Knowledge and perception of wild animal diversity by the local community in Mount Merbabu, Central Java, Indonesia
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Abstract
Abstract. Khawarizmi IA, Sari IP, Riswari IA, Sani MF, Izdihar RS, Indrawan M, Setyawan AD. 2024. Knowledge and perception of wild animal diversity by the local community in Mount Merbabu, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J For 8: 98-105. Local people view wild animals based on their ecological, social, and economic advantages or disadvantages. The interactions and conflicts between humans and wildlife can be identified from the knowledge and perception of wildlife by the local community, which can be used to inform conservation strategies. Biodiversity on the slopes of Mount Merbabu, Central Java Province, Indonesia, plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance, but people in the area still have little understanding of wildlife. This study aims to document the knowledge and perception of wild animal diversity by the local community living on the eastern slopes of Mount Merbabu to increase community awareness and conservation potential. The research was conducted in three villages on the slopes of Mount Merbabu, administratively located in Ampel Sub-district, Boyolali District, using a combination of interviews, observation and questionnaire techniques. The results show that the demographic characteristics of the respondents mostly have a limited level of education. The respondents mentioned 42 species of wild mammals, aves and herpetofauna. The respondents perceive wild animals based on ecological, social, and economic aspects. Some species are perceived to have positive impacts (benefits), while others are perceived negatively (disadvantages), resulting in conflicts between humans and wild animals. Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and conservation organizations is needed to increase public understanding of wildlife diversity and encourage active participation in nature conservation endeavors.
2017-01-01