Better providers of habitat for Javan slowloris (Nycticebus javanicus E.Geoffroy 1812): A species distribution modeling approach in Central Java, Indonesia

The Javan slow loris is an arboreal and nocturnal primate endemic to Java, which is known to inhabit primary and secondary forest habitats, such as swamps, plantations, and bamboo forest. The population of the Javan slow loris continues to decline significantly due to forest degradation, habitat loss/fragmentation, and illegal trade. Conservation of this small primate in Java has been hampered by a paucity of local data on how conservation areas support this species. This study aims to build a spatial distribution model of the Javan slow loris and analyzing the role of each stakeholder plays on land use type to support the conservation of N. javanicus. By utilizing Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) with Maximum Entropy species distribution modeling approach, the researchers were able to highlight the importance of which conservation areas in Central Java that play crucial role to conserve the N. javanicus population. Data on the presence of the Javan slow loris was obtained from the result of a survey undertaken in 2017 and communication with researchers. Elevation, slope, landcover, rainfall, distance to road, distance to settlement, distance to river (water source), and NDVI were used as environmental variables. Results showed that 0.76% (25,715.4 ha) of the total area of the Central Java Province is suitable for their habitat. In addition, results revealed that 2.2% of suitable habitat is present within conservation areas, 4.6% in protected forest areas, and 93.2% outside of protected areas. The Javan slow loris is predicted to be mostly scattered in the northern part of Central Java Province. The Javan slow loris is widely distributed in plantations, their most dominant habitat. The findings of this study show that the small percentage of suitable habitat presents within protected forest and conservation areas cannot sustainably maintain the extant Javan slow loris population. Thus, it is important for the Indonesian government and other key related stakeholders to work together in combination with educating local communities to preserve the habitat and population of N. javanicus.