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Javan Rhino Census Unsuccessful Despite Modern Equipment
Pandeglang - Camera traps used to census the Javan Rhinoceros population in Ujung Kulon National Trap only managed to capture six rhinos.
“From our examination of pictures taken by the cameras, only six individuals were identified,” said Head of Ujung Kulon National Park, Agus Priambudi, in Pandeglang.
Agus said with that result, the rhinoceros census program could be deemed as unsuccessful. This could be because the cameras were not installed in the right places and the time frame was too short.
The program was conducted in two steps. On May 18 to 23, 2010, the cameras were installed and on June 9 to 12, 2010, the cameras were retrieved and pictures taken by the cameras were examined.
The program involved 70 people from the Ujung Kulon National Park Office, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), WWF, Rhino Foundation of Indonesia (YABI), and some locals.
For the census, a total of 60 camera units were installed on rhino tracks and near wallowing holes.
”For 2010 we have proposed the use of block method for camera placement and a year long or 12 month census,” he said.
Javan rhino census has been conducted since 1962, but camera traps were used only now. Before, census was conducted using the schenkel system or track count with strip method (estimate the population and age classification of rhinos from foot tracks).
Census with the schenkel system for 10 years resulted in 50 to 60 rhinos, said Agus.
Because the number of rhinos experienced no increase within 10 years, there was a doubt on the accuracy of census using that system.
”From various assessments, counting the population of rhinos using the schenkel system is insufficient because there is inaccuracy due to human error factors,” he said.
Besides that, nature could also disturb foot prints. In the rainy season, rain water could wash away the tracks.
”We are sure that census using camera traps have better accuracy, or could reach 90%, so in the future we can have better data on rhino population, not only estimates,” he said. (S031/G001)
Source : Antara