Spatial distribution of elephant populations and habitat characteristics in the Serbajadi-Lokop forest area of Aceh Indonesia

Abstract

Understanding the factors influencing the spatial distribution of elephants can provide insight into the dynamics of their populations, thus helping elephant and habitat conservation efforts. Elephant habitat selection is an important key to knowing the existing conditions for the potential availability of elephant feed. This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of elephant populations and the characteristics of habitat selection as a route in the all-around forest area of Aceh Timur district. This research was carried out in the Serbajadi-lokop forest area. We observed areas that had high activity. The method used is direct observation of the 500 m long transect path on each transect and literature study to obtain information about the selection of elephant habitat areas. The results show that 22 areas are used as resting sites and elephant habitat areas. In the area, several types of plants with forest cover range from 25%-90%, the height of the land varies from 0-400 meters above sea level and the vegetation type consists of 14 primary forest locations, 6 secondary and 2 Plantation Areas . Overall, it can be concluded that the ecology of wild elephants in all-around forest areas has diverse characteristics and is in the lowlands and elephants have the selection of certain areas to rest within the forest area.