies in the Arfak of population and community. Usaha Nasional, Mountains, Irian Jaya. KEHATI, PSAP-UGM, Surabaya. [in bahasa] YBLBC, Yogyakarta [in bahasa]. Maturbongs RA. 1999. Conservation of flora and fauna. [a textbook]. Faculty of Agriculture, University of Cenderawasih, Manokwari. [in bahasa]

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