The changes of feeding pattern of banteng (Bos javanicus) and its effect to Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java

From several field observations, there was an indication of banteng's feeding pattern change in Ujung Kulon National Park, including the change of feeding ground space. A research had been done to confirm fragmented field observations through analysis of the changes of vegetation biodiversity as common feeding ground shared by banteng and rhino. The result showed that there is a tendency of increasing consumption of vegetation biodiversity by banteng (up to 101 species'), not only on grass species but also on shrubs. There is a change of banteng's feeding habit from grazer to browser. Banteng also uses forest habitat as feeding ground. There are 23 analyzed habitats (developed naturally) used regularly by banteng as feeding grounds. These conditions could cause negative impacts to javan rhino with the possibility of rivalry between banteng and javan rhino, since vegetation consumed of banteng was similar to that of javan rhino. Moreover, almost all of the plant species found eaten by banteng also present in javan rhino's primary feeding ground habitat.