Abstract

Tarsius spectrum is an endemic primate of Sulawesi. This primate is categorized into lower risk and recommended as vulnerable and protected species. They have a small round body with nocturnal activity. The research was conducted on primary forest of Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve (TBNR) in North Sulawesi, 1°30’-1°34’N and 125°10’-125°81’E, in May 2011-August 2012. This research was aimed to know tarsiers’ population density by census and estimation methods. A 121 of 100 m²-sized plot was used for population census. Distance of plots was 100 m each and 16-circle plots (r = 100 m) were used for population estimation. Distance between central point plots was 200 m. There were 57 duet call locations inhabited by 229 animals. The population density was 47 groups/km², consisted of 209 adults, 11 sub-adults and 9 infants. Population density was 189 animals/km². The individual in each group was 4.01±1.83 with modus 4. This research showed that population density has increased since 1997. Estimated total of tarsiers in this area (121 ha) were 251.55 animals. This result is 9.6% higher than census. If sampling estimation method will be applied, it should be corrected by multiplying with 91% (ratio of 229 animals censused to 251 animals sampled).

Keywords:

Census method, duet call, estimation method, population density, Tarsius spectrum, tangkoko-batuangus nature reserve,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.